Monday, December 17, 2007

A Christmas Story You Have Never Read - I PROMISE!

My Daddy today....shhhhh - don't tell, but he is actually 81 years old!
One of the most time consuming challenges I faced when my daughters were growing up was keeping their Christmas gifts a secret until Christmas day! They were so sneaky! Long gone were the simple days of them just shaking a package or carefully peeling back the tape. No, my daughters were so outrageous that one time I noticed some vaguely familiar panties in the dirty clothes, only to realize that these were one of Emily’s gifts!! When approached about it, she shrugged her shoulders and offered up,

“You always give us new panties and I needed them now. Hey, at least I really like them!”

I was left standing, mouth hanging wide open, still holding her unwashed, already used panties, utterly speechless. Part of me wanted to rewrap them – still dirty! For half of a second I wondered why she was the way that she was, until a very distant memory crept back into my mind.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Every Tuesday night for as long as I can remember my Mother went to Aerobic exercise class from 7 to 8pm. She used to boast that she was the oldest woman in her class, but by far not the slowest and certainly not the heaviest! I was proud of her for keeping such a tight guard on her figure, but it was in this tight schedule where my mischievous mind got me into trouble.

You see, it was Christmas time and my Mother was an excellent gift giver! She had the talent to listen when you thought she was not, to see what you wanted when you looked at something and the special sense to just know that you would love something even if you had never seen it! Sadly though, she was horrible about hiding our wonderful Christmas loot. Instead, she would return from her shopping voyage and stack the bags of decadence in her closet for all to see. The higher the pile stacked as the days passed by, the louder the gifts would call out to me and one night, it was just more than I could bare!

I conceived a plan. A plan that would unfold on that very night; Tuesday night, when Mom was in her Aerobic dance class. She would never know because I would have more than enough time to note exactly how the bags were stacked, how each item was placed in its own bag and most importantly, I would have the time to relish in the luxurious booty that was to be mine!!!

Dinner was uneventful, but seemed to drag on for an eternity. I ate fast. Why couldn’t everyone else? When asked about my day, my answers were short and to the point. This was not a night for lectures or deep discussions. Finally, I asked to be excused and almost made the mistake of saying that I had homework to do. That SURLY would have given me away!

I tried to busy myself. I picked out my wardrobe for the next day. I played my records. (Those are really large black CD’s for those of you who are of the younger generation.) I even started to read a chapter in a book. That was useless though. I must have read the same sentence 5 times without digesting what it said, until FINALLY, I heard the magic sound! I heard the back door shut! I jumped up onto my bed and carefully pulled back the curtain just in time to see Mom walk into the garage wearing those ugly white exercise tights! VICTORY! I thought. My heart raced as I stared to un-hatch part two of my plan.

I took a deep breath. I did not want anyone to suspect that I was up to anything, especially my pesky brother. I confidently walked out of my room, across the hall and placed my hand on the cold doorknob of my parent’s room. I turned the knob and stepped inside. Three steps and my confidence disappeared. There he was. My Father was sitting up in their bed, a bed that was directly across from Mother’s closet, the safety deposit box of all of my treasures.

Dad, looked up at me from his book and over his reading glasses. Scattered and at a loss for words, I made it seem like I was in there to visit with him,
“Hi Dad. What are you doing?” Whew! I kept my voice slow and steady.
“ I am working on a research paper involving (blah blah blah…tumor…blah blah blah…brain….blah blah blah….) It was the stuff only Brain Surgeons talk about on a regular basis.
“Oh, okay. Well, I am going to go and take a bath. I love you.” Foiled! My whole plan was foiled!
“ I love you too.”

Retreating out of the hot zone, a sulking discouraging feeling settled over me as I proceeded to do what I said. Without a thought to my actions, I ran my bath water, gathered a towel, undressed and slipped into the water all the while trying to figure out a plan B. Then it hit me! I raised up from my bath so fast, gallons of water followed me and fell to the floor. Mother did not have time to finish the laundry. Therefore she had not finished putting away all of the clothes and I now had an excuse to get into that closet. My mind was racing! Dad would be so involved in his project that if I went in and out of the room a couple of times, he would stop noticing me.
“That is it!” I thought. “So simple it is utter genius!”

I almost ran back into my room with a towel on my head. I dropped my belongings on my bed and went to the laundry room.
“YES!” There it was. A full basket of clean clothes waiting to be folded and put away. I dumped the basket, folded each item and separated them into different piles. I threw my brothers clothes carelessly onto his bed and then took about a quarter of my parent’s items. I was exactly right. The first time I walked into their room, Dad took full notice.

“I’m sorry Dad. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I was just putting the rest of these clothes away.” After all, I was not such an obnoxious child that I never helped out. He thanked me and went back to his work.
I left the room, went back to the pile of clothes to choose a few more. Waiting the appropriate amount of time, again I went back in. I was right. Dad did not even make eye contact with me that time and I knew the time was right to make my move!

