The Librarians And the Advent List

Dec 23

Cassandra pressed her face against the window of Jacob's truck as he slowly drove down residential streets. Everywhere houses were lit in their holiday finest. He was following a tip from someone in his building who'd told him about a great neighborhood to see lights.

"Becca said that it's best to walk the next one because the traffic will be so heavy. If you can keep a lookout, she said that the public library lot would be the best to park in because it's free and should be relatively empty tonight."

Cassandra pointed to the sign and he pulled in. The library was still open, though not busy, but he took the space furthest from the door anyway in order to not inconvenience anyone. It was a bit chilly, so Cassandra put on her gloves and tightened  her scarf before hopping out of the cab.

There was a lot of traffic, so they carefully crossed the street and made their way up the sidewalk. Cassandra could see why the neighborhood was so popular. The displays were spectacular and festive. One house had their lights synchronized to music during posted hours. They passed two groups of carolers, one a local Boy Scout troop. They stopped to listen to both groups and donated to the charity the Boy Scouts were collecting on behalf of.

One house had a man dressed as Santa Claus handing out candy canes. Cassandra squealed and dragged Jacob forward. There were other people looking at the lights on foot and she got a passerby to take a picture of her and Jacob with the Santa on her phone.

"There, now I can officially cross picture with Santa off my list," she grinned kissing Jacob on the cheek as they walked away.

"You know, Santa probably would have let you take a selfie."

"Yeah, but that's not the same," she giggled. "He's special and secret. This is Christmas tradition, there's a difference."

Stone nodded. "You're right. There's something to be said for tradition and beliefs. I mean, I know why cultures play importance on them and I understand how they work in art or in history. But this Christmas, I started realizing what they mean on a personal level."

"So you want to do this every Christmas?"

"Well, maybe not quite a daily thing every year. But we created some amazing memories this year, didn't we? I'd like to repeat that."

A thrill went up Cassandra's spine. "A future," she whispered.

"One Christmas at a time, Cassie, that's how we take this. One day, one year, one Christmas at a time."

"One memory at a time," Cassandra said, turning to embrace him. "I can give you that."

"And that's all I want for Christmas." And neither of them cared that they were in the middle of a sidewalk as they kissed.