Unwrapping Christmas by Author

Author:Author
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: zondervan
Published: 2009-01-06T05:00:00+00:00

Class members Nina and Paul Miller’s house pulsated with twinkling lights racing through every shrub and bare tree branch when Rose arrived for the party.

Mrs. Claus in person — Nina Miller in costume —opened the door. “Rose! Merry Christmas! Joey’s not with you?”

“Merry Christmas. No, he had to work late.”

She made a face. “That’s too bad, we’ll miss him. Give me your coat. The food’s over there. Make yourself at home.”

Nina turned to welcome new guests, and Rose stripped out of her coat. She headed straight for the dessert table to fill a plate before she began to mingle. She gazed from one delightful dessert to another, suddenly grateful for her ten-pound weight deficit. Everything looked and smelled delicious, and she wanted to try it all.

Lois Gleeson openly compared her scant plate with Rose’s selection. “I’ll be glad when I can eat like that again.”

Rose eyed Lois’s plate. “Looks like you’re doing all right for someone who recently had her gall bladder removed.”

Lois laughed. “I’ll survive, but my appetite’s slow to return.”

“Other than being calorie deprived, how are you?”

“I’m doing okay. Thank you again for all the lovely food you brought. It was such a blessing. Christmas isn’t an ideal time to have surgery.”

Rose agreed. She didn’t know what she would do if some emergency arose. So many people depended on her for holiday magic.

“Since I was forced to slow down, I’ve realized most of the things that I thought were important, aren’t. From now on I’m going to live at a slower pace,” Lois said.

“Take time to pick the daisies?” If only she’d heed the advice and stop running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

She cared with all her heart.

“You got it.” Lois pointed her fork at Rose. “What about you? Are you feeling all right?

Rose lifted a brow. “I’m fine, why do you ask?”

“You look pale, and I don’t remember those dark circles under your eyes being quite so prominent.”

Rose stared at her, slightly offended.

Lois softened the observation. “I’m just asking because I’m concerned.”

“That’s nice of you, Lois, but I’m feeling just fine. As soon as Christmas is over, I’ll slow down.” At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

“I’m not trying to pry,” Lois said, bending closer. “But you just don’t look well, and it worries me.”

“I’m fine. Tired, rushed, ready for Christmas to be over, but fine.”

Lois frowned. “Christmas is so special.”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I guess I’m a little cranky tonight.”

As soon as she could, Rose made her excuses and wandered away. Surely she didn’t look that bad. She’d been congratulating herself on the weight loss, and Lois made her sound like she had one foot in the grave and the other on a grease spot.

Nina wandered by, obviously having overheard the exchange. “She doesn’t mean to be rude.”

“I know.” Rose sat the plate aside, appetite vanished. She pushed back a strand of hair and winced when she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the festively decorated mirror hanging over the mantel. Maybe Lois wasn’t that far off after all.

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