Next Year's Christmas Presents

It was the first weekend after New Years Day celebrations had passed, and as per her tradition, Janette began taking the decorations down to be packed and stored. But it was a little different this year and it was going to very different for her family next year.

She had purposely kept her secret from her four grown children. She wasn't going to be around next year. She had done her best this year to make sure they had an extra special meal with all their favorites. She gave more hugs and listened longer as they sat around the table for the holiday dinner she had prepared with great care. She gave them each a long, special smile. But nobody suspected. And each went to their own home with their own families afterwards as it should be.

She had an idea, though. For next year. She gathered her best stationary and her finest writing pen. Then she looked long and hard at all the ornaments she had collected over the years. Each one was a memory, really. But she had to pick just the right one.

The first one Janette chose was of Santa kicked bag in a big chair, drinking a Coca-Cola and having a million dollar smile. "Yes. This one is perfect!," she thought, and she began to put her words down to paper.

Dear David, Janette, your mother, chose me just for you. She and I talked about what a good and thoughtful man you are and how much laughter you have brought to the family over the years. You and I are a lot alike because we love giving gifts and eating. Ho Ho Ho. Anyway, you have been such a gift to your family, especially to your mother, so keep on loving and laughing. Love from Santa & Your Mom

Now, the next ornament was harder to pick. But when Janette saw it, she knew it was the one. It was one of those long, pointy blue & silver stars.

Dear Marc, my name is Astral and I have a message for you from your mother. You and I both know why she picked me to represent you. You have big energy and you shine in your own special way. You have watched over your mother and brought her joy in so many ways. She says she wants you to keep on shining bright and being happy. Love from Astral & Your Mom

Janette walked straight over to the ornament of Baby Jesus in the manger for the next one.

Dear Christina, I am the donkey that Mary rode on to get to the manger that awaited. You were also brought into this world in a simple way. You and your mother, like Mary and Jesus, didn't always have an easy life, but you have brought so much love into the lives of others through sacrifice. Your mother wants you to know that you made the world and especially hers, a much better place. She wants you to keep believing that. Love from Donkey & Your Mom

And finally, Janette reached for the last ornament. It was a big gold one that had the word, "HOPE" on the front.

Dear Lora, My name is Hope, of course! I don't know if you remember, but when you were a teenager, you said that was the word you chose and liked the best. Your mother remembered. Your mother wants for you to always have hope. And that she is proud of the ways you have brought it into the lives of others and especially to her. Love Hope & Your Mom

Then Janette carefully wrapped them with bubble wrap and secured them, placed them each in their own box, placed the letter on top, and sealed the boxes. She then wrapped each one in Christmas paper and adorned them with ribbons and bows. On small cards she wrote their names and said, "Do Not Open Until Christmas," and put them all in top of her closet for them to later find.

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So, I need to give L.C. Schafer props for her prompts. This is Jan 5th challenge of write daily. (sentient Christmas tree decorations)

It is fiction, but it is way longer than 366 words limit. But I am still keeping up with the challenge of daily writing.