In preparation, everybody gets at least one book for Christmas. Usually it’s 4-6 books per person—you know how things are. We celebrate on Christmas Eve and exchange presents then.
Having unwrapped the bounty fills me with giddy anticipation. Which one will I read first? Will I start right away and leave the mess in the kitchen for my husband? That’s not a joke—he often clears the kitchen because he’s way tidier than me.
I once read that in every marriage, there’s one person who fills the dishwasher like a Scandinavian architect, and the other like a raccoon on meth. I’m the raccoon.
But when the kitchen is truly messy, I do help—as much as hubby lets me.
Of course, my favorite activity doesn’t have anything to do with dishes. It’s the next morning, when everybody gets up at their own time. Usually whoever gets up first walks the dog, and second gets fresh bread rolls from the bakery.
There’s no official meal that day—neither breakfast nor lunch, though there might be dinner. There are plenty of leftovers from last night (I make sure of that), and people help themselves.
Other than that? Everybody is sitting or lying in the living room, reading. No music, hardly any talking, just turning pages. All day long. We might not even dress – jammies are full attire, aren’t they?
For some people that sounds lazy, and they’re right. Others think it’s antisocial, and they couldn’t be more wrong. Enjoying peaceful reading in the presence of others who feel the same—that’s the epitome of companionship.
Mountain Men for Cheap!
Speaking of perfect reading marathons, the complete Elken Grove Mountain Men series is available as a box set—and it’s on sale for just $2.99 for a limited time.
Three mountain men, three headstrong women, and all the small-town charm and steam you need for your post-Christmas reading day.