I tied Gretl's scarf then pulled on my gloves.
" Where are we going Liesl, please tell us," Marta said.
" We are going Christmas shopping," I said.
" Why isn't Grandmother coming," Brigitta asked.
" And Mother and Father," Kurt said.
" Because we are getting presents for them. Mary too," I said.
" Then let's go," Louisa said.
" How are we getting there," Friedrich asked.
" Don't worry Rolfe is driving," I laughed.
" Good," he replied. I smiled and we all walked outside and got into the car. I sat in the front beside Rolfe. In the back Friedrich had Marta on his lap, Louisa had Gretl on hers and Kurt and Brigitta were squished into the third seat, and already were fighting.
" Peace on earth and goodwill to men. Then you meet my family and hear their daily arguments," I laughed.
" Well, it's not that bad, it isn't a war," Rolfe said. I nodded and looked out the window.
" Liesl, how many days is it," Marta asked.
" Today is December 13th. So twelve days," I said.
" Look, there. Put the car there," Friedrich said, pointing. Rolfe nodded and quickly parked the car.
" Right everyone, out. Now don't go too far away," I said. I climbed out of the car and took Gretl's hand. " We'll get Mother's gift first." I walked up Regent Street with everyone else around me.
" Look at the lights. Aren't they lovely," Brigitta said.
" I can't wait for Christmas," Marta said.
" Liesl, will Father Christmas know where we are this year," Gretl asked.
" He's magic. He knows where everyone is. Look Gretl, it's the toy store," I said, stopping and looking up at the large building. " Right before we go in. Friedrich, you are going to watch the girls. Louisa you will take Kurt and Brigitta. I have a few things to do," I said, looking at my eldest brother and sister. They smiled and nodded as they realised what I was saying. We all walked in and everyone disappeared. I looked at Rolfe and smiled.
" This shouldn't take long. The hard part will be finding everyone when we are done," I said.
" So what's first," he asked.
" A new doll for Gretl and a doll's house for Marta. And dolls are on the third floor," I said, looking at a map on the wall. He nodded and we began to walk up the stairs.
It took an hour but toys were bought and were being taken to Grandmother's. We were back outside hunting for a gift for Mother and Father.
" Liesl, Liesl, look," Brigitta shouted. I walked towards her and she pointed in the shop window. " For Mother. It is a ring and you can put our birthstones in it."
" Yes, she would love that," Louisa said.
" I don't know. It's fifteen pounds," I said.
" Then there'll still be forty left," Rolfe said. I looked at everyone and nodded.
" Right then. We'll get her the ring," I said. We all walked into the jewelers and I went to the counter.
" Can I please get the ring in the window. With the birthstones," I asked. I rhymed off our birth months and we were told to wait for thirty minutes.
" I can't wait to see Mother's face," Kurt said.