Christmas Memories
It was soon Christmas, but it didn't feel like it. Lovey Howell was feeling depressed. She missed Christmas back home. It was lovely. As she sat on her chaise she remembered Christmas's of the past, those grand, wonderful Christmases.
Newport RI many, many years ago
Five year old Lovey Wentworth was very excited for Christmas. Tonight was Christmas Eve, one of the only times her family went to church.
"Nanny, I love my new Christmas dress!" Lovey was all exited as she showed off her elegant dress.
"You look wonderful, Lovey. Now let's go downstairs and show your parents." They walked down the grand staircase of the Wentworth Mansion.
"Lovey you look like quite a stylish young lady, dear", said Mrs. Wentworth.
"Thank you, mother!", Lovey replied.
"You're welcome, dear."
"You look wonderful, Lovey", said Mr. Wentworth.
"Thank you, father."
Soon the Wentworth family had arrived at their church. A historic landmark, filled with prestigious parishioners. Lovey loved the carols and hearing the Christmas story, but at only five the service seemed long and boring. By the time the service was over, little Lovey was falling asleep and could barely hold up her candle while singing Silent Night.
"Lovey, its way past your bedtime."
"I'm very sleepy Nanny. I want to sleep."
"Now I know this is your first year employed in the Wentworth family, and I hope you've remembered that we've taught our daughter there is no Santa Claus. There is no point in believing in those silly fantasies."
"Yes, Mrs. Wentworth", replied the nanny, Gertrude. When I have a daughter she won't believe in Santa she thought.
"Goodnight, dear. You'll love your presents I'm sure", said Mrs. Wentworth.
Lovey drifted out of her daydream and heard Thurston talk to her.
"Lovey, I heard on the radio that Susan Gaily has married someone on the Social Register and that Kris Kringle fellow was there!"
"You, mean Santa!"
"Right", said Thurston sarcastically.
"Oh Thurston, you're not saying that after that trial, you still don't believe!" Lovey was referring to the trial where a lawyer defended a man who said he was Santa in 1947, in New York City.
"Well is the U.S Post Office really competent authority?"
"I think so, dear! "Is Susan's husband an attorney? If so, I hope he is as good as Susan's stepfather."
"Yes, he is in corporate law."
"Oh, that's nice. I'm so glad her mother and grandmother were both able to believe! I only wish my former nanny didn't have to wait to her deathbed to believe in Santa."
New York Home for the Aged, 1947
"Doris, Kris, Susan, I believe now. I don't have much time left here on this earth and I feel I must tell Lovey I believe and ask her to forgive me for not letting her believe", said Gertrude.
"I can write the letter for you, mother."
"Thank you, Doris. Let her know that I have passed away when I do."
"Oh Mother, I will! Oh mother I'm so glad you believe now. I know how unbelievable it can seem when you first believe."
"Grandmother I love you!", Susan said hugging her grandmother.
"So do I, dear."
"I'm glad you believe in me, Gertrude. You know, you look very much like my wife", said Kris.
"People have told me I look like her. If only I could meet her one day. Now Doris are you ready to write my letter?"
"Yes, Mother."
"And that is how nanny believed on her deathbed according to Doris", Lovey explained.
"Oh how interesting." Thurston still was an unbeliever.
"Oh Thurston, I'll never forget our first Christmas together, but it's almost time for dinner, dear."
"Yes, I suppose so dear."
The Howells went off to their Christmas Eve dinner of fish and coconut cream pie. Lovey couldn't wait to reminisce about her first year as a Howell.