Christmas Pt. 1
Sunday, December 24th, 2000
“Today is Christmas Eve! Christmas is a holiday typically celebrated by Christians, but not always. Christmas, tomorrow, technically exists to celebrate the messiah, or savior, of the Christians: Jesus. But, many people, especially non-Christians, who celebrate feel it’s more about generosity and being around your family.”
“‘Tisma!” Sage tried to repeat as Harry spooned them their mushed apricot and strawberry puree.
“Yes, Christmas. That’s not the only winter holiday, however. There’s Yule which is a Pagan holiday predating Christmas meant to celebrate light and dark on the winter solstice. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday spanning eight days to celebrate the recovery of Jerusalem, the Capital of The Promised Land. And then there is Kwanzaa, seven days of celebration of African-American culture. There are other winter-based holidays, as well, but you’re six months, and I don’t really have an essay prepared, so let’s move on.”
“On!”
“Yes, my intelligent little one, ‘on’. Now, it’s Christmas Eve, but we’re going to be celebrating today instead of tomorrow because everyone was free today.”
“T’dae!”
“Today!” Harry mimicked with a large smile. “And today we will be going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house!”
“Gamma!” Sage clapped their hands.
“That’s right, love. You’re so good at talking already.”
“Goo!”
“Yes, you are good at it, talented. But, before we leave you get to open dada’s presents to you!”
“Dada!”
“I know, how exciting! Just a couple more bites now, and you’ll be done.”
“Do’e!”
“Mhmm.”
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Since Sage wasn’t even seven months yet, Harry thought that three presents would be enough. They were already getting new stuff all the time as they grew and developed in skills anyway. They had more than enough.
Harry knew that Sage wouldn’t be able to open the presents by themself, but still let them try on each one before helping a bit. It would boost their motor skills, self confidence, and willingness to try when they fail. At least, Harry was pretty sure it would.
“What’s that Kiddo?!” Harry asked excitedly once the first present was open. He had been expecting a confused and/or happy noise, maybe “dada”, but definitely not what he got.
“Bun-ay!” Sage looked up at Harry’s shocked face in joy and pride, so he knew he had to collect himself fast.
“That’s right, pumpkin! It is a stuffed bunny.” Of course Sage had seen rabbits before in books and Harry always told them what it was, but he really hadn’t expected them to pick up on it so quickly. To recognise a bunny elsewhere. “Let’s see what else you got!”
The second package was revealed as a toy xylophone, and the third a Spiderman themed bouncy ball. Sage didn’t have the same reaction to them as they had the stuffie, though still seemed excited opening them.
Opening the gifts really did seem to be Sage’s favorite part, especially when the paper was all ripped up and they could bat it around. Harry took note of this for future sensory play, but otherwise began cleaning up pretty quickly.
It was nearly 8:00 A.M., and that was their departure time, making Harry anxious. He hid it as best as he could from Sage, but couldn’t completely.
Still, they managed to make it to the fireplace at 7:56.
Now Harry just needed to survive the next twelve hours.