Gift of a Generation

Christmas Eve brings an exciting gift for one family

Dolly Parton sang about The Coat of Many Colors as we sifted through historical ornaments.

"Remember when Jacob made this one in kindergarten? I can't believe we still have it." We looked at it and handed it to Jacob, who smiled and hung it on the tree. There were already a few colored bulbs and other generic ornaments on the tree, but these were the ones that counted.

"Where's my Goomba guy? I've had him since first grade!"

"Remember when we gave this one to Mom after she got out of the hospital?"

"No! You can't put that one on the tree! We got that for Millie before she broke up with me!"

Smiles... History... New memories...

Family.

Reba replaced Dolly, and we were all ears as she narrated The Christmas Guest. My wife set a placemat on the table, a plate, a glass, and silverware wrapped neatly in a napkin on top. It was her tradition to leave one setting on the table on Christmas Eve, in case there was a special guest.

When all the special ornaments were on, the lights were plugged in, and the music was turned off. It was a moment of silence worthy of Carol.

The phone rang, breaking the moment. My wife answered, her brow furrowing. "She's what?" I looks at her questioningly. "Okay. I'll tell them."

She hung up the phone and looked at us. "Merry Christmas, everybody. Holly is pregnant!"

My sister-in-law, Holly, had been told by the doctors that she wouldn't be able to have children short of a miracle. What better time than Christmas to find out miracles do happen?!

That minor miracle changed me deeply and reinforced my own flagging faith. And, for our household, it elevated Christmas from a holiday to our Hollyday.

NOTES: ▼

Word Count: 296
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the words tree, ears, and coat