December 25th, 1990
Dear Daddy,
IT'S CHRISTMAS! IT'S CHRISTMAS! IT'S CHRISTMAS!
Last night, Mommy and I went to the chapel for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. I didn't really want to go, but Mommy bought me a brand-new Christmas dress, and she said I could wear it. Besides, she said it was a family tradition to go to a Christmas Eve church service. I asked her why we couldn't stay at home and eat popcorn and drink hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies, like Maddie and her family. Mommy said that was Maddie and her family's tradition, and that we couldn't steal their tradition.
The candlelight service was really fun! Mommy let me hold my own candle, and I even got to light it all by myself! At the very end, someone turned out all the lights in the chapel, and all you could see were the candles flickering in the darkness. Then we sang "Silent Night" and had a moment of silence to pray. I prayed for you, Daddy, and for everyone else with you who isn't going to be home for Christmas.
When we got home, it was really late, and Mommy made me go to bed because Santa doesn't bring toys to boys and girls who are awake. I told her that I didn't believe in Santa, but she still said there might not be any presents under the tree if I didn't go right to sleep!
I woke up really early today. My clock next to my bed said "6:04 am." I went and crawled in bed with Mommy, just like always. Then, I tried to wake her up. She wouldn't budge at all. All of a sudden, she rolled over and began to tickle me! Once I finally finished laughing, she said, "Let's go see what all presents are under the tree!"
I had to go to my room and get Mommy's present. When I got to the living room and looked under the tree, I was sooo surprised! There were so many presents under the tree, and my stocking was really full too!
After we finished opening presents [I love all my gifts (the sparkly green nail polish is my favorite!), and Mommy really loves her necklace], Mommy and I ate breakfast. It was delicious! We had cinnamon rolls, fruit salad, and orange juice, just like we do every year.
While we were eating, the doorbell rang. Mommy looked surprised and went to go get it. And guess who it was? It was Grandpa Jackson! He came for a surprise visit! He hugged me and Mommy really tight and said that getting to see us was one of the best Christmas presents he ever got! He even brought the mug that I got him for Christmas along with him and said that he loves it! He had a package for me, too. When I opened it, there was a pretty pink shirt that said, "World's Best Granddaughter." It's PERFECT!
Merry Christmas, Daddy! I miss you a lot right now! I really wish you could've been here! I guess my Christmas wish didn't come true after all...I hope it does come true though. It doesn't have to come true at Christmas. What matters most is that it DOES come true. I love you soooo much!
Love,
Kelly
A/N: Merry Christmas, everyone!
And to all those who are away from their families this Christmas, whether because of a job or inability to travel or for any reason at all, just know that you are not alone, and I wish you the merriest of Christmases! :)
Again, thanks so much for reading! :)