Media Secret: Hidden Johansson

First Christmas In A While

I arrived at mums house early on Christmas morning, the crisp air biting at my cheeks as I carried a stack of gifts into the warm, inviting space. The familiar scent of Christmas wafted through the house—pine, cinnamon, and fresh coffee. I set the presents down and took a moment to breathe in the festive atmosphere.

Just as I was about to get settled, my phone buzzed with a message from Brie.

"Hey, Tom! Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the gaming chair and the Zelda ring. I love them!" Her voice was brimming with excitement and gratitude. I smiled, happy to know that my gift had made her Christmas special.

Before I could respond, Tessa's message came through. "Tom, I got your present! The karaoke machine is perfect. I can't wait for our next karaoke night!" Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I chuckled, picturing her belting out tunes with gusto.

Lizzie's message followed shortly, expressing her delight with the composter and seeding pack. "These are going to be a game changer for my garden. Thank you so much, Tom!"

With those thank you's done, I turned my attention to Rose, who was still nestled under her covers. I tiptoed into her room, gently waking her with a big grin on my face. "Merry Christmas, Rosie! Look what Santa brought you!" I revealed her reindeer onesie. Her eyes sparkled with sleepiness and excitement as she hugged the gifts immediately slipping into the onesie with a joyful squeal.

Mum, Colin, Romain and Dad were still upstairs, so Rose and I took our time enjoying the morning together. I showed her some of the gifts the Lego sets, which she eagerly examined.

As the clock ticked on, the sound of parents moving around upstairs signalled that it was almost time for the main event. We quickly gathered the remaining gifts and placed them under the tree. The anticipation was palpable as we waited for Mum and Dad Colin and Romain to come downstairs.

Finally, the parents emerged, and we began the long-awaited gift exchange. The room was soon filled with the rustle of wrapping paper and the cheerful exclamations of gratitude as everyone opened their presents. Mum's eyes shone with tears of joy as she unwrapped the scrapbook I had made for her. Dad was thrilled with the Maldives trip, his excitement evident as he read the details aloud.

The morning flew by in a blur of laughter and gift-giving. We barely had time for a quick breakfast—freshly baked pastries, bacon, and eggs—before the arrival of the extended family.

Scarlett and Colin were busy preparing the Christmas dinner, their cheerful banter filling the kitchen. Rose and I joined the others in the living room, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Grandma Melanie, Grandpa Karsten, Aunt Vanessa, Uncle Adrian, Uncle Hunter, and Uncle Christian.

The house was alive with the sounds of family catching up, and the anticipation of the day's festivities was almost tangible. As we waited for the rest of the family to arrive, I took a moment to reflect on how much this Christmas meant to me. The warmth of being surrounded by loved ones, the joy of giving and receiving, and the festive spirit that filled every corner of the house made for a truly magical morning.

It wasn't long until the main event-

The long dining table was adorned with a festive red tablecloth and gleaming silverware, set against a backdrop of sparkling lights and a softly glowing fire. The aroma of Christmas dinner filled the room—roast turkey, stuffing, and a medley of vegetables all cooking to perfection. There were no Christmas crackers or champagne this year, a conscious choice to avoid any triggers for me after the previous unsettling experiences. Instead, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, full of laughter and the clinking of cutlery.

As the extended family arrived, the house buzzed with excitement. Grandma Melanie and Grandpa Karsten, both looking wonderfully festive, were among the first to arrive. Aunt Vanessa and Uncle Adrian followed, their jovial chatter adding to the merry ambience. Uncle Hunter and Uncle Christian rounded out the group, each bringing their unique energy to the celebration.