The Perfect Christmas (12 page)
Read The Perfect Christmas Online
Authors: Debbie Macomber
Tags: #Romance, #General, #Azizex666, #Fiction
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 5:35 p.m.
To: Mom; Pete; Shawn&Angie; Phyllis&Harry; Amanda Snelling; Bob; JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Everyone,
I know what a busy time of year this is, so wanted to send our invitation now. I’m not even going to
try
to fancy it up.
Here goes: You are all invited to dinner with Cassie and Simon on Christmas Eve. Come at 7. Our house. Significant others welcome! Bring a favorite Christmas memory to share! RSVP.
Not to be a bossypants, but the sooner you can
let me know, the better. Look forward to catching up with everyone!
Cassie (and, of course, Simon)
From: Shawn&Angie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 5:45 p.m.
To: Cassie; Mom; Pete; Phyllis&Harry; Amanda Snelling; Bob; JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Cassie and Simon,
Thanks for this! Shawn and I will be delighted to attend. We’re flying out of Portland and into SeaTac on the 23
rd
, staying with my mom and dad.
What’s on the menu? Let me know what we can bring.
I’ll bet you can guess my favorite Christmas memory (and yes, it involved your charming brother, Shawn!) Angie
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.
To: Shawn&Angie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Thanks, Angie. Email and phone calls and texting are great, but I am
so
looking forward to seeing you two in person! As for dinner, just bring yourselves. I’m making the same thing I did for my famous Christmas dinner two years ago—my third task, remember? Turkey, stuffing (and I’ll try not to lose my wedding ring in
the stuffing!), mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with almonds, salads. And a selection of pies for dessert. Plus a nice Washington State wine, which Simon will select. (With both of us being pregnant, you and I will have to skip that this year.)
Let’s talk soon!
C
From: Mom
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:32 p.m.
To: Cassie; Shawn&Angie; Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Darlings, I’m so sorry but we won’t be able to leave Hawaii this Christmas, after all. Joseph and I have guests coming from New Zealand.
Cassie and Shawn (and Simon and Angie)—I’ll talk to you Christmas Day. I want you all to come for a midwinter holiday in Honolulu, well before the babies arrive. That’s my Christmas gift to you. Confirm ASAP!!!
Meanwhile, say hello to your father for me.
Much love,
Mom
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:39 p.m.
To: Mom
Cc: Shawn&Angie; Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hawaii? Oh, Mom, what a great gift. Sun, sand, palm trees…
I called Simon (he’s working late) to check with him, and we’re thrilled to accept. I hope Shawn and Angie will be able to come, too. We were thinking end of January. (Does that work for you, too?)
We’ll miss you and Joseph this Christmas but seeing you in January will make up for it, especially in Hawaii! We’ll book the tickets this week.
Love,
Cass
From: Shawn&Angie
Sent: Monday, December 12, 7:42 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Works for us, too. Shawn will email your mother tonight. Late Jan. should be fine, since I’m due in April and your Simon, Jr. (or whatever you decide to call him) won’t make his appearance until May. Which reminds me: make sure you let us know when the two of you settle on a name. Shawn hates it that I refuse to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl, but as you know, I’ve always enjoyed a bit of suspense!
Here’s something else to keep you guessing. I’m
making
your Christmas present. Yes, me, Angie, the science geek. I told you I took knitting classes, right? Well, I’m knitting something wonderful for you. I’ve already made a baby Santa hat for your little guy to wear next Christmas! Aren’t you proud of me, knitting and all?
Did I tell you we’ve narrowed down the names?
Julia, Katherine, Savannah or Kristin. And for a boy, Luke or Karl.
One more thing—Shawn’s going to paint name cards for you again (like he did two years ago). The theme this time will be…a surprise.
Ange
From: Amanda Snelling
Sent: Friday, December 2, 9:02 a.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hello, Cassie,
My husband, Robert, and I accept your invitation with pleasure.
I’ve mentioned this to Simon but knowing him, he’ll probably forget to mention it, so I thought I should let you know myself.
Please tell us what we can bring. Robert’s very good when it comes to choosing wine. Look forward to seeing you.
Amanda
Amanda Snelling
Assistant to Simon Dodson
From: Pete
Sent: Friday, December 2, 12:15 p.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Shawn&Angie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Cassie, thanks for the invite. I’ll be there if I can. OK if I let you know closer to the date?
Pete
P.S. Is your mother planning to attend?
From: Cassie
Sent: Monday, December 13, 12:15 p.m.
To: Pete
Cc: Shawn&Angie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Pete/Dad,
Fine, but could you confirm by December 21
st
?
And no, Mom’s got a friend visiting from New Zealand and can’t make it.
Please feel free to bring a companion if you want to—just let me know!
Cass
From: Phyllis&Harry
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:30 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Dearest Cassie,
Harry and I would be
thrilled
to come for dinner. Thank you so much for thinking of us!
I’ll bring my famous apple pie. And did I tell you Harry’s making wine these days? He’ll bring a bottle or two. (It’s not too bad, especially if you’ve already had a few glasses of something else to—how shall I put it—dull your palate.)
By the way, what’s a five-letter word for “perfect”? I’m working on today’s crossword.
Love,
Phyllis
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:41 p.m.
