Christmas with Delbeth

It was late December and no one seemed to make any notice of  Christmas approaching,  Finally, one night, when Brian, Brigit, and Galian were all in the living room, I asked if they had a Christmas tree that we could decorate. First, they all looked at each other as if I had announced that I had just baked a plate of cookies. Then, they seemed to understand my question.

“Of course, my dear,” said Brigit, “You are used to celebrating the Christmas holiday, as they do throughout America. We don’t usually celebrate religious holidays, but we would be glad to join you.”

“What would you like to do?”  Brian added.  “This is something with which you would have to lead us.”

“We don’t need to do much,” I added. “But I thought it would be nice to decorate a tree and exchange gifts—nothing much, but a token of our affection.” Brian scowled, and then Galian added,

“That would involve shopping, Delbeth.”

I looked around trying to register their feelings, but the vampire blankness was in full swing. I decided to backtrack.

“Maybe gifts are a bad idea.  But we could cut down a small pine tree and bring it in the house and decorate it with ornaments of our making. Or make a wreath for the door.”  Still no feedback. Then, I realized that a Christmas celebration was probably an invention of my mother’s and Sabia’s for my benefit. Suddenly, I missed them terribly. Predictably, tears began to well up in my eyes, and both Brian and Brigit looked to Galian.

As I turned away to hide my tears, Galian was behind me and put his arms around my waist. Slowly, he turned me around and I buried my head in his chest. He held me for a minute and then announced, “I guess, the McDermots will celebrate Christmas this year for the first time.

When Galian released me, Brigit was suddenly beside us. “Just tell me what to do, sweetheart, and I will gladly help you.  We haven’t had a party here in a long time, and this sounds like fun. Perhaps we should invite Cedric and Betty.”