Part 3 of the 10th annual REAL World Holiday Marathon by Sammy, Ilna and Mari

AN's in part 1

Footprints, Festivities and Holding Fire

Sitting in Nonna's living room, the smell of pine cones dipped in cinnamon filled the air as DJ and Joan sat next to Nonna and exchanged glances.

Nonna grinned, her eyes crinkling with her smile. "What's got my bambini so excited? You two can barely sit still."

DJ shifted in his seat, glancing around before speaking to make sure he wouldn't be overheard. "We want to talk to you about something, Nonna."

Joan nodded eagerly in agreement, her blond ponytail bouncing with her movements. "Yeah, something really important."

Nonna leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. "What is it, my darlings?"

DJ took a deep breath and whispered. "You know how much Angie loves Santa…"

Nonna nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Of course, everyone loves Santa." She expected what was coming, having heard it from two previous generations of children, but her expression remained absolutely neutral.

Joan smiled. "We told our parents we knew they were Santa after last Christmas and they told us something super special," she looked at her cousin to continue.

"Right. They told us we're part of Santa now. We can spread Christmas magic for other people like they do." DJ took a breath. "And we've been waiting all year to help be Santa for Angie."

Nonna's eyes widened with delight. "Oh, that's beautiful. You're such a wonderful big brother and big cousin." She wrapped an arm around each child. "What's your plan?"

DJ beamed, his excitement contagious. "We want to make Christmas extra special for Angie. We want to make reindeer footprints outside and snowy Santa ones inside … with baking soda. Mommy looked it up for us and it doesn't stain so it won't mess up your rug and we'll clean it. Can we?"

Nonna clasped her hands together, her heart melting at their idea. "That's a perfect plan. I'm sure Angie will be over the moon; and don't you worry a bit about the rug. That's what vacuums are for."

"Thanks, Nonna!" Joan said with a huge smile.

Nonna pulled them both into another hug. "You two have such beautiful hearts. I'm so proud of you for wanting to make more Christmas happiness for Angie." She kissed each of them on the head. "Go make your plans and let me know if you need anything."

"Okay! Thanks again," DJ said as they stood and headed towards the kitchen. "Love you!"

"Love you right back, mio bambini." She watched them with a smile, thinking their innocent way of spreading joy was the true magic of the season.

Laughter and chatter filled every nook and cranny of the house as the family gathered to enjoy the traditional Nonna-level Christmas Eve feast.

"Hey, put a couple of meatballs on my plate, Angela," Danny called over his shoulder as he juggled a platter of steaming lasagna, expertly balancing it as he navigated through the bustling kitchen.

"Here you go," his sister replied, and Nonna beamed as she piled on five meatballs.

"Leave some of those for the rest of us," Theresa teased her siblings as Danny and Angela shared a knowing look before simultaneously rolling their eyes.

Steve watched the lively scene, enjoying every minute of the extended family coming together. He reached out to Catherine, brushing his hand against hers as they shared a smile amid the joyful chaos.

"Mommy, Mommy, look at what I got!" Angie's voice rang out as she headed towards Catherine, balancing a plate with lasagna, sausage and peppers and several sides.

Catherine bent down to kiss her head. "That looks amazing, use two hands and walking feet, please."

"I've got her," Danny's mom said. "Come on, sweetheart, let's get you settled at the table."

"Okay, and I'll be very very careful," she promised as she turned and headed for the dining room with Clara.

"Nonna's lasagna's one of my favorites," DJ said as he stood next to his uncle.

"Mine, too," Aaron said as he placed a helping on DJ's plate.

Nonna smiled at Deb and Ang, her eyes crinkling at the corners as all three basked in the love and warmth of their blended families. "Mangia, mangia! You're all too thin," she teased, bustling about the kitchen with her usual energy.

Between bites of delicious food, the family traded stories of old traditions and past adventures.

"Hey, Angela, remember the time you thought you saw a ghost in Nonna's attic?" Danny said, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he nudged her.

"Don't get me started. That was the power of suggestion. Joey Delorenzo was telling us ghost stories," she retorted. "I got him back though. I told him the ghost was looking for his sorry butt. He ran home."

"I love that way too much," Mary barked a laugh.

