Christmas Day
Meredith and Cormac have set their alarms extra early knowing Christmas day adds a few extra tasks to their before work routine. "Morning, Merry Christmas," Meredith says, turning off her alarm and kissing her husband.
"Do we need to get up?" he says teasing.
"Bah humbug! Let's go. Your Santa tie and our holiday scrub caps are on your dresser," she says, getting out of bed and throwing on Christmas leggings and a black long sweater.
"I'll get the coffee on," Cormac says as he heads downstairs, quietly turning the coffee pot on so they could have some for their drive. They pull out the bin of presorted items from Santa and quickly set up the living room to look as if Santa has visited.
Meredith and Cormac have done most of their shopping from the local shops that set up in the hospital lobby. A local seamstress makes matching scrub caps, undies and boxers, so she's ordered special sets for the family members at university or working at hospitals. For the twins, she ordered them undies and workout shorts. A local company brought in fun socks, so everyone got a few pairs of compression socks for work or sports, and some fun ankle socks for all. One of the soap makers at Pike Place Market had arranged a special order and delivery at the hospital, so everyone got some natural soap, shampoo and shaving products. The rest of the stocking is filled with favourite chocolate treats, a candy cane and a Starbucks gift card.
Heading into the hospital, they meet the happy staff, now heading home, many are parents who'd worked the overnight shift so they could be home in time to exchange presents with their kids. It is a great atmosphere in the hospital, the nurses have organized treats and the coffee cart guy came in at 11am and delivered some fresh Christmas blend coffee and peppermint hot chocolate to each of the nurses stations.
Cormac and the interns quickly distribute small bags to each child in the peds ward with a small game or puzzle, a candy cane and a fancy pillow case. The pillow cases have been sewn by volunteers and donated by Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, the fun is always trying to match the pillowcases to each child.
Meredith is covering the ER when she receives a text from her children saying they are heading to Amelia and Link's for brunch. Her crazy kids have taken a photo with their new scrub caps, shorts and socks on and sent it to her to show they appreciated the gifts. She also receives a photo from Austin and some of his sick kids he's working with, at work in the peds department on the other side of the country. As he was working peds, she'd ensured he had a special fun scrub cap early with Santa and reindeers on it.
Brunch is a huge spread of food, but mainly because of the number of people at the table. Everyone helps get the food ready and on the table, chatting and enjoying time together. Amelia and Link hand out small gifts to all the cousins after they finish cleaning up from the meal. The kids living on the east coast get gift cards to the local grocery stores , knowing that as university students having a few extra dollars to spend at the grocery store is always helpful. The twins got pre-paid tickets for the local movie theatre.
"Auntie Amy, can Harriet come over?" Ellis asks.
"El, what did mom say?" Amelia asks not wanting to get in trouble from Meredith.
"That I wasn't to go out, and I needed to spend the day with family," she answers.
"And?"
"But she could come here and hang out with everyone?" Ellis pleads.
"Only if it's OK with Jackson. But you two need to stay here, not head back to your house until everyone heads over there," Amelia relents.
"Thanks Auntie Amy!" Ellis says bouncing off to call Harriet.
By mid afternoon the cousins were all playing games, chatting and hanging out for the afternoon. Knowing dinner would be served late, Harriet, Ellis and Zola make some nachos and a veggie platter for everyone to snack on.
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
Amelia and Link sneak off to their room to grab an afternoon nap before heading into the hospital to relieve Cormac and Meredith. They knew they'd need a bit of a rest if the evening was busy at the hospital. Christmas day was always hit or miss, sometimes crazy and other times calm. As Amelia slides off her leggings and slips under the covers, she says to her husband, "I'm so glad they are all getting along."
"So true. Do you want some music on? Or will you fall asleep listening to the kids?" Link asks.
"Maybe some music, and then come here and cuddle," she says.
"On my way," he says turning on some light music, shedding his clothes and slipping into bed cuddling behind Amelia and wrapping her in his arms.
"I love you," Amelia whispers, wiggling into his embrace.
"Love you too."
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
Maggie and Winston had Christmas day off, but would be working December 26, so they offered to prepare dinner and bring it over to Meredith's house where the whole clan, minus Austin, Amelia and Link, will assemble for dinner. Maggie, Winston and Spencer have spent the morning with Richard, Catherine, Jackson and Harriet.
Maggie cooks a traditional meal, having purchased a large locally grown, free range turkey along with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and brussel sprouts. Catherine had sent over dessert, a trifle and plum pudding, purchased from the bakery at Pike Place Market.
Meredith and Cormac arrive home to see the table set and smell the wonderful meal ready to eat. As they all sit at the table, Cormac stands to address his family.
"I'm so happy for the family that can gather today. We are thankful so many of our family is here this week. We are thinking of those of our family who are unable to join us today, my Mom and Dad in Ireland, Austin and Abby's parents in Philadelphia, Carolyn, Kate, Nancy, Lizzie and their families in New York. And to Amelia and Link and all other staff at Grey-Sloan tonight. And special thanks to Maggie and Winston for making dinner.
We are blessed
With the spirit of the season, which is peace,
The gladness of the season, which is hope,
And the heart of the season, which is love.
Nollaig faoi Shéan is faoi shonas duit."
The kids took turns working in the kitchen putting the few left overs away, and cleaning up after dinner before bringing dessert into the living room with some Irish Coffees and hot chocolate for those not wanting whiskey. They settle in and hand out the few remaining presents under the tree including a card from all the kids.
"To Mom and Dad,
Enjoy a weekend away at the beach.
Your choice Ireland or New England
With Love, Liam & Arianna, Austin,
Zola, Bailey, Ellis & Harriet
Kayleigh and Alex
Airfare NOT included!"
"I guess we get a special weekend away when visiting them or your parents," Meredith laughs.
"Hmm, ulterior motive to get us to visit?" Cormac teases. Meredith and Cormac stand up and work their way around the room hugging their kids, and not wanting to leave anyone out, they give hugs to Amelia and Link's 3 kids as well as Spencer.
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
