christmas could be simple

a little bit of cozy fiction

Ellen sighed. She was tired. Yet another Christmas season approached, and it was up to her to make their life “a house with all the windows lit.”¹ Who but mothers hold the magic of Christmas within their hands? Perhaps one could argue for Santa Claus, but unfortunately, the old man was not around to decorate, bake and bring good cheer to the family’s townhouse. Ellen would do it in his place, but in her heart, she wished that she could bundle up her four little ones and take them to her grandmother’s home.

The tree would be alight, the presents wrapped and the food would be prepared. Her childhood Christmases were a happy blur of song, smells and more gifts than any child could wish for. It was so easy at Grama’s, with log cabin coziness and tasteful luxuries for the body, mind and soul.

Her Grampa always used to hide a box of Pot of Gold chocolates under his bed to be discovered by gleeful grandchildren. The chocolate wasn’t even good, but at Christmas, sugar is appreciated in any form.

However, going to Grama’s wasn’t an option this year. It had been ten years since Ellen and her husband had put down roots in the small town they now called home. As more children came, the logistics of traveling across provinces in the bitter winter led them to stay put for the holidays.

Those first few years of not returning home were tearful ones for Ellen. She felt the weight of being far from family at Christmas keenly. It felt like a battle to institute traditions that came so effortlessly when she was surrounded by her parents and siblings. Yet, a few years ago, while sitting by the Christmas tree with two toddlers crawling all over her, she made a silent resolution. Christmas was not be a time of sadness and regret. It she couldn’t be with the family of her childhood, she would do her best to create a culture in her own home that encompassed all that her heart longed for. Comfort. Joy. Good conversation, with a side of rambunctious laughter. And great food.

This resolution had made all the difference over the years. Although it required work on her part, Christmas was a truly joyous time for Ellen’s family. But this year she was tired. The baby preferred not to sleep at night and the constant -20 C weather had given everyone a bad case of cabin fever.

Blessedly, Ellen wasn’t on her own. As her thoughts turned toward weariness, her husband arrived home from work, bring relief to her very bones. She shared her burdens with, and her smiled in that knowing way.

‘Darling, you are the heart of this home. Look at the joy that is already so present. Let’s not get caught up in the details. Let’s turn back to the best of our holiday traditions and just be together.”

Tetiana Tishkova Art

Goodness, he always knew just what to say. Yes, a simple Christmas would be enough. Perhaps a quiet Shepherd’s dinner on Christmas day, carols, and a bible reading. The children wouldn’t notice fewer decorations, or less variety on the cookie platters. They didn’t rely on those things for their sense of Christmas cheer, even though sometimes she acted as though they did. The joy and peace of her own heart would spread to them.

Grasping her husband’s hand, she stood up and went to fix a crooked stocking. Joy was simple. Peace was simple.

Christmas could be simple.

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I like to dabble in short stories from time to time. You can check out my other ones here:

1. Edith Warton