The third time I entered, I silently just opened Mothers closet door and just slipped inside. With the most tender touch, I released the closet door knob and found a place to comfortably sit on the floor. Ever so softly, I pulled a bag towards me. Every crackle of the paper made my face cringe and I learned the art of moving at a turtles pace. The soft tissue made much less noise inside the bag. As I parted it and I could see a burst of color. It was cobalt blue!
“Oh – was it the cashmere sweater I had fallen in love with or maybe a beautiful silk blouse?” My heart was pounding so loud it dimmed the sound of the moving paper.

Looking closer, I was disappointed to see that the cobalt blue item was actually a new camera bag for Dad.
“Well fuey! All of that work for nothing!” I thought, “ but onto the next bag!”

Again I carefully pulled down another bag. This bag was large and had more than one item inside. “Maybe an entire outfit!” Again I slowly unfolded the top and started to open it. I could see an assortment of coordinating jewel toned colors and textures. Pants, sweaters, blouses and a stunning pencil skirt….MY FAVORITE!! I was so excited as I was pulling each item out of the bag, I actually forgot the most important thing…that my Father was just outside the door! I froze. I sat perfectly still and listened. I did not hear a sound, so I vowed to be more careful and continued searching.

The next bag was tossed to the side as it had something my brother had been whining for. The next was filled to the brim with new work clothes for my Dad. I was starting to get discouraged. Pulling down the next bag captured my attention so acutely, I had not noticed that my Father was standing at the opened closet door.

I almost jumped out of my skin as he spoke.
“What do you think you are doing young lady?” He stood there, right there in the only escape route, without an expression on his face.

Okay – so before I continue I want you to see my Dad the way I saw him. He was a big softy. I was his only little girl and I just knew he loved me best – as all little girls truly believe. He never laid a hand on me, but in the most stern way, he demanded respect and believe me, he got it!

I stood there motionless, heart throbbing in my throat so hard I could not breathe, still searching my possible options. There weren’t any. I had to just fess up and tell him the truth.

Lowering my chin and trying to escape his eye contact, I mumbled “ I am looking at my Christmas gifts.”

He stood there completely silent for an eternity. My eyes searched the floor, the walls, until finally I looked up at him. He was still staring at me. He stepped forward, turned around and shut Mother’s closet door behind him. My eyes got even wider. He walked closer and started to look over my shoulder as he said,

”What did she get me?”

I was stunned. I could not move. Who was this man?
He proceeded to sit Indian style on the floor and left me standing there for a moment while I realized I had just been pardoned from the biggest felony ever committed in our household!

I quickly sat down beside him and drug out every bag as we searched through the treasures together.
“Don’t look in that bag Dad, that is just some stupid stuff for Tom.”
“Okay – so where is mine?” he said.
As I passed him the sack containing the camera bag I knew he would love, I noticed the sparkle in his eyes. My Daddy looked as excited as a 7 year old getting his first new bike! I had to laugh out loud.

My laugh was shattered though. The closet door flew open at the exact second I realized I had lost track of time! There stood the real boss, my Mother!

“What are you two doing?” she exclaimed. She was squeezing the door knob so tightly I thought for a moment it was going to pop. I looked quickly at my Father for an answer, after all he was the smart one! He looked more at a loss for words than I.
Then my Mother started in on a lecture that did not stop until three Christmas’ later.

“I can’t believe, after all the time and work I put into shopping for all of your gifts, that you would go and spoil it like this for me. Do you know how much time and energy I put into all this? I swear, I should just take everything back. Yes – That is what I am going to do, just take every single thing back to the stores and you get nothing! Do you hear me? Nothing!!!”

By this time, Mother had entered the closet, grabbed the opened bags away from us and Dad and I had managed to wiggle our way around her and out the door. I can’t remember which one of us was moving faster but when we came to a safe place to stop, Dad asked,
“Wow, she is mad huh? Do you think she is really going to take everything back?”
I just shrugged my shoulders.

In the distance, you could still hear her yelling, even though she had long lost her audience!

(no - she did not actually take anything back, although she had me believing that she did until Christmas morning!)

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks MOM!

OH and those panties were from Gram remember she wouldn't wrap our gifts she would just throw them in a bag and stick some tissue paper on top.

The story about Gram catching you and Granddad is funny. You never told Joy and I about that.

Love you!

The Urban Chic said...

Julie, I can just picture you and your dad sitting in the closet getting caught by your mom. That is a really nice story--but the panties had me rolling. Thanks for visiting me and sharing your memories. Pat

Anonymous said...

That is to funny.My dad would do the same. Cute story.

Robin said...

Oh my gosh! I can't believe you wanted to spoil it for yourself! I do remember single handedly moving a HUGE TV off a cedar chest so I could peek inside and sure enough! My presents were in there calling my name. I actually got sad thinking now I had no surprise!

Elle Jay Bee said...

What a great story and what a child at heart your Dad turned out to be! Your poor mother, though, all that work and nobody surprised on Christmas Day...no wonder she brought it up for years to come! You obviously had wonderful parents growing up and that is the best gift of all.

Deb said...

