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A full house renovation sounded like so much fun when her parents had mentioned it. Candy’s dad thought it would be the perfect time to tear the house apart and make it into their dream home. But that was three months ago. Candy stared at the cracked lath and plaster walls through the gloom. It was Christmas morning. The tick of her old alarm clock echoed in the bare room. All of her furniture, except for the bed, had been removed. Candy pulled the covers up under her chin. So much for “dream home,” this was turning into a nightmare.
The whole family had stayed up until 11:00 the night before tearing wallpaper off the walls in the living room. They planned to start working again right after breakfast, despite Candy’s protests. Candy’s dad reminded everyone that this renovation was the family’s Christmas gift. No clothes, CD’s, DVD’s, or books this year. Oh no, it was paint cans, 2” brushes, wallpaper, and dust masks for the Kane family.
It was going to be the worse Christmas ever!
Sure, they were going to have a white Christmas alright. A thick layer of drywall dust covered everything. Christmas lights weren’t a problem. Candy’s dad was going to put up new ceiling fans in the bedrooms and a beautiful fixture for the dining room. As far as a spruce, that was covered. Candy’s mom had a can of “spruce” paint for the entry trim. The boxes of Christmas decorations remained piled in the corner of the attic, waiting. It just didn’t feel like Christmas.
Candy rolled over in the bed, seeking a more comfortable position. A thin band of light glowed under her door. She checked the clock. It was 6:30am. Curious over whom the early morning prowler could be, Candy crept from her bed, donned her house coat and slippers and tiptoed out into the hall. Soft Christmas music wafted up the stairs.
In the center of the empty living room, on top of a five gallon bucket, stood a two foot tall artificial Christmas tree. The little tree was covered with nuts and screws on strings. Candy had to laugh. Only her father could have come up with such appropriate decorations. Over the new fireplace five full plastic grocery bags hung. Each was decorated with a black marker outline of a stocking. Candy went to investigate the bag that carried her name.
“Not so fast, young lady.” Her father’s voice caused Candy to jump. He stood, framed in the doorway. His face, clothing and hair covered in drywall powder.
“I just wanted to see who was up.” Candy replied sheepishly.
“Sorry I woke you. Couldn’t sleep. Christmas jitters, you know.”
“I thought we weren’t doing Christmas this year.”
“I couldn’t let my favorite elves go away without some Christmas goodies, now could I?”
“I love you, Daddy!” Candy ran and threw her arms around his neck. A white cloud enveloped them.
Ok, so maybe it wasn’t going to be such a bad Christmas after all!
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