Evening of the Year

Last night I fell asleep on the couch, waiting for my sister to finish her book so we could make the trek upstairs to our frigid bedroom together. Apparently she left me sleeping soundly at 3:45am. So much for going to bed at the same time. Instead I woke up suddenly this morning to the sounds of my mother clanging around in the kitchen. Apparently she tried to get me up when the bacon and eggs were ready, but I don't recall that ever happening. Thanks for making breakfast Mom. Sorry I didn't roll off the couch to eat what you created.

The day started slowly for all of us. My parents came out of the bedroom around 9:30am. I decidedly got up at 11:30. Jessica appeared around quarter 'til one. But no matter. Today is our favorite day. We washed and folded loads upon loads of laundry. The smells of bacon melted away as Madeline made chocolate chip cookies...which by now have been devoured, every last crumb. Dad did his manly duties outdoors in the blowing snow. He loves his tractor and maneuvering it through endless drifts. The afternoon found its way out as we listened to Christmas carols and Mom brought out her knitting needles. After Dad unbundled, he found his way to the living room, slumped his chilled bones into a corner of the couch and began to read aloud. Mom knits. Dad reads to her. To all of us actually. Sometimes he quickly reads ahead in his story and laughs, before coming back to share the tale with us. When I was younger I hated this habit of his, now it's something I love. Just Dad, enjoying a book so well that he can read it twice, once silently and then out loud, and with passion. Afternoon fades into evening, Mom has made shells for supper and poured wine. We've managed to stay cozy and warm inside all day, avoiding a storm that's supposed to be "the one" of the century. At supper our chatter turns to embarrassing stories from the past. Are there better things to talk about than diarrhea, vomit, and peed in pants, at the dinner table...on Christmas Eve? Apparently not. Mom and I quick wash the china as supper comes to a close and the family moves to the living room. We each have a present in our stocking. And then my sisters and I exchange our gifts. My gift goes to Jess. Jessica to Madeline. Adrienne to Allison. Madeline to Adrienne. Laughter fills the room as Adrienne gets re-gifted with the scarf she's been crocheting all day. Her face is filled with shock and disappointment...before finding her real gift buried in the scarf. Almost every year, Adrienne would sneak little things away from us older girls, stealing lip glosses, headbands, pencils, only to give them back at Christmastime. Madeline successfully got the prankster back. We boil water for hot chocolate and eat our peppermint ice cream before settling down to watch a movie. All four of us snuggled together on the couch. Christmas Eve. Together.