The Christmas Waltz Novels & Stories

he teased. “Says The Chad Stoneface.” She countered. “ Six whole days you're all brood and the last you've transformed into an absolutely different person.” “Well, it's Christmas and I got something great this year.” “Oh really boss, and what could that be?” He leaned in so close to her ear that she could smell his cologne. And then his lips tugged slightly as he whispered. “You. Santa gave me a Jasmine for Christmas.” Jasmine's heart raced, she could feel her heart doing an awkward somersault. She looked at Chad again making sure this was real and she hadn't misheard him. He had a mischievous smile on his face.

It was a Christmas of firsts for both Felix and Cassie. For Felix, this was the first time that his house had ever been decorated for Christmas. In the past, he had put up a plastic miniature tree if he remembered and while Hazel had still been alive, she had put up a menorah for the December festivities. Now, the decorations started right from the gates to the mansion, with the pathway leading to the house lined with colorful reindeer figurines, giant candy canes and plastic snowmen. The house was decked in strings of flashing Christmas lights that Felix was certain would be visible from space.

“Well here are a few tips for you. One, you can’t look hideous on Christmas Day. Meaning that you can’t meet baby Jesus when you’re looking like someone hit you with a sack of potatoes. Two, you need to be very proactive. You’re gonna be saying a lot of Merry Christmases. It would hurt but it’s worth it. Jesus is worth the pain Three, only good thoughts on Christmas day. That means you’ve got to keep the devil and whatever comes with it out of your mind. Four, be nice to everyone even your enemies. If my grandma holds your hands tomorrow, don’t fall for it. It’s just for the show. Five, make sure you eat a lot. Christmas ain’t Christmas without feasting Crinka so be sure to enjoy it.” “I wil

she told him as she opened up her treasure box on her table and handed him a large wad of money. At that, Zander turned to Lex with a smile and said, “I told you that you could trust Claudia to help you. The girl is more capable than you think. Go easy on her, she just wanted to protect you. But Claudia, on the same note, how would you take care of us if you keep working so hard?” At Lex’s puzzled look, Claudia said, “there is seven hundred there because I know you wanted that dragon to put on your alter at home and I still have one hundred in my chest for me to eat.”

I flicked my wrist, checking the time before turning back to look at her. “They're rehearsing with the others,” my steps faltered at her words. “You need to hear them sing Ms Wilson, absolutely beautiful,” she gushed still oblivious to my rising anger directed at her. “I'm pretty sure I made it clear that my kids won't be a part of any of the school's Christmas celebrations,” I said in a deadly calm voice that had her shuffling on her feet before stuttering out the next words.

Maybe it was just coincidence, or maybe it was fate — but I was not questioning it anymore. The music that played from the box was a lovely rendition of “The Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker. And yet again, I was struck by how utterly perfect his choice of gift was for me. It was all beyond a coincidence. I didn’t follow any sort of religion, but clearly it was all meant to be. Nestled inside of the box, safely within the confines of the lush, velvet interior, were two envelopes, both addressed to me. One had “read me first” written on it.

It was getting more thrilling to think about as we neared the ballroom. I squeezed my friends’ hands as we stepped into the magical world that was Santa Claus’ Ball. From the tall ceilings hung several golden chandeliers, and again the ceiling was adorned with the warm glow of lights. A magnificently tall Christmas tree stole my attention from the corner of the room. It was decorated with giant intricate Christmas balls, silver tinsel, and beautiful vintage ornaments. Red bows were tied here and there, and a giant crystal star shone at the top of the tree. There was a smattering of wrapped-up presents under the tree, prizes for drawings and games. Each window around the room was affixed with

“Everyone deserves something good tonight… even if it’s only a moment.” The music suddenly shifted, the upbeat songs sliding into a slow, soft Christmas melody—the kind with warm violins and gentle bells. Immediately, all around us, couples began to move to the dance floor and danced. Then the ten-minute countdown for Christmas began. The man lowered his voice and pointed toward the dance floor. “Care to dance with me?”

"Um... the neighbors... let's invite them over. And I have some friends from high school. I can call them up." "I don't know," I said. "I mean... it's really late and most people just want to be with family." "It's a holiday!" she bounced to her feet, boiling over with dancing energy. "It's the perfect day to have a party. Come on! Come on, let's call people!" Then she broke into song, dancing around the room. "You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid, Dasher and... Vixen. But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?"

Evangeline Snow's P.O.V. Sleigh bells ring and the all too familiar sounds of classic Christmas music pour in through my earbuds as I walked down the snow-crusted sidewalk. Closing my eyes, I hummed along to the tune of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing With lyrics written by Charles Wesley,.” Sad to say, this is probably as Christmassy as I'm going to get.