A/N: So, I have been busy with school and when not busy I just forgot about the story. Here's the next chapter.
Chapter 5: Christmas
Mary and Laura raced out of their classrooms to gather their coats. It was December 20th, and the last day of schooling before Christmas was finally over. Ma was waiting for them in the schoolyard as usual. As soon as they saw her, Mary and Laura ran over to her. When they got to Ma the girls slowed to a walk, and the three Ingalls women left the schoolyard hand-in-hand and skipping.
As soon as they got home the girls put their school supplies away. Neither of them had homework for the break, so they just wanted to forget about school. Everyone settled into her chore so as to get it over with as quickly as possible.
Laura finished her chores quickly so disappeared to wrap the gifts she had made. Mary did the same thing, so Ma decided to take the opportunity herself. After that the girls picked up sewing and Ma mending to fill the gap before supper. All too soon, it was time to get supper.
That evening after supper, the Ingalls family began their usual after-dinner conversation. The discussion of the day was what the plans were going to be for celebrating Christmas. The family decided that they would go to the Christmas service on Christmas morning, and then have dinner and the traditional Christmas gift exchange. Laura brought up the excellent idea to invite the Olesons and Garveys to have a Christmas celebration. That way, the families would not be so homesick for Walnut Grove at this holiday time. Ma said she would stop by the Olesons the next day on her way to pick the girls up from school, and Pa said he would do the same for the Garveys.
The next day after work, Ma walked quickly down the street toward the Oleson's shop. As it was December, the wind was fierce. Soon she came to the shop, and went inside.
"How lovely to see you, Mrs. Ingalls!" said Mrs. Oleson.
"It is nice to see you too", said Ma.
"What can I do for you on this fine day?" asked Mrs. Oleson.
"Charles and I were talking with the girls yesterday evening about Christmas plans, and we were wondering if you and your family would like to spend the afternoon with us. The Garveys will be invited as well. It will sort of be Walnut Grove in St. Louis."
"We'd love to come, Mrs. Ingalls." said Mrs. Oleson.
The two women said goodbye and Ma left the shop.
That day at supper, Ma reported that the Olesons had accepted her invitation. Pa said that the Garveys were more than willing to spend Christmas with the Ingalls and Olesons. They even suggested that they have the event at the row house the two families owned, and use it all. The plans were finalized, and the family rested well.
On Christmas morning, Laura and Mary woke up early. They needed to have time to do their chores before getting dressed especially for Christmas. They quickly made their bed, got dressed in their everyday dresses, and swept the floor. When that was done, they clambered down the ladder to do the rest of the pre-breakfast chores. Ma was already up and getting breakfast ready. Laura grabbed her coat and hurried out to feed the hens. She was able to get her chores done quickly and then went back inside with Pa for breakfast.
Ma had made hotcakes and salt pork. Because it was a special day, she brought out some of the precious fruit that had been harvested over the warm months and brought to St. Louis. Everyone sat down at the table and Pa said grace. "God, may you bless us on this day of your son's birth. Help us to not become greedy from getting whatever gifts we may receive today. Help us to have a good day. Bless this food that we are about to eat. Amen". Everyone else replied "Amen" and then dug in to the delicious fruit and salt pork and usual hotcakes.
After everyone was finished eating, Laura and Mary helped Ma clear the table and did the dishes. Then they had to hurry to change into their Christmas clothes. Ma had made the girls and herself each new red dresses, and Charles a new red shirt.
When everyone was dressed in their finery they set out for the church. On their way they passed many other families heading to churches or homes of relatives. Once inside the church, they hung their outer garments in the cloak room and went into the church and sat in a pew. The Ingalls saw that the Olesons and Garveys were also in attendance. The service soon began.
After the service, the Olesons went home to get what they were going to bring, but the Ingallses and Garveys walked home together. Everyone changed back to his or her everyday clothes. Ma began to cook furiously, and Pa went outside to gather more wood for her fire. Laura and Mary set the tables for the 11 attendees. There was to be a kids' table and an adults' table. Soon the tables were set, so Laura sat down with her sampler and Mary helped Ma in the kitchen.
Soon the Olesons arrived at the row house. Ma finished up her cooking and everyone sat down to eat. Ma had prepared a goose and all the trimmings. She filled all the plates after grace was said. Everyone helped him or herself to the side dishes.
Ma engaged in pleasant conversation with Mrs. Garvey and Mrs. Oleson. They talked about St. Louis, their jobs, their families, and life in general. Everyone had been busy getting ready for the holidays, so there had not been many opportunities for chit-chat.
When everyone was finished, Mary and Laura, with the help of Nellie, cleared the tables. Then Ma and Mrs. Garvey, with the help of Mary and Laura, did the dishes. Mrs. Oleson did not want to do someone else's dishes. Even without the help of Mrs. Oleson, the women were able to finish the dishes quickly.
Next it was time for gifts. The girls passed out all the gifts to their various recipients. Everyone opened theirs and thanked the giver.
(A/N: For the sake of time, I'm not going to come up with the gifts).
Ma, Mrs. Garvey, and Mrs. Oleson, and Pa, Mr. Garvey, and Mr. Oleson talked for a long time. Eventually Mrs. Oleson declared that it was late and time for Willie and Nellie to go home and go to bed. The Garveys went to their apartment, and the Ingalls family to their.