The Christmas Surprise
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| Christmas, watercolor by Elaine |
I stood at the kitchen sink, trying to plan dinner for one, as had become the necessity. Not fun like it used to be when I cooked for two.
I missed Sam horribly. I’d give anything to have him back. I talked to him every day still. I even had his wedding ring resized so I could wear it with mine.
As I ladled the store-bought broccoli cheddar soup into an oversized mug, I was thinking about another Christmas … without Sam. Another year alone.
Next to our anniversary, Christmas was our favorite holiday. We always had a big party for friends when we were younger. But no more. Not just because Sam is gone, but because my spirit is gone, too. The thought of putting up all the decorations, cutting down a tree, cleaning up the mess I’d make, cooking, baking, shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone.
Well, let’s just say, as I wearily approached the winter of my life, I do not fancy celebrating Christmas without Sam.
I looked out the window, sipping my soup, and thinking about the 51 years we had together. How I wish I could have even one of those years back again!
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| The Supermoon, watercolor by Elaine |
The moon was rising, and it was to be the final supermoon of the year, with Christmas just a few days away. How perfect!
The only thing missing was the snow. Most years we had a foot of snow by now.
I went to the coffee maker to prepare an after-dinner cup. With the hot coffee in my hand, I stood at the window to watch the blue moon rise. But the coffee cup grew cold after awhile. I was about to turn back to the kitchen when I noticed a single snowflake, then another. So lovely against the moonlit sky.
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| Catching the first snowflake, by Elaine |
I opened the door to the patio, stepping out carefully. Pulling my scarf tight against the cold, I stood in the moonlight, like Sam and I had done in every first snowfall of the year. Together we’d wait for just the right snowflake.
I stuck out my tongue and caught the perfect snowflake. This one’s for you, Sam, but the next one is for me!
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
In the morning, I awoke to a foot of snow. Cold as it was, I felt a warmth inside, like fire embers rising.
Something led me to the attic, just to take a look around. To my great surprise, after our last Christmas together, Sam had organized all of our Christmas treasures into labeled boxes, neatly readied for the next Christmas. The morning sun was shining on the large Christmas star we hung in the parlor window. It looked all lit up, as if waiting for Christmas Eve. I could feel my spirit lift magically. I could almost hear Sam say, Let’s get to it, Girl Scout!
I was not expecting to decorate, to really celebrate this year. But the supermoon … the taste of the first snowflake on my tongue … the snow blanketing the fields … the sunlit star in the attic. Signs? Signs of what?
The choice was clear to me now, so celebrate I will!
A few hours and several phone calls later, my best friends arrived, special angels ready to work.
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| My angels, watercolor by Elaine |
In no time at all, the house was alive with the spirit of Christmas as we sang and laughed, like little children at play!
Becky and Mary together unboxed Christmas and decorated every nook and cranny. Mary Ellen made origami stars out of old music sheets. I got busy preparing snacks and cinnamon hot chocolate, as Gerry baked my favorite shortbread cookies. Leslie hung fairy lights on my collection of Charlie Brown Christmas trees while Carla and Meg dragged in the real thing, a small balsam tree from the woods behind the house. It made a mess, but I didn’t care. I was wrapped in the warm blanket of friendship!
Over lunch we planned a small Christmas gathering, set a date, and determined who would bring what.
When I climbed into bed that night, I realized I had just created a new tradition. I slept in the glow of Sam’s smiling blue eyes. He was happy for me.
The Christmas gathering landed on my snowy doorstep in a tumble of boots and snow hats, laughter and food!
Soon enough the fire began to dim. The caroling was over and stomachs full. That meant it was time for the traditional gift giving. A new log was set, and the embers were stoked into flame.
With piles of gifts at our feet we began opening them, turn by turn. We made grand gestures as we unwrapped our gifts. Oohs and ahhs and thankyous filled the air!
It was my turn to open the final gift of the night. It was a large box. Inside, there was another wrapped box, then another and another
What’s going on? I said. Sam always wrapped one special gift this way. I’m confused!
The room grew silent for the first time all evening.
The last box was tiny. In it was a lovely pair of diamond earrings that sparkled like the moonlit snow! It was not possible. Our gift limit was set at $25.
Then I discovered the card under all that tissue. It read:
Girl Scout, this is being sent to you from heaven, and since I can’t be there to deliver it myself, I sent one of my ‘angels’ to give it to you. Know that I miss you! All my love, Sam.
My tears broke through the dam that could no longer contain them.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Since then, I’ve celebrated Christmas with my angels, always wearing those diamond earrings. But I never did find out which one brought me Sam’s Christmas Surprise. I choose to believe that Sam is my secret Santa … for eternity!
Have a wonderful holiday! I know you are too busy to read anyway during this hectic month, so I’m taking a break until after the New Year.
Look for another story then.
In the meantime, I’d like to know how you feel about this story.
Remember, I’m listening!