To: Phyllis&Harry
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Phyllis,
How could anyone refuse your apple pie? By all means, bring one and thank Harry for the offer of wine, but Simon and Amanda’s husband, Robert, are taking care of that. Your special pie is more than enough. My mouth is watering already.
5-letter word for “perfect”? Hmm. What about “ideal”? Does that work?
Cassie
From: Phyllis&Harry
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:43 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
That’s perfect!
From: Bob
Sent: Friday, December 2, 9:16 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hey Cassie—
Sounds cool. I’ll volunteer to bring the music. I have a great rap CD of the Xmas classics. You haven’t heard anything until you’ve heard “Not So Silent Night.”
Your friend and former neighbor,
Bob
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:41 p.m.
To: Bob
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Bob—
Thanks for the offer but just bring yourself.
Cassie
From: JohnFitz
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2011, 5:20 p.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Cassie & Simon,
Christa and I would love to join you for dinner on the 24
th
. We had a lovely time with you last weekend and hope to return the favor soon.
By the way, I have news… Christa and I have set the date for the wedding next summer. You two and the baby will definitely be invited. After all, Simon, you introduced us! Come to think of it, Cassie, Simon did a good job matching up the two of us—but not to each other! Kind of ironic, isn’t it? I couldn’t be happier, and I know you feel the same way.
Just to be on the safe side, let me check—no one will be required to complete any tasks before we’re allowed to eat our dinner, right?
John
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:32 p.m.
To: JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
John, don’t worry! The only thing required will be your presence. By the way, congratulations to you and Christa. I think this is a perfect match—and I’m so glad we’ve all become friends….
Cassie
From: Simon
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:39 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: Dinner TONIGHT—Save the Date!
C—plan on dressing up. I’m taking you somewhere special tonight. I want to escort my wife—my
pregnant
wife—out on the town for a pre-Christmas treat! Reservation’s at 7:30. Sorry for the short notice! I’ll pick you up at the house around 7.
S
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:45 p.m.
To: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner TONIGHT—Save the Date!
Simon, dinner tonight would be perfect.
You’re
perfect. I’ll be there, waiting for you, with bells on. And speaking of bells, I’m bringing a bunch of ten-dollar bills so I can give one to every charity bell-ringer we come across!
All my love,
Cassie
I love Christmas, and I love giving Christmas parties, especially parties for friends or family in my home. I particularly like organizing the party in a way that lets less fortunate people in my community benefit from the celebration, too.
Whether you’re planning a party for a traditional family, or for a family of friends, here are some ideas to make the occasion special and memorable:
Establish a fun dress code: ask each woman to wear her most outrageous Christmas sweater, each man, his wildest, craziest Christmas tie. Have your guests vote for the winning sweater and tie. Take a photo of the winners for poster
ity! (Another idea: the winners are in charge of the Perfect Christmas Party for the following year.)
Start the party by having your guests make paper snowflakes—all you’ll need is white paper, scissors, some glue. Hang the ornaments around your house or apartment.
Check with your local homeless shelter or church and select a group or a family to receive food and decorations that you and your guests will provide. Make arrangements to deliver the goods immediately after your party, whether that’s on Christmas Eve or another day during the holidays.
A good way to handle this type of party: you prepare the main course (for example, cook two turkeys, hams or casseroles), then ask each of your guests (or couples) to bring two disposable containers of their favorite dish, one to serve at the party, one for the needy family or group.
Give your guests a list of things your beneficiary group needs—socks, warm hats, mittens—and suggest that they make or bring one of these items to the party. Set up a wrapping station, complete with paper and ribbon.
Set up an ornament-making station (simple glass balls, old jewelry, ribbon, scrap yarn, sequins, etc.) and ask each of your guests to make one to give to your beneficiary group.
If children are among your guests, ask each parent to bring the child’s favorite Christmas book. Take turns reading these books to the children.
Purchase inexpensive Christmas stockings (check the local dollar store), or make some if you’re crafty. Ask each guest to make, wrap and bring something for everyone at the party, but set a dollar limit. (Two dollars? Three?) Give examples, such as home-baked cookies or candy, hot chocolate mix in a jar. Encourage them to let creativity be their guide.
Create a custom Christmas puzzle by making a collage of photos of your guests. You can search online for sites that make personalized custom puzzles. Divide the puzzle pieces so that each guest will have the same number. When the guests arrive, give them each a small bag or festively wrapped box containing their puzzle pieces. Set up a puzzle station so all the guests can fit their pieces into the whole. In the case of a party attended by friends, the puzzle will represent all the lives brought together in friendship, the total greater than the
assortment of individuals. Also include in each guest’s gift bag a Christmas-themed question to answer during dinner. Examples: What is your first Christmas memory? What is your favorite Christmas gift of all time? What, for you, constitutes the perfect Christmas?
Out of white card stock, create a Christmas bingo game, using such iconic images as a pine tree, wreath, ornament, candy cane, etc. for the squares. Have peppermint candies on hand to use for place holders. As prizes, give away Christmas music CDs, packages of homemade candy or cookies—use your imagination!
At the end of your party, gather up the food and gifts for your chosen family or group and deliver them, serenading them with Christmas carols before you depart.
Sigh.
In my humble opinion,
the perfect Christmas party!