Julie
Such a great story! Oh the anticipation of Christmas :-} Even now I want to peek :-}
Thanks for sharing such a cute story.

Charmingdesigns said...

Oh Thank you!! Your story is great! Thanks for sharing it! Oh what kids will do...lol. Laurie

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

What a great story! I could totally picture it all as it was happening. You have a great talent!
~Angela :-)

LivingTheLife said...

My gosh girl...you were quite determined to see those gifts...I don't think I would have had the guts to try anything like that w/a parent that close by...I must say I admire your tenacity! I loved how you told the story...great writing skills! Your dad sounds like my kind of dad...a kid at heart...nothing better than that! I think he handled that so beautifully. By the way did your mom take the gifts back??? I bet she had you and your dad wondering what she was going to do...so maybe she got the last laugh!

Thanks for sharing your funny Christmas memory...the panties story was a "hoot" too...I think I would have been tempted to wrap them up unwashed, also!

Blessings...
Teresa

PAT said...

I loved it Julie...I could just see it as I read!

Pat

Cynthia said...

Oh how funny! I loved it. Thanks for sharing.

Queen of My Domain said...

What a fun story. I can't imagine having your dad bust you only to join you in peeking. That's great.

Debb said...

Julie loves your stories , I wasn't for sure if you want to be at the christmas party but I did put you down. If you would send me your address I like to send you asmall gift for bring at the party. my email is debbgeor@sbcglobal.net
Debb

Heather said...

Yes, I have that problem too. My husband, however, wouldn't dream of peeking. I am just hoping our kids take after him in this department.
Heather

zuzu said...

=^..^=
Oooo I love stories!
And Christmas stories are the best! This one is a gem ::giggle::

It should be set with sound effects!

Ummm... The pictures from the post below of Santa and one sad little Christmas camper is something so precious ... It is hard not to smile.

::HappY::Merry::Merry::
=^..^= love, zU

CIELO said...

What a cute story, Julie... Sweet memories are like tiny stars that keep shinning within our hearts with the passing of years... just charming.

Enjoy the Season, my friend

Cielo

kari and kijsa said...

Love, love, loved this! Kijsa is the big present sneaker in our family! She would always find everyones gift and tease us that she knew!! It is even rumored she was an expert at unwrapping and rewrapping gifts! (never caught in the act though!) Thanks for the laughs!

Merry Christmas blessings,
kari & kijsa

a pink-bee said...

LOL :) That your Dad, joined in looking - too funny :) Thanks for sharing :)
Have a Happy Day :)
crystal

bj said...

This is just the most precious story ever! I loved every minute of it. In fact, I so want EVERYONE to read this so may I make mention of it on MY blog? I'll wait until I hear back from you! Oh....and I am TOTALLY in luv with your daddy!
hugs, bj

bj said...

I just posted about you and your sweet story and want to thank you for allowing me to use you! :)
hugs, bj

bj said...

OOOOO, what a handsome man is he!!
Now, you be sure to tell him that A MUCH YOUNGER woman is in love with him! (You sure don't have to mention that she is almost 70, tho!.hee hee hee). Thanks for adding the most important picture...he is just precious!
hugs to both of you,
bj

Debra from Bungalow said...

What a wondeful story, I have mentioned it on my blog.
Happy holidays, DebraK

Cindy said...

That was a great story! Your dad sounds like such a sweetheart!

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Julie,
Oh what a wonderful story and a lesson learned. I love the idea where you thought you should put your daughter's dirty panties back in the box and let her open them up for Christmas. That would have been a good one. Sounds like you and your Dad was having a good time till the "REAL BOSS" came in. I love that part as well. You know, me and my Sister used to snoop as well. My Parents worked in town and we were old enough to stay at home by ourselves. We would have some friends come over while they were at work and have someone to guard the door. We would carefully open a present that was already under the tree. We would know on Christmas Eve what we were getting. It was so much fun back then. Thanks for sharing a wonderful memory with us. I so enjoyed it. By the way, did your Mom take those gifts back? You left us hanging on that one. Well, take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Betty said...

I just loved reading your Christmas story and found myself smiling all the way through it.

And your Dad certainly doesn't look to be 81 years old.

BittersweetPunkin said...

BJ from Sweet Nothings sent me here....Thank you so much

I laughed and I cried!
Blessings,
Robin

Glo said...

Great Story. Glad I stopped by.

BumbleVee said...

hahahah.... busted!!

Marcela said...

Hi Julie
What a wonderful story
I really enjoyed reading a lot!!!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Hugs
Marcela

Anita said...

Hi! I came from Sweet Nothings and this is the best Christmas story I've ever heard!! :)

Greenie Gardens said...

This is a great story- one that all package rattlers can identify with! My little Heather used to unwrap and rewrap- she was really good. Merry Christmas to you. Stephanie

Unknown said...

That's a great story! And, what a wonderful memory to share with your Dad.

Anonymous said...

What a great story.... I was so enthralled.... what a treasured memory for you to share with us...
thank you
Linda

Unknown said...

I love this story - hilarious!