Every sign says it’s going to be a good night. It’s cold outside, the fire is burning, the family gathered around, every seat filled with hips rubbing against the one. We’ve all come great distances to here, the weather and the roads not being conducive this time of year. But we make the effort, we love being together.
Dad sets the tone of the night by entering with a tray of drinks and trips on his grandson’s toy car, the drinks go flying, alcohol showers on us all. There are shrieks of dismay, brothers lunge to save at least their own beer, the wives watch dismayed as their children turn to them in tears, champagne bubbles in their hair, beer suds sliding down their innocent faces the thought of bathing them again slips into each mum’s mind.
Grandma growls threatens to put Grandad out in the snow, grabs a t-towel and throws it at him to get drying and maybe salvage something of the night. Everyone fusses, dries off, youngest sister giggles at her dad flustered by what has happened. She wraps her arms around him, tells him to sit down, its Christmas and stuff happens. She begins to recount the previous year; everyone chuckles as soon they are all laughing remembering.
Mum brings out the charade box and the real fun of our Christmas night begins.
winter brings us home
this Christmas all together
days full of laughter
Written for: https://dversepoets.com/2016/12/12/haibun-monday-and-to-all-a-goodnight/
Morpethroad 
What a fun memory, Michael. I dad hadn’t tripped, who would remember that special year of family love.
Yes so true, thanks for stopping by.
The most important thing is that all the family members are around, and sharing in the fun and laughter of Christmas ~ A lovely memory to share Michael.
Thank you Grace..
I like this night a lot! So much love, so very much love in this.
Poor Grandad! But what fun to retell this Christmas memory year after year. I love the warmth and good cheer among the family members. Very nice, Michael.
Thank you Gayle, pleased you could stop by..
I liked the phrase, “its Christmas and stuff happens”.
So true isn’t it. So often the best laid plans often have a kink in them…have a good day Frank.
Where would we be without those mishaps which become funny family legends in the retelling? Utterly charming.
Thank you Marina, hope you have a lovely day, thanks for stopping by.
Ha, yes sometimes we need those little mishaps to really appreciate the importance of being together… The little ones drenched in beer suds will stay with me.
Ha..yes its a funny image though not so at the time Bjorn….thanks for stopping by.
Besides the hilarious image of children crying with beer foam in their hair..I love the colourful image you’ve painted of family, love and laughter. My Christmas consists of 4 or 5 people, so these exciting mishaps are rare. Enjoy!
Thanks Mish, my Christmas this year will be small as well…..but we shall enjoy…..
Christmas all together oh what a lovely thought, Michael 🙂
Thanks Lyn, we’ll do our best..