12 Days of Christmas Capers ✔️

『Episode 12』

Episode 12: Christmas is Too Young to Know What Conscience Is

December 25th-Christmas Day

I awoke to a pair of small hands shaking me awake, "Wake up Dotty! It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

I blinked open my crusty eyes and found myself sprawled on the couch, with Olive peering at my face excitedly.

From an armchair in the corner, I heard Hetty mumble, "What time is it?"

"It's only six," said Violet, in a voice that was way too cheerful for six o'clock in the morning.

"I'm not getting up until I get tea." Hestia grumbled.

"I second that statement," said Etienne, who was currently lying on a pillow in the middle of the floor.

"But I don't know how to make tea," Violet whined.

She and Olive looked at me imploringly.

I sighed, "Fine, I'll make the tea."

*

After concocting at least twelve cups of tea and coffee, all made with slight variations, and awakening all the adults, the entire family found themselves seated in the lounge room.

Since Mum's family isn't religious, we didn't have to fuss around with going to Church. Back in Australia I usually spend Christmas with Dad's parents, who always make sure we sure we go to Church on Christmas.

Olive thrust a package into my hands, "Open it, Dotty, open it!"

The gift tag said, in messy handwriting, that it was from Mateo. I tore away at the reindeer patterned wrapping paper to discover a dignified looking spiral bound notebook. I flicked it open and noticed an untidily written inscription:

Here's something to write your stories in, I hope I get the chance to read them someday. Merry Christmas, Mateo.

It was a lovely gift, but Olive scrunched up her nose at it.

"I made you something much better," she declared.

I huffed a laugh, "I'm sure you did."

*

Gift unwrapping ensued, and soon scraps of bright Christmas paper littered the floor. I received a small collection of sweet gifts, all of which I was thankful for (I have to write this, since I know most members of my family shall read this...love you guys).

Grandma Theresa gave me an elegant fountain pen, from Hetty I received a framed photograph of us at the ice skating rink, Olive had given me a teacup that she had painted, surprisingly well, by herself and I received an assortment of books from my other relatives.

(I hope not to offend anyone, but guys, some of you have real misconceptions on what I enjoy reading).

"Why don't we have another snowball fight," Aunty Samantha suggested, once all the presents had been unwrapped.

The family agreed, so we trooped outside.

*

The fight fell into a similar pattern as the last; kids and oldies verses parents. Aunty Samantha commanded her army well, sending her troops out in a coordinated attack.

My team had less of a...typical approach.

Snowballs flew from every direction in a frenzied onslaught. Even Antony, who was being held by Uncle Tom, was taking little bits of snow in his fists and throwing it.