A story: Christmas like we used to have...
Christmas is a time of year when everyone usually comes together and celebrates. Unfortunately it isn't like that for everyone. Emma Hills tells a story of Christmas despair and reconciliation.
It was Christmas Eve as I observed the people bustling through the streets, shopping bags in hand and wrapped up in warm hats, scarves and thick winter coats. I glanced across the street at the coffee shop that I spent time in with my friends; I longed for a delicious, cosy coffee but I had no money. Time passed and the outside air grew colder as evening arrived, so I searched for a sheltered corner to rest in for the night. The corner I found was not the comfiest but it was the best I had found in a long time. I lay down, curled up tight, and slowly drifted into sleep, dreaming of a perfect Christmas like the ones I used to have.
I woke up to a quiet, empty street, yawned and rubbed my eyes. Then, I realised: it was Christmas Day!
“Merry Christmas to me,” I sighed. I gathered all my belongings together and decided to go for a walk. As I stood up, I found a note on the ground:
“Merry Christmas, my darling. I am so sorry for what happened between us. I realise now that I should not have forced you to leave home – I have no excuses. I’m sure you remember that I promised I would always love you no matter what and I’m sorry that I led you to not believe that anymore. We have both made mistakes but we both know and understand why. I do hope that you can forgive me. Please know that I forgive you and we all hope you will come home for Christmas. With my love forever and always, Mum xxx”
I couldn’t believe it! I knew that I couldn’t waste a minute of time - I needed to go home and make amends with my family.
I stood on the doorstep of No.62 on Ivy Road and rang the doorbell. Whilst I anxiously waited for someone to answer, I rehearsed what I was going to say. Suddenly, I heard my dog bark and a surge of confidence filled my body. My mum opened the door and, for a moment, no words were exchanged as we immediately hugged for what seemed like hours. The hug spoke more than words could.
"Welcome home, sweetheart,” she said, “I’m so sorry…” but I didn’t let her finish.
“I’m sorry too.”
At this moment, my Dad entered and gave me an enormous hug, my brother came bounding down the stairs (with his headphones off for once!), and my dog wagged her tail excitedly.
“I’m so glad you are home,” my Dad spoke warmly. An hour later, we all sat down to Christmas dinner and everything was wonderful. It was just like the Christmases that we used to have.
The Christmas that I got my family back taught me to be grateful for everything I had.
Don’t ever forget that there are people who are less fortunate than you. This Christmas, take a moment to think about what you are grateful for.
Emma Hills, Year 9
It was Christmas Eve as I observed the people bustling through the streets, shopping bags in hand and wrapped up in warm hats, scarves and thick winter coats. I glanced across the street at the coffee shop that I spent time in with my friends; I longed for a delicious, cosy coffee but I had no money. Time passed and the outside air grew colder as evening arrived, so I searched for a sheltered corner to rest in for the night. The corner I found was not the comfiest but it was the best I had found in a long time. I lay down, curled up tight, and slowly drifted into sleep, dreaming of a perfect Christmas like the ones I used to have.
I woke up to a quiet, empty street, yawned and rubbed my eyes. Then, I realised: it was Christmas Day!
“Merry Christmas to me,” I sighed. I gathered all my belongings together and decided to go for a walk. As I stood up, I found a note on the ground:
“Merry Christmas, my darling. I am so sorry for what happened between us. I realise now that I should not have forced you to leave home – I have no excuses. I’m sure you remember that I promised I would always love you no matter what and I’m sorry that I led you to not believe that anymore. We have both made mistakes but we both know and understand why. I do hope that you can forgive me. Please know that I forgive you and we all hope you will come home for Christmas. With my love forever and always, Mum xxx”
I couldn’t believe it! I knew that I couldn’t waste a minute of time - I needed to go home and make amends with my family.
I stood on the doorstep of No.62 on Ivy Road and rang the doorbell. Whilst I anxiously waited for someone to answer, I rehearsed what I was going to say. Suddenly, I heard my dog bark and a surge of confidence filled my body. My mum opened the door and, for a moment, no words were exchanged as we immediately hugged for what seemed like hours. The hug spoke more than words could.
"Welcome home, sweetheart,” she said, “I’m so sorry…” but I didn’t let her finish.
“I’m sorry too.”
At this moment, my Dad entered and gave me an enormous hug, my brother came bounding down the stairs (with his headphones off for once!), and my dog wagged her tail excitedly.
“I’m so glad you are home,” my Dad spoke warmly. An hour later, we all sat down to Christmas dinner and everything was wonderful. It was just like the Christmases that we used to have.
The Christmas that I got my family back taught me to be grateful for everything I had.
Don’t ever forget that there are people who are less fortunate than you. This Christmas, take a moment to think about what you are grateful for.
Emma Hills, Year 9