The Look Of Love

Chapter 37: Christmas Crazy

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"... Mary sang along with the Christmas classic. The Christmas season has officially begun, when Andy Williams voice is heard crooning out this song.  Everyone may wish for a white Christmas, but not Mary. She enjoys a sunny California Christmas, complete with Santa in swim trunks. 

Christmas is her favorite holiday. Houses decorated in lights and tacky yard decorations, glitter ornaments dangling from the Christmas tree, festive music blasting 24-7, jingle bells tinkling in the distance, and store displays tempting with shiny new gifts in flashy displays.... it's truly a Mary Christmas. 

She walked up to her friends, with an extra bounce in her step. On her arm she carried a basket filled with Christmas fudge and Santa cookies. "Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening? In the lane snow is glistening. A beautiful sight we're happy tonight. Walkin' in a winter wonderland." She sang and passed out treats to each friend, along with tacky green garland (which she wrapped around Johnny's neck). 

He glared at her. "Oh dear God. You're also one of those sickening Christmas people. All merry and happy," he grouched. 

She smiled beautifully and responded with a "Duh! It's my name... Mary Christmas." She put a red paper bow on Bobby's head. "It's OK Mr. Grinch. Your heart will grow 3 times this year," she added for good measure. 

Pointing his finger at her, he said "Bah humbug!"

Their friends chuckled at their antics. Mary finished passing out her sweets and kissed Bobby good morning. After which she announced, "I'm inviting all of you snakes to my annual Mary Christmas Party. Usually it's just us girls, but I'm making an exception."

Johnny pulled off the garland and put it around Tommy instead. Then he snickered at her "We're touched."

"You should be. It's exclusive fun," she noted. 

Jimmy, who had scarfed down one of his fudge pieces, asked "What is this Mary Christmas Party you speak of?"

Gwen, tired from her own ballet recital, responded "It's the best. We decorate a huge Christmas tree, there's a gingerbread house decorating contest, we eat all kinds of Verbena's Christmas cookies..." she trailed off with a yawn.

 Gemma picked up where she left off. "And there's an ugly Christmas sweater contest too. We sing karaoke Christmas songs, there's a Christmas scavenger hunt... that one is always my favorite!"

"We also decorate stockings. Then we hang them around the living room, of the guest cottage. At some point during the evening, we all put our gifts (to each other) inside them. Finally we end the night by watching Christmas movies and opening our presents," Ashley concluded. 

Finishing off the last bite of his cookie, Dutch proclaimed "You had me at Verbena's cookies. When is this shindig?"

"We decided on the 18th. The day before the All Valley. Gwen and I are both finished with our recitals. Plus you guys could use a break, from thinking about your tournament," explained Mary. 

Tommy reached a hand into Mary's basket. She smacked it away. "Mean Mary," he muttered. Then he added, "So in other words this Friday."

"Yup, this Friday. The day after Reindeer Dash at school. Which, by the way, we're cashing in on our Halloween costume bet," Mary announced. She handed Tommy another cookie.

The guys either had furrowed brows, crossed arms, pursed lips, or all three (Jimmy and Johnny).   Bobby spoke, "We were hoping you forgot about that. None of you have mentioned anything since."