It was only a few days left to Christmas. Today was the last day of school for both the students and the faculty. I decided to have a party for my class. There was no need for Secret Santa. I did bring some of the things I'd used to joke about through my college and high school years, such as glasses with a nose to go with it.

I'd bought along some decorations from home and had the kids help me put the decorations up. While having the classroom with the lights off, I turned the radio for some distraction. Once I turned on the radio, "The Christmas Song" began. Before I told my students there would be a potluck for sweets. The kids got all excited.

I knew for sure there would be plenty leftover for my after – school session. My classroom was one of those rooms that had a window. My room was on the second floor. The bell was about to ring for winter break when the snow outside grew heavier.

"All right, Class. I will see you again in January, so have a safe and fun vacation. When you get back, we will tell what we did for Christmas."

The class seemed to like the idea.

"What are you doing this Christmas, Mr. Malph?" one of the kids asked after raising his hand.

"I'm not sure. I have my boys here with me for the holiday, but I want to see if my ex – wife and I can get back together again, but you all don't want to hear this long story. My family isn't that exciting enough to share."

"How long were you married before you broke up?" another student asked.

"Not very long. I did meet her parents, but they didn't go for me. Now both her parents are dead, so they can't tell her who she wants to marry. I thought her parents were friendly. I met her parents the week before I started teaching here, so that's why Mr. Webber was here."

"Do you think you and your ex – wife will remarry?" a third student asked.

"Only if she wants to. That's up to her, not me. I do want to get back together with her."

The kids had more sweets since time was getting short. The time on the wall read 3:10. There was only five more minutes before school was out for Christmas and New Year holidays.

Once the bell rang, I wished them Merry Christmas and Happy New Year once I watched them leave. I still couldn't believe 2013 had flown fast and now 2014 was approaching. I stood in my spot by the classroom door and watched as the kids of all ages walked in. Today looked like a full house.

It was a good thing but it usually gave me some new kids by the year. Some of them have mastered the music level. I switched back and forth from piano to trivia. I thought I would do something different than most music teachers. While in my after – school session, I played Christmas music like I would with my other students.

I would sometimes bring Norman and Jay along with me since I would teach music on the weekends in the summer. Only in the summer, when Jay and Norman were with me, I only taught music at my house since school was out of session. Six o'clock arrived quickly and I and saw the last of parents and their kids left, I grabbed my things, locked the door and drove home.

My house was dark once I pulled in the driveway. It was starting to pick up a bit faster once I parked in the garage. In the winter like this, I usually didn't drive much, but only in the winter if necessary, I'd have to drive my car if I needed anything. I was exhausted today I didn't bother making supper.

My house was a two – story with a two – door garage, three bedrooms, two baths, master bedroom on the second floor, an office, guest room, kitchen and dining room. I had the TV set in the living room like most houses did. Once walking in my bedroom, I took off my jacket and boots and the light was out once I fell on my back after hitting the pillow. This Christmas, I'd planned on sleeping in.

Note: Reason I mentioned 2013 because that was the story I wrote a few years ago and hadn't done anything with this one since. I'm going to finish this story, so enjoy.