A Christmas Feast

It was winter night, not long before Christmas, only a couple days away in fact. I was home, decorating the tree and putting up lights all over the house. I thought Christmas time was a wonderful time; it was so beautiful and peaceful and innocent, even if only for a brief moment. Everyone was happy and joyful, and there was no evil in the world.

The next morning, I set out towards the mall, my mind set on the mountain of presents and other supplies I was going to buy. On the road there I noticed a rugged man out in the cold; he was wearing a winter jacket but it was obvious he was naught but flesh and bone. With him was a child, couldn’t have been older than seven. What a vile man, forcing a child to be out there with him in the freeze and filth, I thought to myself. Probably lost his house due to drugs and alcohol and gambling, it was horrid. At least I cared enough for the boy to call the police—they could sort this out, find a loving home for that boy at least.

Soon enough I arrived at the mall parking lot. On my way inside I saw two men fondling each other. I was frankly appalled and disgusted, such unnatural ways should not be out here for all to see. Their sinful ways set a terrible example for the children. “What would drive a man to choose and lead a life like that was beyond my comprehension”, I snarked walking past.

Not discourages by the horrors I had witnessed I made my way through various stores, picking up presents: toys for the children and liquor and wine for the adults, and food for the feast I’d prepare—a feast the kings and queens of old would envy.

As I was nearing the final stop before leaving for home and the final preparations, I walked by a foreign couple, darker people, speaking some ugly language. An ugly language for ugly people, I thought. They were undoubtedly criminals, probably planning to rob the mall, or some poor innocent soul. I would do the community a service setting them straight. “You should speak English or you should not speak at all!” I proudly told them off. But I would not linger, for I had my errands, so I ran through them to the store.

With my errands then dealt with I set off back homeward. I had done all my shopping, so I felt good, but it was unbelievable all the hardship I faced today!

Early the next morning I began the war in the kitchen, slaving away preparing the Christmas meal. Potatoes; boiled and mashed and baked, half a dozen sauces and gravies, a whole turkey and a sizeable ham, not to forget the salads, nor the cheeses and fruits and desserts; not all I could even name. There was no rest ‘till it all was set on the table with all the associated wares.

The clock struck dinnertime, yet all the guests seemed to be late. Sure, my husband was on a work trip, had been for a few weeks, but everyone else should come. We had two beautiful children, and their families of course. My brother too, and my husband’s sister with her husband and their three sons.

They will all come soon, just running a bit late is all.