As the smell of hot chocolate and pancakes wafted down the hall, Andi woke and stretched her arms. Hopping out of bed, she grabbed her bathrobe and dashed for the kitchen.
“Morning Mom,”
“Morning sweetie.” She planted a kiss on Andi’s head.
“I can’t wait to go to Sue’s!”
“I know. We’re looking forward to spending Christmas with them again.”
“Well, it is our tradition.”
“Yes it is.”
Ever since Andi could remember, she and her parents joined her best friend Sue and her parents for Christmas. It was their annual tradition: Sue and her parents came to Hanukkah dinner, as well as the rest of the Six Pack and their families. Then for Christmas, Andi and her parents went to Sue’s. Later in the day, the rest of the Six Pack would get together with their parents and have their own special holiday that Matt lovingly called Hanumas.
“What time are we leaving?” Andi asked.
“In about thirty minutes. Finish your pancakes and get dressed. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”
“I won’t.” She finished her breakfast then went to her room to get dressed.
After selecting her favorite red sweater and jeans, she got dressed, brushed her hair and teeth, and met her parents in the living room.
“Morning sweetie.” Her dad planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Morning Dad. Are we ready?”
“Yup. Let’s go.”
When they got to Sue’s house, Sue handed her a beautifully wrapped package. Andi tore the paper open as Sue and their parents smiled. They grabbed their cameras, and took a picture of the shocked look on her face when she opened the gift. It was a Kindle Fire, which she had been asking for all year.
“Oh, thank you! Now I can start downloading all of the books I’ve wanted to read and start reading them!”
“Turn it on,” Sue’s mom said.
She hit the power button, and was amazed to see a full shelf of books already waiting for her. Sue knew exactly what books to get her, and made sure her mom added them before giving the Kindle to Andi.
“Oh, thank you! I love it!” She hugged all of them, then grabbed Sue and ran to her room.
They hung out until they were called in for lunch. Their mouth’s watered as soon as they saw the table: a ham and a turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls…all of their favorites. Everyone sat down and joined hands. Sue’s father recited a prayer, and they all dug in.
After lunch, they all helped with the dishes. They finished just as the doorbell rang. Sue ran to open the door, and the rest of the Six Pack walked in, followed by their parents.
“Merry Christmas!” Scott and Johnny called out.
“Happy Hanumas!” Matt echoed.
“Merry Christmas andhappy Hanumas.” Kathy smiled and hugged her friends as she walked in. The heat greeted her like an old friend, warming her chilled body. It was supposed to snow later in the day. The Six Pack couldn’t wait to go outside and play in it.
“Welcome everyone! Merry Christmas!” Sue’s mom greeted the rest of their company with hugs and kisses.
The Six Pack has known each other for the past ten years, since they were born. Their parents had all been friends in college, and kept the gang together. Celebrating the holidays together was an annual tradition that they all loved.
“So, what did everyone get for Christmas?” Matt asked.
They went around the room and shared their stories of the wonderful gifts they each opened that morning. Andi told them about the Kindle, and they asked to see it. They spent the next several minutes playing with it and checking out all of the cool features, until Sue’s mom interrupted them.
“Time for dessert!” she called out.
They didn’t need to be told twice. The six of them dashed to the dining room table, which was now loaded with delicious-looking pies and cookies. They drank hot chocolate and ate until they were full. As they were finishing up, Matt called out.
“Look!” He pointed out the big picture window. “It’s snowing!”
They all dashed away from the table, grabbed their coats, and ran outside to play in the fresh powder. Andi’s mom ran after them with her sweater, gloves, and hat, making sure her daughter would be warm enough in the cold weather.
After spending an hour playing in the snow, the Six Pack returned to the warm house, and sat in front of the fire drinking more hot chocolate. It had been another wonderful Hanumas for them.
