Short Stories

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Happy Holidays

"Why did we have to go through Christmas and the new year in a different way?"  The oldest child thought. Her arms are crossed as her mother and father explain the need for them to work through the holidays. The children try not to look into their parents' eyes as it only makes them feel worse. "Is it too much to ask for a normal Christmas where our family could sit around a Christmas tree, play games, tell stories, eat good food, and open gifts?" They all think silently.

"Thank you for understanding," Their mother closes. She looks into each of their eyes, and they see the sadness in hers. She kisses their foreheads and gives them hugs. Their father does the same, and they tuck the children into bed. The oldest covers her head with the blanket to hide the tears.They fall softly as the lights are turned off, and the door closes. She feels a weight in her chest as she dreams of the holidays she wishes she could say are happy times.

*

The children's parents sit on their beds, eyes lifted up to the heavens but hearts heavy. "Did you see her eyes?" The wife asks her husband. He sighs. "I did. I really wish there was another way we could do this, but it was our best option for this year's holidays," he replies. "Do you think they understood the plan?"

"I think the past few years of us working during this time of year has clouded their eyes and given them a filter for their ears. They probably did not understand it at all. But I suppose that is where the surprise comes in, yes?" The husband hears hope in his wife's voice and looks at her, admiring her balance of strength and gentleness. For the past few years, they decided to give most of their time to work to help make ends meet and save enough for this year's holiday surprise for the kids. They knew this plan would have risks, and they saw it in their children's eyes tonight. They were not looking forward to the holidays, and they seemed to have no hope for a change. But through all of it, his wife remained graceful and hopeful. Every spare moment she had, she gave to their kids. She is the best wife and mother, and he hopes that there is a chance their children can see it too.

The wife looks back at her husband, thankful for his quiet strength and presence. She's heard the rumors people have spread about their parenting skills and her husband's job, but he never responds in anger or annoyance. He always speaks words seasoned with grace. And when they walked through hard times, struggling to make ends meet, provide for their children, and try to spend time with them, he was always present even when tired. He tried to help them, and through it, all supported her and helped her. If only their children could see the amazing man, their father is.

"We have much more to work on, catch up on, and improve for them," she whispers. Her husband nods. "Just three more days." They share a quick kiss, say a powerful prayer for their family, and welcome the night with hopeful hearts.

On the 24th of December, the children go about their day in the usual fashion. Their grandmother watches over them with a joyful secret in her heart. They have no idea what surprise awaits them.

The doorbell at 10 am catches their attention. They seem to never get guests or deliveries. The oldest child looks at their grandmother, who nods. She walks up to the front door and peeks out the window. She gasps at the sight of her parents. She opens the door and hears her siblings running towards her, with questions filling the air.

Their parents laugh as their children take in the sight of their parents in summer clothes. They also hold tickets in their hands, and brand-new luggage pieces sit behind them. "I hope this is a surprise for you since you all didn't seem to understand the plan," their mom says with a laugh. The oldest child tries to hold back tears that seem to be a mixture of sadness and happiness. "We're sorry," she says, taking the first step to hug her parents.

*

They spend the next few hours packing for a ten-day cruise just for their family. As it turns out, the cruise was only the first surprise. The children enter the cruise ship so excitedly that they almost miss the blessings showered upon them by not wanting to enter their room.

Their parents open the door to their room and show them a little Christmas tree with gifts underneath. A Bible sits on a chair, open to the Christmas story. The children's eyes widen as they take in the view before them. Is this real? Are these holidays really going to be happy?

"You may open one gift each," their mother says. The children excitedly open their gifts at the feet of their father. He reads the Christmas story as they sit in amazement. "It's a Christmas miracle!" The youngest exclaims happily as the story is wrapped up.

Their parents' eyes fill with happy tears as their hopes for happy holidays are starting to be realized. On the other hand, their children smile and laugh on the happiest day they have had in years. "Are you happy?" Their father asks, wrapping them all in a hug. "Yes," the middle child replies. "But not because of all this." The oldest nods. "All we wanted was a family with you. Where we could be together."

"I still like the cruise and the gifts," the youngest interrupts. The family laughs as they settle into their room. It is their first vacation as a family and their first time complete in the past few years.

While the parents' plan to keep working was fueled with good intentions and prayer, the risk of missing out on quality family time as a complete family was a price paid. While it took years to get it right and save enough to get out on a special vacation, on this day, on a cruise leaving the bay, the family decides it is true for them to say, 'happy holidays.'

And from now on, they will set aside time on these holidays to be together as a complete family.

***

To expand my short story writing and to play with creativity, I am writing more short stories on my other Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/blessed2be_ablessing/

Whatever I feel inspired to write about, from devotional reflections to people I pass by or places I visit, these short stories will be shared through Instagram for this year. This is the first short story of 2023, so follow along on Instagram to stay updated!