Christmas
December finally came, and the McManson home became decorated with cheerful lights and plastic snowmen. Many neighbors, the same who had happily given them housewarming gifts, now brought gifts for Christmas, and the McMansons were also giving gifts to anyone who breathed. It was all part of the spirit of the season.
Adam was ecstatic about Christmas. He had been given stuff on Christmas before, but this time he had something really special that he wanted. He had been begging his mother and father to get him his very own Pokemon to keep as a pet. He put it as such: "I'll take anything that lives in a Poke Ball."
Kris and Chris had been seriously debating whether to grant little Adam's wish. They knew he was too young to know how to battle, or what battling was even about, and a Pokemon might make a very good pet and Christmas gift. On the other hand, it could be dangerous, as Adam had a habit of "playing too rough" with animals, and they were afraid his Pokemon might wind up attacking him.
And then it was Christmas eve. Adam streaked into the kitchen where Kristal was baking.
"Mommy, mommy!"
"What is it, honey? The cookies are almost ready."
"No, mommy! Didja get me a Pokemon?"
Kris smiled to herself. "You'll have to wait and see, dear."
"Aww, come on, tell me!"
"Nope!"
"Meanie!"
"That's right," Kris roared, pulling her son into a bear hug, "I'm a mean mommy! And I'll tickle you till you explode!"
"Oh no! No!" Adam squealed, fearing the all mighty tickle monster. He struggled, hysterical laughing, and finally his mother set him down.
"I'll call you when the cookies are ready." She told him.
And so it was that Christmas dinner was eaten with a very jovial aura about the table, and finally it was time to go to sleep.
"Can't I open one present now?" Adam whined.
"Nope!" Chris said, picking his son up and putting him on his shoulders. "Time to go to sleep! And the sooner you wake up, the sooner you can open your presents!"
"Oh boy!" Quite tuckered out, Adam fell asleep two minutes after he was set down on his bed.
Adam slept peacefully, his soul lost in dreamland. He dreamt of an angel that flew before him, laughing and singing. But then, the angel was struck by a bolt of lightning, and she split into particles of fire and ice and dropped away. And then Adam's body began to shake, faster and faster. And the voice of a man echoed.
"Wake up! Wake up! It's Christmas morning!"
Adam sprang awake to see his father shaking him, the sun peeking up over the eastern side of the volcano in the distance.
"Christmas!" Adam cried, scampering downstairs at record speed.
"Wait, son!" Chris called, waking Kristal up. "Let's go watch our boy open his presents." He told his wife.
"Mmm… good morning, dear. He's up already?"
"Yes. Come on, he'll be so surprised!"
Once Kris and Chris had been seated on the couch, camcorder in hand, Adam began to open his gifts. The first gift was a big Wingull and Pikachu poster.
"Wow, thanks!"
The second one was a giant stuffed Squirtle doll.
"Awesome!"
The third was a "Spoink and Me: Psychic Adventures" animated video.
"All right!"
And finally, there was a small square box. Adam eagerly tore it open, to reveal……… (I could be really mean and put To Be Continued right here… but I'm benevolent, and men of the church don't do that. So, onward!) A Azumarill sweater.
Adam's face dropped.
"What's the matter, sweetheart?" Kris asked.
"There's no Pokemon." Adam said, crossing his arms and pouting.
"Don't feel bad, son." Chris told him. "Come on, let me cut the tags off that sweater. Can you get me the scissors out of my desk drawer?"
"Hmmph." Adam got up and stalked into the den.
The parents waited, and right on time, they heard his scream of joy as he streaked back into the living room, holding a hidden gift over his head.
"Why, what did you find?" Chris asked, not being able to help grinning.
Adam ripped the wrapping off, and popped open the box, and almost fainted from happiness. There, sitting in bubble wrap, was a shining Poke Ball. Not wasting a moment, he picked it up and heaved it to the ground.
Light filled the room for a moment, and when it faded, there stood a Poochyena, its black coat shining in the morning light.
"Whoaaa!" Adam cried. "It's the best!" He ran to his new pet and gave it an impetuous hug. Poochyena barked and licked Adam's face, happy to meet his new friend. "Thanks, mom and dad!"
Kris and Chris put their arms around each other. "You're welcome, son." Chris said. "What are you going to name it?"
Adam hugged his pet again. "I'm going to name it Buddy, because he's my buddy."
Buddy barked.
"I'd say this has been a wonderful Christmas," Kris said, kissing her husband.
"Indeed." Chris agreed, as they watched their son playing with his new companion.