|
Post by Shadow Dearly on Dec 25, 2023 10:23:15 GMT -5
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
This year, I was the Secret Santa to Raine. They wanted a story of Amy, Chloe, Stephanie, and Eric buying gifts for everyone in their town of Liverpool while dressed up as Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and an Elf.
((NGL, I thought I lost this file! Please remind me to get a new USB jump drive.))
“Costume Christmas” By: Shadow Dalmatian
Ten days. Ten days until Christmastime, and everyone in Liverpool, England is decorating with titillating holiday decors of various colors. (Or people waited until the last minute.) And even though snow isn’t forecast, the wintry air is enough to bring joy to the hearts of youngsters.
Somewhere, a humongous tree is constructed in an area where people bustle to and from their lives. And that tree is full of ornaments reminding us that Christmas magic is in the air. It’s the holidays. Christmas magic is around, whether people want it to or not.
And foremost the holidays—Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah—are about family and friends, no matter their faith. It’s not wholly about gifts and checking to see who got the better one. Turning the holidays into a competition is on nobody’s list.
“Christmas! The time of stress!” shouted a Boxer in a heavy coat and long jeans, carrying loads of boxes containing gifts for his children. Now, he could forego Christmas shopping, but have you seen the faces of disappointed kids? It’s like your heart is pierced with an icy dagger and you’re left wondering how to mend the pain. Still, he mustered onto his vehicle onto the next store. He is one of the few people who wished Christmas wasn’t commercialized.
“’Tis the season to be jolly, my butt!” said a Maine Coon. The hood of her vehicle was ajar; no matter how many times she started the ignition, it wouldn’t budge. “Of all the times my car refuses to start, it had to happen on Christmas!” However, the cat loved her car she wouldn’t dare to kick it. Having a working car is better than having broken toes. She waited for the mechanic.
A Dalmatian strolled through the area. Her long black hair flowed through the wind. Wearing a coat, a scarf around her neck, and dark blue trousers, she took a deep breath returning to her parents’ house from a walk. She along with her siblings were visiting Raine and Melanie for the holidays. The neighbors were hard at work decorating their homes that matched their faith. She could see Christmas trees and menorahs from the windows. The Dalmatian, named Amy, felt as if she could lift off her feet, flying to the next town over and back. The magic of Christmas could help.
“Christmas makes me feel rejuvenated,” Amy said. “Being invited to Christmas parties, singing carols, and drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace. After all, this time of year is best spent with families.” She arrived at her parents, putting her coat on the coat rack. Her siblings were in the living room.
Chloe, a bulky Dalmatian, having returned from the gym dressed out of her gym attire, wearing something more conservative. She made sure nothing inappropriate was exposed. She could thank Melanie for that. Eric, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, lay on the sofa, playing one of his handheld video games. Thank Dog Amy wasn’t around when Eric was nearly finished with a level and got a Game Over, forcing him to start over. Melanie wasn’t thrilled. “Eric, a fine gentleman doesn’t speak such language!” Melanie would say if Amy was around. Eric would then apologize rather than scoff. After all, scoffing at your parents isn’t the adult thing to do.
Stephanie couldn’t put her novel down, her eyes fixated on the page. The next installment of The Corkshire Mysteries she bought online as the nearest bookstore didn’t have a copy in stock. An avid reader, Stephanie could immerse herself in literature and everything else seems to melt away. That was for certain.
“Oh, hey, Amy’s back,” Eric said, looking up from his game. “Did you have a nice walk?”
Amy nods. “I have. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How far are you now? In your game?”
”Not far. Only five percent in. I’ve started it today. It’s fun.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “You’re easily able to get sucked into your video games, Eric.” Donning a long red-sleeved shirt and long wool trousers, her black/orange duality hair done up in unbraided pigtails, she was the poster girl for football (soccer for Americans). She couldn’t get enough of the sport. Remaining loyal to Liverpool FC, she tries to make it to every home game. She enjoys being with other Scousers rooting for the home team. Sometimes, she goes with Eric. Two football fans.
“Video games teach hand-eye coordination, sis,” Eric replied. “Not to mention it offers job opportunities.” Stephanie more than much would love this conversation to end. Reading strengthens your brain, whereas video games rot brain. Video games also encourage sedentary lifestyles, and that’s coming from people who think people are playing too much.
“And reading helps your brain stay in shape,” Stephanie rebutted, “lowering risks of dementia or Alzheimer’s.”
This was an argument culminating without a winner. Eric shrugged, resuming his game at the same time Stephanie focused on her book. Amy cleared her throat. Her siblings eyed her.
“Jingle bells and holiday cheers!” Amy said. Now, that she got their attention, whatever she has to say, she knows it will strengthen the Christmas spirit. “Why should we be the only ones getting presents? There could be those less fortunate than us.”
