Author's Note: I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday. For anyone who was confused that the last chapter was similar to a previous one, I had posted the same entry in two different chapters. It has been fixed.
[James Potter]
Friday, December 26, 1980
Hello Harry, it's the day after Christmas. Lily and I visited the neighbors a few days ago, but we've been having Christmas with family; Sirius came over, and stayed with us for a couple of days. He's leaving soon, but it was really nice having him here.
It was your first Christmas, and you certainly enjoyed it. We might have over done it with the decorations, though. H well, I'm sure we can find another use for enchanted snitches playing holiday music, right? Right.
It was a great Christmas, one of the best. Even Sirius behaved himself (mostly). No one's shoes were glued to the floor, and no cakes exploded, so I count that as a huge success. With enough eggnog, someone might even think he's matured a bit. What fools they'd be.
So I'm sure you're curious what we got? No? Well then bugger off, because I'm going to talk about it anyway. You got some age-appropriate toys, and I received some broom supplies. Sirius of course got some nice gifts for us, and some that had to be tossed put before they exploded. It's kind of a tradition for us. I have to figure out what will explode before I lose my eyebrows. I've only lost once. We don't talk about that year.
If you remember, I think someone told you, Lily asked only for some art and decorations to spruce up the house. She thought it was still a little bland. It was kinda shortsighted of her, though, not to ask for anything specific. Remus, the brick, sent this lovely painting he found in a shop somewhere. It's hanging in the living room now.
But that was the best of it. Lily's sister, Petunia, sent this hideous vase. It's truly horrid, and I'm not just saying that because I can't stand the woman and her husband. Lily can't stand it either, but she's too stubborn to throw it out. She put it up on a table, saying that it was only polite. Just between us, I think she's hoping the cat will knock it over. I certainly am. I would have broken it myself if I wasn't so afraid that Lily would kill me for it.
So now we've got this hideous thing taking up a whole table. Truly, it's a monstrosity. I'm telling you in hope that you haven't heard it before. And the only way that would happen would be if the vase was broken before you read this. If not, I formally give you the task of smashing the damn thing.
I've told Sirius as well, but I'm not sure if he will risk Lily's wrath for it. She hates the thing as much as I do, but she'll be angry if someone breaks it on purpose- it was a gift from her sister. If Sirius decided to take it out of our misery, he'll do it very, very carefully. He never really did much in classes, but when he wants to, Sirius can scheme like no other.
But changing the subject, Remus got you some muggle children books. We've already gotten you the traditional magical fables. You can't read yet of course, but Lily likes to read to you, and show you the pictures. Bully for Remus with the books- Lily really liked them, seemed to recognize them. I guess Remus is spending a lot of time with Muggles, then. I hope it's not because of the Order. I'd hate if he was away working so close to Christmas. I mean, I know, it's war and we must all do what we can, but still. I feel bad. He should take a break.
Especially since Lily and I are still stuck here. For once it's a blessing, but I still feel guilty.
And Peter... Well I haven't seen Peter in a while. He's been busy, though with what I have no idea. It's probably Order business. I would have invited him for Christmas, but he's probably spending it with his mother. She gets lonely I imagine. I should send them both an owl.
It'll be the New Year soon. Imagine that- 1981. I wonder what will happen. Hopefully the end of this bloody war.
Much love,
Dad.