I was at the bar, Christmas eve. The crowd was kind of thin being the eve of a major holiday. I ordered up another shot of Wild Turkey, and the barmaid just gave me a look that said “don’t you have somewhere to be besides here?” I ignored her. I looked at the shot, its amber color and I actually did wonder if there was somewhere I should be. I took the shot & outted my Padron in the ashtray.
It was getting close to closing, and I threw on my jacket and headed out. I walked down the street towards my apartment. The evening was crisp and there was no breeze. I looked at the colorful holiday ornaments adorning the street lamps & glanced at Christmas trees perched prominently in people’s houses as only a few cars made their way down the street. The red glow of the taillights matching a tinsel santa clause hanging lopsided on a mailbox.
A dusting of snow had fallen on the ground during my time inside at the Major Purpose. I thought it was fitting, and the sky above had cleared out to a moonless night. When I got home, all the lights were off. I unlocked the door quietly, trying not to disturb the other tenants whose children I’m sure were sleeping with the proverbial sugar plums dancing. I went to the fridge. A couple of stainless pots with mac-n-cheese cluttered a mostly beverage filled appliance. I reached in and pulled out a bottle of Porter and made my way to the stereo. I slipped on the headphones and drifted off to David Bowie’s “Major Tom”
I dreamed of earlier days. I dreamed of people I’ve met, come and gone through my life. I dreamed of women I met and never had the salt to ask out on a date. I dreamed of my family that seemed so distant. I dreamed of things I’d wished to do, and never got around to between work & other obligations.
The next morning, I woke up. Amazingly I had no hangover. The draft of Porter sat empty next to my hand and the CD had long stopped spinning. The sun shone bright through the window on my face. Somehow I made it to the couch in the living room. I realized our Christmas tree and groggily looked at its beauty with ornaments & lights all lit. Then I heard a stirring coming from upstairs. I heard a tiny voice babbling. I realized I was in my home, with my family. I heard mommy getting Val ready to come downstairs & see what Santa brought. I remembered that there was much to prepare for Christmas dinner, where both families would visit & eat & drink and be merry.
Throughout the day, we cooked & prepared & played. Later, when the events of the day died down, I went to the basement & realized that there was another extended family waiting to share & commiserate on the holiday events they experienced. I lit up an Anejo & logged on chat.
Merry Christmas BOTL & SOTLs!
Will
ps. Thanks for the contest, Jamie...Merry Christmas
The powers that be might take it all away
Together we burn, together we burn away
Uncle Tupelo
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