Eric pondered, thinking of a rebuttal. He knew that Amy meant well, but some of her plans had a tendency to get them in trouble. For instance, when finding £100 on the ground. Amy chose to do the right thing and return it to its original owner. Humorously, all she could think about was the look on the person’s face after receiving their lost money that she didn’t see her whereabouts. Reality grabbed Amy by the throat as she fell in complete darkness. Outside, Eric and Stephanie heard a splash, followed by a weak “Owwww.” Amy can unofficially check falling in a sewage hole off her bucket list.
“And how would we know which families celebrate Christmas?” he asked. “Some could be Buddhist or Jews or Muslim. We have no way of knowing unless we ask. And don’t think about forming a scheme about breaking into people’s houses. I don’t want to spend Christmas Day in jail. We won’t hear the end of it from Mum and Dad.” He straightened his blue jumper after noticing it was wrinkling from his sitting posture.
Amy could sense awkwardness. She had a wonderful idea; she was certain her siblings would be on board. She could levitate off the ground, doing a mid-air somersault, gracefully landing on her feet. “This may be a long shot, but why don’t we go into town and buy Christmas gifts for everyone?” she said in a jovial tone, breaking the ice.
Chloe shook her head, smirking. “Purchasing and giving every Scourser gifts? Are you aware of how expensive that is?” she asked. “There are 513,440 people in Liverpool, and then there’s the type of gifts, plus tax. All in all, we’d need to be billionaires to at least afford half. No offense, but your life is like a fairytale, where we find a bajillion pounds in an alleyway. When will you realize your life is not a Ralph Bidney movie?”
Amy stood deadpan. “Sorry for trying to spread some Christmas joy.” she scoffed.
Stephanie marked her spot with a floral bookmark before closing her novel, and looking up at her sister. “Chloe means well, I know, but she knows when to keep you grounded to face reality. Do you remember last month when an unknown caller claimed you won a cruise and all you had to win the tickets was to send £250? You had us all roped in your heinous, inane schemes. It took me, Eric, Chloe, Mum, and Dad to bring you back down to Earth. If you have to pay a fee to get a prize, odds are it’s a scam.”
“That’s different!” Amy replied. “I’m feeling generous and wanting to give back to the people for no reason at all. Besides, I have an idea. What if we buy gifts and donate them?”
“We could buy toys and books, and we can’t forget our relatives.” Chloe nods. It’s the holiday, and what better way to bring Christmas cheer than by thinking of the needy? “And it’s a way that we can buy gifts for people who are struggling to have a good Christmas. It’s also good for our conscience.”
“And!” Amy chimed in, grinning, “I have a surprise that could bring us more in the Christmas spirit! So, I’m on holiday overdrive. I just love the Christmas season.”
Eric eyed Amy. “As long as it isn’t degrading,” he said.
“I look stupid.”
Christmas shopping sometimes meant dressing up for the occasion. Amy, she thought it be best if she and her siblings donned costumes. Eric looked adorable dressed as Frosty the Snowman, though he needed help putting it on. Atop his head, was a black red-rimmed top hat, and he held a broom he brought from Raine and Melanie’s home. He refused the pipe because he thought it sent a bad message. Chloe made herself into a bulky Rudolph, complete with a clown nose that, sadly, didn’t light up. She hoped her antlers wouldn’t cause problems. The last thing she wants is to poke someone’s eye out. The elf in the group was Stephanie, who looked mesmerizing her her tunic and hat. And Amy, dressed in an all too familiar red and white coat, complete with the beard and hat with the white ball at the end of it, was Santa Claus. There is nothing wrong with a girl dressing up as a Christmas being predominately portrayed by males. The same can be said by a male dressing up as Mrs. Claus.
“I just know that we’ll stand out in the crowd,” said Eric. Still, he wanted to do this. For his siblings. For Christmas. “If anyone pushes me down on the ground and makes me a helpless turtle, it’ll take every fiber of my being not to kick their holiday butt.”
“Eric, brother,” Amy grinned, peering at Eric through her small glasses. “If you do that, you’ll be a naughty boy this year.”
“So, which store we we going to?” Stephanie asked.
“Liverpool One,” Amy replied.
“Liverpool One, the number one shopping center in the UK,” Chloe said. She’s a frequent visitor to the complex. They have shops for everything. Beauty supplies. A clothing store to dress nicely for dates. “Stores galore, it’s easy to max out your credit cards, and you get an aerobic workout at the same time.”
