Sky's First Christmas

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - What is Christmas?

Sky's POV

I kept hearing the word "Christmas" in school today. I had no idea what it meant. It sounded important. Rani's dad gave me a lift home. I decided not to say anything because I think he'd wonder why I didn't know what Christmas was. Clyde and Rani came over about 5 minutes after I got in. I decided to ask what Christmas was.

"What's Christmas?"

They all looked at me. I hope they didn't think I was mad.

"I don't really know how to explain. It's something you learn more about as you grow up." Said Mum.

"Can you try to explain?"

"Well, Christmas is on December 25th. It's a big celebration that people all around the world celebrate in different ways."

"How do we celebrate?"

"We have Christmas dinner, give presents."

"Presents?" I said hopefully.

"Basically, younger kids believe in Santa, who is a made up man that gives out presents on Christmas Eve but he isn't real."

"Then why do kids believe in a made up man?"

"It's complicated. My point is, Santa is important to Christmas, but he isn't real."

"So who gives the presents?"

"The parents but in your case, me."

"How do you know what to get?"

"You write a list with what you want to get. You won't get everything on the list, but you will get some."

"Ok."

"The nativity is also important to Christmas." Said Rani.

"What's the nativity?"

"It's a long story."

"Can you tell me? Please?"

"I think I've got a book of the story of the nativity that you can borrow. I'll go and get it. I won't be 5 minutes."

Then she went. All of this was new to me but everyone else knew what it was. I felt really stupid not knowing what it was. Halloween was easy enough to understand. Clearly Christmas was more. Mum and Clyde were whispering about something. Clyde then went out.

"Where's Clyde gone?"

"He's gone to the shops for me."

"Oh ok."

Rani came back. She had a book with her. She gave it to me and I read it. It was all about the nativity. I sat on the sofa, reading, whilst Mum and Rani were talking out in the kitchen.

Sarah-Jane's POV

It was that time of year again. Christmas. Sky seemed excited so that's all that mattered. It was November 30th. December was tomorrow. Tomorrow! I'd completely forgotten because I don't really realise. Clyde had come back from the shop with an advent calendar for Sky.

"Rani, I think you should carry on explaining Christmas to her."

"Why me?"

"Because I don't know how. Clyde explained to Luke. You can explain to Sky. Please?"

"Ok Sarah-Jane. Shall I take in the advent calendar to show her?"

"As long as she doesn't open it."

"Of course."

Sky's POV

Rani came in holding something.

"What's that?"

"It's an advent calendar."

"What's an advent calendar?"

"A countdown to Christmas."

"How does it work?"

"Each day, you'll open a door on the advent calendar and you'll get a chocolate. You do that up until Christmas."

"When can I open it?"

"Tomorrow. It's December 1st tomorrow."

"Can you tell me more about Christmas?"

"Umm... there's decorations..."

"Decorations?"

"Yeah. Like... Christmas trees."

"What are Christmas trees?"

"They're trees that people decorate really nicely and on Christmas there might be presents underneath."

"If Mum is buying me presents, shall I do the same for her?"

"That's brilliant idea. How about me and you go after school tomorrow to buy her some presents?"

"Ooh yes please!"

"And we'll tell Sarah-Jane that we're going to see a movie or something."

"Wait... I don't have any money."

"That's ok. I bet Sarah-Jane will give you some. I'll ask her now."

"Thanks Rani."

"It's ok."

Then she went to speak to Mum. Clyde came in.

"So are you excited about Christmas Sparky?"

"Yeah, don't tell Mum, but tomorrow me and Rani are going out to buy her some presents."

"Do you want me to come as well? I want to buy her stuff too."

"If Rani says it's ok."

Rani came back in.

"She's giving you 50."

"50?!"

"I told her we're going to see a movie then I'm taking you out for food. And I told her we'd be taking a train so she thinks 50 would be enough. In reality, we're going shopping for her presents but she doesn't know."

"Ok. Rani, can Clyde come with us? Please?"

"Of course he can."

"Thanks Rani." Clyde said.

Mum came in.

"It's getting late, Clyde and Rani, you should be heading home. School tomorrow."

"Yeah ok Sarah-Jane. See you tomorrow Sky." Said Rani.

"Bye Sarah-Jane, Bye Sky."

They left.

"Right, you go and do your homework, I'll cook some food."

"Ok Mum."

After I did all of my homework, I went downstairs. Mum made pasta. Luckily enough she didn't mess it up. I knew she could. She's Mum. Once I'd finished my food, I went upstairs and got ready for bed. It was 10:28pm. I should've been asleep by now. Mum came in to say goodnight. She gave me a hug.

"Goodnight Mum."

"Goodnight Sky."