READY, NOT READY

My husband Steven and our son Alex were at the dining room table playing a game of backgammon when I passed by them holding a freshly made, steaming cup of tea. “Finally! I’m ready to relax.” I said as I headed to the living room.

“Good for you.” Steven said as he moved a piece on the board.

I placed my cup on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. Reaching back to adjust a pillow behind me and putting my feet up on the couch I grabbed a blanket, tossed it over me and tucked myself in. “It’s finally here!” I sighed as I reached for my cup of tea and looked over at the tree with all its wrapped gifts underneath it.

“What’s finally here?” Steven asked as he rolled the dice then looked over at me.

“Everything’s done and I get to sit down and enjoy the holidays.” I couldn’t help but smile as I held the cup in both hands, warming them, as I took a sip. “The tree looks so pretty.”

“I’m glad you’re getting a chance to enjoy it.” Steven said as he moved his piece on the board. “You’ve certainly been busy these last few weeks.”

“Last few weeks!” I had to laugh. “I’ve been working on this Christmas since last January!”

Alex was nodding as he rolled his dice. “Why do you always start so early?”

“You have to if you want to get it all done.” I put my teacup back on the coffee table and reached for the book I’d been reading. “I’ve checked everything off my list. Everything’s purchased, wrapped, and waiting for the big day!”

“You’ve even gotten all the grocery shopping done?” Steven asked as he rolled again.

“Everything that I could buy early.” I opened the book and dropped the book mark next to me.

“I just have a few fresh things I need to get at the last minute, but I’ve got it on my list so I won’t forget.”

“Well, you enjoy some time to yourself. You deserve it.” Steven said as he went back to his game.

“I do.” I said to myself as I scanned the page to see where I’d left off.

I’d just settled back when Steven looked up from his game. “Hey, did we get anything for the kids next door?”

I picked up my book mark, placed it back in the page, closed the book and couldn’t help but sigh. “Nope. I forgot.”

“But we always get something for them.” Steven reminded me.

I pulled the blanket off and tossed it over the back of the couch. Slowly getting up I looked over at them while they played. “When you say we usually get them something I’m pretty sure what you really mean to say is I always get them something.”

Steven nodded his head and laughed. “Exactly! From both of us!”

I slipped on my shoes and went to get my coat out of the closet.

“Where are you going?”

“Shopping.” I sighed again as I reached for my purse. “Seems like I’m not done after all.”

Steven got up from the table and came over to give me a hug. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. I’m glad you did.” I grabbed my car keys off the counter top and headed for the front door. “Does anyone need anything while I’m out?” I called over my shoulder.

“Well…” Steven was opening the front door for me but saw the look on my face and stopped. “Nope. We’re all good here.”

I was walking toward the car. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“We’ll be here waiting!” Steven answered. But before he closed the door he leaned out again. “I’ll even have a fresh cup of tea waiting for you when you get back if you want.”

“That would be nice.” I smiled as I opened the car door and looked over at him. “Maybe when I get back I’ll finally be able to enjoy it.”