Big Plans, Huge!

Christmas in the Cottage

She smiled at the rooms' arrangements. "It's beautiful here. So quaint, quiet - and lovely. Look; it even has a fireplace. I'm very proud of this fireplace. Hard won," she spun it about; "Auction bought."

The Butler stared at her. "It's a - candle Miss."

She bristled indignantly rearranging the table ornaments yet again. "How dare you speak of it so! A fireplace is not defined by its' size."

The Butler bowed out of the room as the doorbell rang. The hostess stood back to admire her table preparations. Beautifully arranged, each piece polished, donned with it's own holly sprig and a touch of stars. "You'll be a hit!" she said encouragingly as the doorbell rung again - and was gone.

"I have great plans you know" came a cheerful voice from the table as guests poured into the room, their cheeks rosy from the cool evening. No one bothered to reply.

The short candle tried again. "Big plans. Highly flammable ones."

The CityLights snowglobe nodded. "Uh-huh. You sure do pal! This time," he said," please don't overuse the matches. Oh, we have an Incoming ---" They froze as a curiously tall man strode over to gaze with interest at the world globe.

"Just one corn - well, one popcorn garland that's all," said the candle later between carols, "I could pop just one garland."

"Do you mind?!" said the pot plant with a sniff, "This has to be the best rendition of Jingle Bells yet and I do not want to miss it for anythi- Oh!" She was spun about unexpectedly by a guest wishing to read her tag. "Oh my!"

The candle fell silent again as the guests' chatter continued to fill their evening.

"Has anyone seen the lamp tonight?" asked snowglobe.

"Banished to the linen cupboard." replied the world globe.

"Whatever for?"

"Talked back to the Butler."

"Is that ever a good idea?"

The potplant brightened, observing the far door, "Ohh how kind; she found the candycanes! Yes, yes that's fine dear, you left the keys under the grandfather clock --- oh oh no, we have tears!" She flustered her leaves about as the night began to draw to an end.

The table ornaments shifted about in their positions, watching as guests began to gather their hats and say farewell.

"You know," said the candle thoughtfully, the others groaned. "I really do think that popcorn garlands would be a delight at New Years."

The lights dimmed and music quietened as the final guest left for the evening. The Butler walked softly about the room, fluffing pillows, rearranging jars of flowers. "Will that be all for the evening Miss?" he asked.

She paused to survey the table with a tired smile. "It is indeed. But I think, I shall take my fireplace up for the evening -"

The candle brightened - grand plans brimming.

She picked it up by the brass holder, "It will brighten my pages as I read."

The Butler smiled, holding the door as she departed then turned to the table with a happy grin. "Alrighty folks," he said pulling out their favourite polishing rag "So who wants to go first?"

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