TAKE TWO_ Who says you can't ma - Heather M. Orgeron Page 0,46
through the door, ready to party in an Abominable Snowman onesie with a tray of holiday candies in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. She rolls her eyes over the bright green Grinch pajamas Nya got for me. “Cute.”
“Those cookies aren’t for Santa, are they?” Her lips pucker like she’s just gotten a whiff of sour milk.
“Well, yeah.” Ellie looks up from her task—filling in the Santa hats with red icing and adding a miniature marshmallow at the tip for the pom pom. My contribution was to draw the eyes and nose and color in the beards.
Hannah throws her arms back in surrender. “Okay… I just think it’s a little weird to give the man cookies of his own face. It’s a tad cannibalistic, if you ask me.”
“No one asked you.” Nya narrows her eyes at her best friend while Midge nips at her toes. “Someone get this damn thing before I accidently step on her.”
“Come here, Midgy-Moo.” Hannah rescues the pup, cuddling her to her chest and smooching at her. “Aren’t you a cute little reindeer?” She looks to me for confirmation.
“Yep. Well, she’s Max…the Grinch’s dog.”
“Ah,” the blonde says with a nod. “That must make this little cutie Cindy Lou Who!” She places her hands on Ellie’s shoulders and bends to kiss her cheek.
“Yep!” Ellie beams up at her. “Did you bring me a present?”
“Ellie!” Nya’s cheeks turn beet red. “What have I told you about asking people to buy you things? That is not what Christmas is about.”
“It is when you’re eleven. Chill.” Hannah waves an arm, dismissing her friend. “Does a zebra have stripes? Of course, I brought you presents. Got a little something for Kennedi, too. Will you give it to her next time you see her for me?”
“Sure.”
Nya’s parents arrive just in time to put an end to the cat fight about to break out between the women in the kitchen. They’re sporting Santa and Mrs. Clause outfits and lugging crock pots filled to the brim with chicken tortilla soup. Yumm.
“Buenos noches.” I kiss Sofia’s cheek then pat Carlos on the back in lieu of a handshake since he’s presently got his hands full. “You can just set that on the counter in the kitchen.”
My parents’ rental car pulls in right behind them, so I wait in the doorway to see them in.
They trudge through the door, each with a Santa sack slung over their shoulder.
The grandparents seem to have confused pajamas with costumes, but it’s all good.
“Bethany and Uncle Luis, so glad you could make it…come on in.” Immediately I recognize them as two of our favorite characters from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
“Best damn Christmas movie ever.” Pops gives me a one-armed hug, his face radiant with satisfaction at their own creativity.
The movie has become a family staple, regularly quoted year-round. Ellie and I watch it at least three times a season. “Damn straight it is.”
“Would it be indecent to ask the grandparents to stay at a hotel?” My mini-me quotes the daughter Audrey from the movie when she barrels in, gliding across the wood floors in her socks.
I swear, my dad is so proud he looks ready to burst into tears. “You’re a true Watts, Ellie, my girl.”
By the time Sofia, Carlos, my parents, and Hannah Banana have added their gifts to the stash, it’s evolved from a circle surrounding the bottom of the tree to taking over half the room.
“All right,” I announce, rubbing my hands together after we’ve all stuffed ourselves on soup and tamales. “Who’s ready to open some presents? We need to clear up some space so Santa can pass tonight.”
Nya and I decided we’d do all of the presents that weren’t from Santa on Christmas Eve… a new tradition for us, maybe? Hopefully I’m still here to find out if it sticks next year.
“Wait,” Hannah says, “we’re expecting one more per—”
As if on cue, the doorbell rings.
“Ahh. That must be him now.” She sends me a wink and points me toward the door.
Confused, I head back into the foyer. “Chance,” I groan when I pull the door open and find him standing there in gingerbread pajamas. “What the hell are you—”
“It’s okay.” Nya comes up behind me and places a gentle hand on my back. “It’s Christmas. A time for family. Even annoying, pain in the ass—”
“Ohh-kay.” Hannah rushes over, her eyes narrowed at Nya as she gives Chance a hug in greeting. “Merry Christmas! Excuse my best friend here. She’s a shrew