Christmas Tradition
Kitty helped clear away the Christmas dishes before telling her family she wasn’t staying for their traditional fire and movie.
“Why not?” Her father peered at her over his glasses in that disapproving way she had always hated. “Are you too good for us now you don’t live at home anymore?”
“No,” Kitty answered calmly, for once not rising to the bait. “I’m giving back. There’s a dinner and presents at the community center for the families burned out in last month’s apartment fire. I’m going to help serve and clean up.”
Shelby stared at her sister for a moment, seeming uncertain, before announcing, “Hold on. I’ll grab my coat and a few toys and be right with you.”
For the first time Kitty could remember, her father backed down. “That’s real good of you, Kitty. If you can wait a few minutes, Mom and I will come help too.”
Surprised but happy, Kitty hugged first her mother, then her father. Maybe they could create a new Christmas tradition. There was always someone in need at Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all my readers, whatever your Christmas traditions (if you celebrate the season). I did leave one year after Christmas dinner to help out with a meal for the poor and homeless at a coffee house I used to hang out at in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was called The Odin’s Eye Cafe. My departure wasn’t taken well, but I felt it was for a good cause and chose to take the heat.
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What a beautiful image, I love that your imaginary family was more enthusiastic!
Good for you and great story too!