Linda's Story

Christmas Traditions

"Can you believe it?" Linda asked with her arms crossed as she looked at the calendar. She turned her head to her husband, "our first Christmas together as a married couple."

Danny wrapped his arms around her from behind, and kissed her neck. "What do you want this year?"

"It's Christmas Eve eve, and you're just asking me this?"

"I meant after we spend the day with family." He nibbled her ear, "what do you want to do?"

A smile crossed her face, "I'm sure I can think of something." She turned in his arms and kissed him soundly. "You do know I have to meet Mary, Erin, and Nonna for brunch, right?"

"Not for another two hours."

*********

Erin looked up from her coffee, "here she comes."

Rosita watched Linda fluff her hair before turning the corner. She smiled as her granddaughter started to apologize.

"Sorry I'm late," Linda sat down. "Time got away from me."

"Especially if you're having fun," Erin smirked knowingly.

Linda frowned, leaned towards the table, and whispered, "you're just jealous."

"We would love to have you over for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Rosita." Mary interrupted before her daughters could argue over their marriages.

Linda looked excitedly at Rosita. "Will you come, Nonna?"

"On one condition.... I get to make Christmas Eve dinner."

Mary smiled, "I'm always willing to let someone else cook the meal."

*********

"So what are we going to make for the Reagans Christmas Eve?" Linda asked as she and Rosita went shopping later that afternoon.

"A traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast."

"Muscoli vermicelli? Ooh. One of my favorite dishes."

"With plenty of other fish and pasta dishes."

"Can we make torta di cannoli?" Linda wondered as she tossed a pack of pasta noodles into the cart.

"Whatever your heart desires. You know the Reagans better than me."

"That's true, but they did give you free range on the meal."

Rosita smiled, "we're going to need a few more things."

Her granddaughter nodded, peering into the already full cart. "Agreed. And lots of wine. The Reagans love their liquor."

"We Italians love our wine."

"Very true, very true."

They shopped in silence for a little while before Linda mused, "I wonder if they'll be upset by the lack of meat. Those people are carnivores, especially Frank and Henry."

"They'll have no choice but to eat it. We're not a restaurant."

"No, of course not. We're only serving them a four course meal, including the desserts."

"They'll like it, Miele. Don't worry."

"It's just discouraging when you work so hard on a meal, and people hate it."