When they arrived, via train, the first store they visited was Beauty Bazaar. The place screamed perfume and other feminine products. It also had a champagne bar, which is perfect for Eric to visit while his sisters find gifts for their aunts, uncles, and cousins. Besides, he could buy gifts of his own via the Internet. Still, he stayed with his sisters as they browsed around. Though, he could give his female cousins makeovers courtesy of The Studio. For some reason, he sees Shadow being a frequent visitor.
“Oh, these are perfect for Aunt Frida and Aunt Irene and Amber,” Chloe said, taking up some perfume and lipstick. “And as for Ashleigh, I’m thinking about getting her the new Imelda game on Steam.” Her cousin Ashleigh is a hardcore gamer. She even has her streaming account for weekends.
Store after store, the four, in their costumes, being stopped by passersby who wanted to get their pictures taken, and Eric becoming a bongo by a six-year-old Siberian Husky, continued their holiday shopping. Until some of their friends recognized them.
“Steph? Is that you?” asked a Rottweiler. Dressed in a heavy coat, he waved at her siblings.
“What. . . no why. . . why are you all dressed the way you are?” laughed Ashlyn, a Maine Coon. She dressed more conservatively, in a fine dress that stopped at her feet and no one but her boyfriend of seven years had clearance to see her. . . birthday suit.
“We’re just doing some last-minute Christmas shopping,” said Amy, adjusting her curly white beard. “And before you ask, yes, this was my idea, and we’re doing this to brighten up the Christmas spirit in my siblings.”
“Try not to be mistaken for a mall Santa,” snickered Ashlyn.
“If that happens, I’m out. I’ll be a runaway elf.” Stephanie managed to say. All she wanted was to end this conversation and focus on shopping. After all, Christmas is around the corner and she wants to spend as much time with her family as possible. She was certain her siblings felt the same.
Furthermore, there were still toys and books they still needed to get to donate to charity. “You know, we still need to buy stuff to give to charity. Maybe toys and books. Where’s the donation bin?” Stephanie asked.
“By the post office,” Ralph, the Rottweiler, said.
Amy chimed in. “You don’t say? Thinking of others is what Christmas is about in my opinion.”
“And some people only think of themselves.”
“That is a pet peeve of mine.”
“How can people be narcissistic?”
Ralph cleared his throat, gathering Amy and Stephanie’s—and even Chloe and Eric’s—attention. “This has been fun and all, but Ashlyn and I do have to get our Christmas shopping done. Invite us next year. Ashlyn would make a beautiful Mrs. Claus!”
Ashlyn blushed and gripped Ralph’s arms and walked off, carrying the Rottweiler with her.
The following two days, Amy and the others had to stay home because Melanie felt under the weather. The remaining five days were devoted to watching Christmas-themed plays and watching television specials, all while Melanie was on the mend.
The following day, when Melanie felt better, Amy and the others, in their holiday costumes, walked into Wondrous Books, the nearest bookstore. Who says you can’t get books for Christmas? The mission: Give books to charity, and some to their relatives, like Raine, who eyed Book 2 in the Grenadine Cycle. And contemporaries for Melanie. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice contemporary? Chloe and Eric split up to get the respective books, and Amy went off to get the books for charity. YA books. Children’s books. Adult books. None of which are graphic.
Chloe made her way to the section marked Romance. Pulling out for hardcover novels, she recognized them as a genre her Mum would surely enjoy. She made her way to the circulation desk. The cashier was a middle-aged bovine. A bull. “Escaping from jolly ‘ol Saint Santy Clays, are you?” he asked. “I’ll be careful, you hear? If he finds you and captures you, it’s back to the North Pole for you.”
Chloe rolled her eyes, grinning. “If you see Santa, hide me. Take me to the break room. Santa cannot find me. You’re right. I went AWOL. It’s the same thing every year. I missed elf practice because I was out taking pictures of the North Pole. How Chloe make a living? She’s a freelance photographer. She gets paid to travel the world and take pictures to be used for magazines and websites. Right now, she’s content spending the holidays with her family. “And if you will, I’d like to purchase these books.” She gave the books to the bull, watching as he rang up her order. As she watched, she twiddled her fingers, trying not to make a fool of herself. It would be wrong not to say that Chloe may have a crush on the cashier. “Are you single?” she asked, covering her muzzle in shock.
“Married to my beautiful wife of eight years. Sorry.”
“Don’t mention it.” Chloe paid the bull via debit, took the books, in which the bull neatly placed them in a bag sporting the store’s name in gold, and left without saying anything. How could she make a fool of herself? Chloe passed by her siblings without saying a word.
“Chloe!” shouted Amy. “Where are you going? The froyo shop’s this way!”
