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“So, you have to tell me. What is it about Christmas that makes you so cheerful? I find it so hard these days to get excited over a few strings of lights and some silly songs on the radio.”
“It’s everything about Christmas. I’m one of those people that makes no apologies, truly enjoying this time of the year full out. And I know what you’re thinking, no, I’m not trying to live out some childhood issues through the biggest holiday of the year. It’s not about the gifts, even. It’s everything that goes into the spirit of it. The magic behind it. I’m talking about the string of lights that get tangled when you’re trying to hang them up for decoration. The Christmas cookies you can gladly eat without shame while you’re drinking that spiked eggnog while sitting in your Christmas onesies. It’s the time spent with the people who drive you the most crazy, but always seem to love you harder each year. It’s about stolen kisses under the mistletoe. Sexy lingerie between couples followed by holiday sex in the kitchen while making cookies. Dancing to a slow song on a snow filled night. Buying that not so perfect Christmas tree from the lot so it has a home for the season, even though it’s kinda ugly.” I sigh. “I guess it’s just the enchantment of it all. It’s the first time you hear a Christmas carol on the radio signifying a break from normal life. When you get to leave that really bad year behind you, all new hope for the new year in front of you, and a chance to tell someone special that you love them.”
“Wow, that's… not what I was expecting at all…” He looks at me with almost a new understanding. Now, it’s my turn.
“Okay, Scrooge. Tell me why you don’t like Christmas anymore.”
“I used to...” I quirk an eyebrow at him, urging him to continue.
“Christmas used to be the most magical time of the year. I used to be a huge fan, but I have too many ghosts of Christmas past. The crazy family we’re supposed to love, really took all the magic out of it.”
“Why, what happened?”
“Let’s just say my parents changed when their company took off. Instead of family tree decorating, gingerbread house making, and parties, they started flying off to Aspen every Christmas. Tessa and I ended up spending the time off school with friends. It was just never the same.”
“Oh, Ol, I’m so sorry to hear that. It must’ve been hard being left like that. But you said ghosts. That’s just one bad part.”
“A couple of years ago, I proposed to my girlfriend on Christmas Eve. When we first got together, I was working for a design company. My boss was a jerk. My talent was under-appreciated. She’s actually the reason I now work for myself. She pushed me to go out on my own. I thought things were going great. My start-up was killing it, and I thought it was time to take our relationship to the next level, too. Unfortunately, she didn’t feel the same way. She walked away that night and I haven’t heard from her since.”
“Oliver, that’s… completely awful.” I won’t admit it, but right now I’m glad she left him. Not that he went through the heartbreak, but if she hadn’t left him, he wouldn’t be here with me right now.
“It’s okay. Turns out she was a total maneater alien from Mars and I don’t know about you, but there’s just some things you can’t look past in a relationship. We just didn’t fit on so many levels. It was for the best. Enough about me, though, have you ever found love?”
“Nah, I haven’t been bitten by the lovebug. Obviously, hence the speed dating. He’s out there, I just haven’t met him. Or maybe I have, and I just don’t know it yet.”
“I’m surprised you don’t believe in Christmas miracles.” He winks at me, and I can’t help the automatic smile that forms.
“Well, Santa hasn’t let me down before.”
“Please tell me you don’t believe in Santa…”
“What’s a little Christmas whimsy without believing in something unseen?”
“You’re hopeless.”
“You should try it sometime. You may learn to enjoy the simple things again.”
“Maybe I will.” His lips lift with the hint of a smile.
“And what better way to start enjoying the simple things than baking some cookies.” I jump up from the couch, pulling him along with me.
“You bake?”
“Of course, I bake. It’s like Christmas. It’s the spice of life. A little sugar, a little spice. Without one ingredient, the whole thing would be wrong. Too much of one thing or the other could make it taste bad.”
“So what kind of cookies are we making?”
“Christmas’ most favorite cookie, of course.”
“And that would be?”
“Peanut Butter Blossoms.”
“Lead the way. I’m here for whatever you need.”
“Whatever I need, huh?” I tease him.
“Whatever you need, I’m your man.”
