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Chapter 22: The Hudson Tradition
Santa” has a lot of explaining
to do. But then Santa Claus tells the kids, “I have to leave now and deliver the rest of my goodies to all the children
around the world. Rudolph gets impatient with me if I stay in one place too long. Remember to be good children throughout
the New Year. “HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!” In two shakes, Santa is gone but
the kids know that Santa will be back next year. The children play with each other and enjoy their Christmas party.
On Christmas Eve Before Midnight Mass
Jack’s family goes home to prepare Christmas Eve dinner. Jack and Billy
share some male-bonding time. Jack’s mom makes roast goose, sweet potato casserole, Christmas pudding, cranberry sauce,
Buche de Noel, and eggnog. After dinner and dessert, Jack’s mom opens a box of hand-made glass ornaments, with each
family member’s name etched on, including one for Billy. And this year there are two new ones, for Sue and Levi.
It is a family tradition in the Hudson household to hang each ornament on the Christmas
tree on Christmas Eve. Each person gets to choose their own spot, hopefully near the top so the little kids cannot reach it.
Everyone goes over to the tree; Jack’s dad goes first, next Jack’s mom, then Jack, Abby, Meg, Matt, and Billy.
Then Sarah, and Tom choose their favorite spot and Matt hangs their ornaments on the tree. And lastly, Jack’s mom turns
to Sue and hands her two ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.
Sue: Signing-Wow! Thank you, Mrs.
Hudson. Speaking-It is so beautiful. And thank you for making me feel so welcome here. I think I’ll put mine next to
Jack’s ornament. Is that okay with you, Jack? (playful smile and laughs)
Jack: If you didn’t put your
ornament next to mine, I would move it over there when you aren’t looking. What about Levi’s ornament? (megawatt
smile and laughs)
Sue: That is going to be tricky.
Maybe I’ll hang it next to Sarah and Tom’s ornaments. After all, we do have to keep Levi away from the tree. (playful
smile and laughs)
There are so many presents under the Christmas tree. Jack and Sue add their own pile underneath and around the
tree. Sarah and tom want to open their presents now. Jack gives Sue her stocking and Levi gets his own stocking as well. Sue
hangs both stockings on the fireplace next to Jack’s stocking and the rest of his family.
Then the Hudson family gathers around the fireplace
which is crackling with warmth. Jack’s dad opens “Twas The Night Before Christmas”
and reads it out
loud. Although it is a story that has been read many times and told straight from memory. It has the power to bring back wonderful
childhood memories, year after year for Jack and his sisters. Jack’s dad is enthusiastic when he reads the last lines
of the story. “He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle.
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, as
he drove of sight, “HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!”
Now it is time for everyone to go to Midnight Mass. They sing Oh Holy Night,
Silent Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Let There Be Peace On Earth, When A Child Is Born, Star
Of The East, and The Little Drummer Boy. After Midnight Mass, they come back to the house. Sarah and Tom ask permission to
put milk, a slice of apple pie, and gingerbread cookies out for Santa Claus.
Jack’s mom takes them into the kitchen to get Santa’s treat. Sarah
and Tom leave their sweet offerings for Santa on the end table right where Santa will be sure to see it when he comes down
the chimney. Every goes to bed and wait for the arrival of Christmas morning and snow. And Santa Claus silently arrives in
the middle of the night when all the little children are fast asleep.
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by YANNICK BISSON ONLINE
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