“I’ll be somewhere else. F. . finding what else we can donate to charity. And. . . I made a mistake. I asked a married bull if he was single. If he was, I would ask for a bite to eat at the pub.” Chloe would only want to become an actual flying reindeer, so she can fly back home and spend mindless hours on the Internet. Anything to get that embarrassing moment from her mind. But, she’ll laugh about it. Eventually.
“Come on, frozen yogurt can lift your spirit.” Amy gave her sister a warm smile.
How could Chloe say no, especially during this time of year?
Walking into the froyo shop, the four made their yogurt choices. The other patrons noticed their costumes, and some walked up to compliment them and to take pictures, with their permission.
Amy chose vanilla and put sprinkles gummy worms and chocolate wafers. Eric chose chocolate and sprinkles and put mini marshmallow bites in his concoction. “I’d say we deserve this for a job well done,” he said.
Chloe chose strawberry and added strawberries and cherries. Stephanie chose vanilla and added the same toppings as Amy. After paying, Stephanie took a bite of her yogurt and said, “Well, I think we can say that our holiday shopping is officially closed. We hid the gifts we bought for our relatives and after we finish with this, we’ll head to the post office to put the gifts we bought in the donation bin.”
Eric chimed in, a thought sparking in his mind. “You know, we didn’t necessarily have to buy things. We could’ve gone back to Mum and Dad and brought stuff that used to belong to us that we don’t use anymore. We could have saved money. But either way, we’re doing a good cause.” he said.
Chloe seemed to be in another world, replaying what had happened in the bookstore in her mind. She did not hear Amy suggest they should head to the toy store and buy board games or video games and toys. She did not hear Eric get up and buy him seconds. All she could think about was asking if the bull was single. Chloe wished she could go back in time to stop herself, but she knew better than to change the past. The worst that could happen is a family tragedy. Or a giant robotic Santa catching aflame, its inferno burning bright.
She snapped back to reality after hearing her siblings repeatedly calling her name.
“Chloe? You okay?” Eric asked. “Your yogurt is beginning to melt.”
Chloe shrugged and downed her dessert in ten seconds flat. She got up and tossed the cup and plastic spoon in the trash receptacle. “I’m okay. It’s not a big deal. It’s not the end of the world. I’ve been knocked down, but I got up again.” She cleared her throat. “So, about charities.”
Her siblings listened.
“Before we can officially close our holiday shopping, we can stop by the toy store and purchase tons of toys and games and head to the post office,” Chloe said. It felt like they’d started, but time flies when you’re having fun. She smiled at her siblings. It felt best that she went out instead of staying inside.
“We’ll bring holiday cheer to those in need!” Amy said, pumping her fist in the air. Never before has anyone seen Fist Pumping Santa. Nobody has seen a Karate Santa, but there’s a first for everything.
Eric and Stephanie shook their heads. Heading out of the froyo shop, the four made their way to the toy store and bought anything they could get their hands on. Electronic games. Board games. Water soakers. Eric, honestly, wished he could get one of the water soakers. It’s perfect on a nice summer day. Heading out with their purchases, they placed them in the boot of Chloe’s car (trunk for Americans) got in, and drove off to the video game store and purchased family-friendly games. Who in their mind would buy mature-rated video games for their kids?
When the four were finished, Amy put in the GPS for the post office. Once there, she and her siblings went inside with their goodies and gently placed them inside the bin. Here’s hoping no one is a Grinch. Stealing from needy children? How awful.
“Well, that brings us to the end of our holiday shopping!” said Eric. “My feet hurt from all this walking. I can’t wait to go home and continue on my game.”
“Speaking of which, how far are you in your game now? Since the days Mum’s been sick.” grinned Amy.
“I’ve to say that I’m currently halfway through. I would have brought my console with me, but I didn’t want to pass off as an inane person. Besides, there are three days until Christmas, so I wouldn’t have time to continue anyway.”
Three days until Christmas and Amy, Eric, Chloe, and Stephanie can hardly wait for Christmas Day. To experience the yearly traditions of wearing paper crowns. Opening poppers and presents. And to enjoy a freshly cooked Christmas dinner. However, Amy couldn’t help but remember last year, when she bought Eric a figurine of his favorite video game character at the time at the mall when she placed the bag down in front of the lady's room. When she exited, the bag was gone. And she bought the last one in stock. She learned from past mistakes.
“Amy, if you’re remembering what happened last Christmas, I've already forgiven you,” Eric said, getting into Chloe’s car. “You don’t have to stay in the past. What happened, happened. And we can’t change it.”
Chloe started the car. “All right, it’s back to Mum and Dad’s for more Christmas preparations!” She backed up and shifted into Drive, straightened the car, and drove off back to Raine and Melanie’s house.
But all in all, this will be a Christmas worth remembering.
Hope you'll enjoy this, Raine! Merry Christmas!
|
|