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December 15th had finally come. Julie felt a simultaneous wave of sorrow and joy.
Less than two weeks before Christmas, and thank God, the decorations were finally up. Tom always worked tirelessly to find the right tree, deconflict the tangled light strings, and retrieve every tote of decorations from the attic, a chilly den of dust and mouse droppings Julie had never actually crawled up in.
With Tom at Ben’s basketball game, Julie had the house to herself.
She sat back on the couch and took it all in. Light bounced off the tree decorations, dazzling the living room. Pine garland with interwoven light strings adorned the banisters, making the front foyer feel intimate. The holiday cards The Petersens had received so far this season were taped up across the top of the TV.
It suddenly occurred to her that she still had Christmas cards to write. Julie smiled. She fetched a plate of gifted Christmas cookies and poured herself a generous glass of zinfandel. A random pile of generic holiday cards with mismatched white envelopes were scattered on the end table.
“Alexa… play Vince Guaraldi.”
As a gentle piano began “O Tannenbaum.” Julie took a long sip of wine, picked up a pen, and got to work.The words started flowing, but instead of the typical saccharine sweetness of yesteryear, Julie had decided to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Even when it got a little ugly.
The Gift of Love
The Gift of Peace
The Gift of Happiness
May All of These Be Yours at Christmas
Happy Holidays Jenny, Joe, Kyle, and baby Cora,
Had such a wonderful time at your party. So happy my walnut pie was such a hit. As soon as you return my Pyrex 🙂 I’ll make you one for Christmas
— The Petersens
Wishing You the Quiet Beauty
Of a Peaceful Holiday Season
Merry Christmas Brennan family,
We all just love your spectacular Christmas light show. I used to brag about our lights before you guys moved in. Not anymore. Would HATE to see YOUR light bill 🙂 Maybe set that timer to go off before midnight… try not to freak Santa out!
— The Petersens
Joy resounds
in the hearts of those who believe
in the Miracle of Christmas
Ho Ho Ho! Tom and Lori,
Merry Christmas to Bingo, from Pepper (Woof!). I [Pepper] got you [Bingo] a squeaky toy for Christmas. But mom says I can’t give it to you ‘til your mom starts picking up your poop from our yard. (Woof!) Kinda gross, dude. And very, very uncool!
— The Petersens
This was starting to get fun. The “Linus And Lucy” melody began, and Julie poured another glass. She was finding a rhythm.
…Wishing you
the happiest of holidays….
Cindy,
Wishing the world’s best babysitter a Merry Christmas. Enclosed is a token of our appreciation. Thank you for teaching Ben so many adult words. He now starts every sentence with “What the f—.” Our little boy’s so adult now that he no longer needs a babysitter. Merry F’n Christmas, Pottymouth.
— The Petersens
Warmest Greetings of
This Festive Season
and Best Wishes for
Happiness This New Year
Jackie,
Thanks so much for the delicious Christmas cookies. I just finished off the plate while writing these cards. And I really appreciated your little Post-It (haha) warning Tom not to let me eat too many. Little news flash… nothing gets between Tom and me. But I can tell you that I hear plenty from your husband at the bus stop every morning. Might wanna check in with him on exactly who needs to cut back on the cookies. Cheers!
— The Petersens
Julie, now doubled over with laughter, poured out the remaining half-glass of zin. The boys would be home soon. But as “Christmas Time Is Here” began to play, Julie’s reverie faded. Guaraldi’s soulful piano notes, backed sparsely by only a floor bass and brushes, was always his favorite. Their favorite.
She had one more card to write.
May the Wonder and Magic of the Season
Fill your Heart and Home.
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas Daddy,
It’s been exactly one whole year without you. I miss you so much.
Remember when I was a child and you would sit me on your lap, and we would watch Charlie Brown and read out loud all the Christmas cards we got? You’d pour a tall glass of bourbon and make up the most horrible holiday greetings, and you’d ask for my help to invent terrible things we’d pretend to write to our neighbors and friends. You made me laugh so hard, I nearly got sick.
I hope you’re looking down on me cause I’m always looking up at you. Keeping your memory alive this holiday season, and always.
Love, Julie
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