Page 2 of Oh Christmas Tree
“Bad weather, honey.” My mom got the phone again. Butit will all work out. We will just be a little bit later. It just means you have to make the cookies by yourself.”
With a sigh, I fall back into my pillows. “Okay… It will all work out.”
Sipping my coffee,I look at the horrendous Christmas tree in the corner of my living room.It will all work out.
“This is not a Christmas Tree,” I mumble to myself. I put my coffee down and walk closer, softly touching the leaves. “A fucking cedar tree, they gave me a fucking cedar tree.”
My phone rings, it’s my mom again. “The tree guy gave me a cedar tree instead of a pine tree, can you believe it?”
“A cedar tree? How did that happen?”
I shrug and tug at the leaves. “Don’t know, I hand-picked the perfect tree and they were supposed to deliver it, but somehow they delivered the wrong one.” I heave out a loud sigh. “This one is pretty sad, actually, more twigs than leaves. It even has some brown spots. It doesn’t even LOOK like a Christmas tree.”
“Well, with your Christmas spirit, I bet it will be the best tree ever when you’re done decorating.”
I sigh and straighten my shoulders. “You’re right, Mom.”
“That’s my girl. Send me pictures when you’re done?”
So, I do what I always do: I straighten my shoulders, pump up the volume, and get to work, determined to make my tree the best Christmas Tree of Vermont.
There are three giant plastic boxes labeled Christmas Ornaments. There are more boxes containing the Garlands, Wreaths, and other cabin decorations, but those are already empty, its contents decorating the house. These ones arestuffed with Christmas balls, ornaments, figurines, tinsel, and lots and lots of lights. Plenty to make it work, right?
I start with the lights, sighing as I approach the trunk. The trunk is thick, and it emphasizes the difference between a Christmas tree and a positive thought. I can do this. I hang the lights across the different branches, crossing the trunk.
After the lights, it’s time for Tinsel. This year, I am going with red and golden tinsel, and when I’m done, I feel pretty good about myself and the tree. Ornaments are next, and though the branch space is limited—I can only use about a quarter of my usual amount of ornaments—I am very happy with the result.
When it comes to the masterpiece, the golden star, we have a problem. I cannot, with the best intentions in the world, get that star on top of that tree. I take a few steps back to change my perspective, and then it hits me. Grinning, I grab one of my Christmas hats and, climbing the ladder, place one on top of the tree.
Perfect.
3
CHLOE
Iam elbow-deep in cookie dough when my phone rings again. Quickly, I wipe my hands on my apron and swipe to answer. It’s my sister-in-law.
“Hi Daisy! Are you on your way?”
Putting the phone on speaker, I continue rolling the dough to make star-shaped Christmas cookies.
“Oh, Chloe, I am soooo sorry.”
“Noooooo,” I whine.
“David woke up puking, and we thought it was getting better, but then Leo started an hour ago, and I am so sorry, but we can’t make it.”
Tears are forming in my eyes, and I blink them away. “I understand. Take care. Hopefully, the boys feel better tomorrow so they can at least enjoy their presents.”
“I’m so sorry, Chloe, we know how much you love Christmas and how much work you put into everything.”
“It’s okay.” I bite my lip to keep the tears away. “Mom and dad will be there as soon as their flight is rescheduled, and Aunt Gemma and Uncle Dean will still be there with the kids, just as Uncle Ron and Granny.”
“Yeah, you have fun for us, okay? We’re so sad we’ll be missing everything.”
“Will do, bye!” I hang up and wipe my cheeks with the back of my hands. Shit, now I need to wash up before I continue.
I try to call my mom to check on their flight, but she doesn’t answer. It’s eleven o’clock now, plenty of time for them to arrive, right?
