"A Different Christmas"

 By Lily Walker

 

 Once upon a time, my dad got real sick right before Christmas.  My mom and I both had the flu the week before and it finally caught up to him too.  The problem is, we were supposed to go to SC to be with Mimi, Papaw, Ha-Ha, Toby, and Meemaw.  We celebrated our TN family Christmas - just me, mom and dad - last weekend because we thought we werent gonna be here for the actual day.  But then, dad got really sick so we couldn't go to SC.  My mom was pretty upset, but I didn't really understand what was going on so I just kept on being me. Plus, Papaw told me Santa was still coming, just on the weekend.  Since my dad was so sick, it's been just me and mom, celebrating at home, in a different way.  

Here are some of the things we did.  On Christmas Eve, we had a dance party in the front yard.  Mom was feeling a little crazy and I had a lot of energy too, so we just danced it out!  We laughed and danced and laughed and danced.  

Santa had already been to our house so we didn't talk about him much. 

 

On Christmas day, dad was still real sick and mom and I didn't have any plans.  So she tried to think of fun and different things we can do.  We thought a wagon ride in downtown Elizabethton might be fun, since no one would be there.   IT WAS!  I brought my bunny (Claire Fullingus) and my bag of ponies.  I had a great time, despite the look on my face.  (I'm just really sassy with my mom.)

The stores were all closed!

 ...but I loved looking in the windows and discussing all the things I saw.  Especially dolls.

We made our own plan as we went.  I found this neat walkway and ran and ran and ran up and down.

 My mom sure does take a lot of pictures.  Usually I don't cooperate.

MOOOOOOM.  This is too many pictures!!!

 

 FINE.  Here's a cute smile for ya:

 I really love the covered bridge.  a lot.

 We watched the ducks for awhile.  And saw a flock of geese pass by!  And looked at my favorite purple house!

I explained to mom about the weather in FL.  I don't think she understood, but I really do know.

I was really silly for a little bit.  Mom was worried that I might fall in the water.  But I told her I wouldn't.

After we got home, I played with Bailey for a few awhile (and Mom played with Bailey's mom and dad) and then I got out my arts and crafts. 

I think this boy named Caleb in my class is very handsome, so I decided to write him a letter.  With hearts on it.  

 I had a lot of fun cutting out hearts and writing letters.  Caleb is gonna LOVE what I made him.

 (Oh yeah, I put handprints on it too.  That was my idea)

I was very silly and happy.

See?  My mom takes TOO many pictures.

(Look at all the beautiful Christmas cards we got!  I love looking at them - especially the ones with kids)

I really like this necklace I made - isn't it pretty?  I like to look at it a lot.

 After arts and crafts time, we had a traditional Christmas dinner - an oven pizza.

And so, despite the different kind of day, i had a wonderful Christmas.  And I'm looking forward to going down to SC to celebrate with the Lawhons this weekend!

Merry Christmas everyone!