"Hey, with three older siblings, I learned the rule of never let them see you sweat early. If you remember, Danny, I very calmly came downstairs to tell Nonna I would like some knot cookies."

"Nothing quite like the festive chaos of an Italian Christmas," Theresa added, her expression filled with affection for her boisterous family.

"I can't believe you guys and Danny used to fight over who got the last cannoli," Catherine said.

"Ahh, only child, are you kidding? To the death," Danny said, toasting his siblings.

"Me and DJ never fight," Angie offered, making everyone smile. "We share very very good."

"Because you are spectacular people," Danny said with a wink. "And way better at sharing than us."

After dinner and desserts, the family gathered in the living room to exchange gifts. Most of the gifts were back at home in Los Angeles and Hawaii, but there were plenty of smaller ones for the children to open during the festivities.

Angie tore into a present, her laughter ringing through the house. "It's a goat plushie!" She squealed, hugging the soft toy tightly.

"It's so adorable," Catherine remarked, grinning at her daughter. "Thank Aunt Angela and Uncle Sal."

"Thank you! I can't wait to show Felix!" She bubbled.

DJ unwrapped a baseball card starter collection and grinned at the gift. "Woah! Thanks Uncle Danny and Aunt Gabby, this is awesome."

Joan unwrapped a set of Draw like Walt Disney art supplies and giggled with delight. "I can't wait to fill my sketchbook with all the princesses, thanks, Aunt Deb!"

"I expect a masterpiece when we get home," Deb teased, earning a chuckle from the room.

"And now it's time for Nonna's gifts, my bambini," Nonna announced, passing out beautifully wrapped presents to each of the kids.

The room filled with ooohs and ahhhs as the kids tore into their gifts, each one more thoughtful than the last.

"Oh, thank you, Nonna! The Boxcar Children." Joan was delighted.

"She's wanted to read them since Aunt Deb told her about them," Aaron said.

"I can't wait to start the first one!" She exclaimed, hugging the books to her chest.

"Nonna got me all the Cubs cards for my collection!" DJ grinned, holding them up. "And a Rizzo tshirt. Thanks, I love them!"

"Goat socks and a goat shirt… wait, it's FELIX!" Angie declared, her eyes dancing. "It's Felix on my shirt and socks! I love you Nonna! She flung herself at the great grandma with sheer joy.

"You are all very welcome, my darlings," Nonna said, her heart full seeing their excitement.

While Steve, Catherine, Grace, Deb, Mary, Aaron and Joan prepared for Midnight Mass with Nonna, Angie twirled around in her blue and white snowflake dress, her curls bouncing as she giggled and sang Let it Go with Joan.

Aaron grinned as he watched the kids. "Hey, guys, we're heading to church soon, grab your coats. Your little nap to stay awake worked, hmmm, Angie?"

Angie nodded, "I'm not even a little tired."

Meanwhile, Nonna placed her hand on Catherine's arm. "It's going to be a magical night, they'll love the choir."

Steve helped Angie button her coat. "Ready for church with Nonna? Remember we have to be very quiet in the church."

"I'll remember," she grinned up at him with Catherine's smile and he kissed her cheek.

At the church, the choir filled the air with carols and Angie was captivated by their voices. She leaned into Aunt Deb and whispered, "They sing almost as good as you," earning her a hug and kiss from her great aunt.

Before Mass began, the lights dimmed almost to complete darkness and candles were passed throughout the congregation. All three children were in awe of the sight and Nonna smiled softly at their expressions.

After the Mass, the family stepped out into the freezing night. Nonna stood at the church steps, her smile radiant as she chatted with Father Joe, and introduced him to Angie, DJ and the California family. "Oh, mio Dio. Such a beautiful Mass, father. Don't forget to stop by this week and visit." She turned to Angie. "And now you children need to get tucked in bed. Santa will be arriving before you know it." Taking Steve's arm she turned and winked at DJ and Joan, who straightened and nodded with small, excited smiles.

Back at the house, Angie snuggled under the covers as Catherine asked, "Did you like Nonna's church?"

She nodded against her pillow. "Yes. The best part was when they turn the lights off and you get to hold fire." Catherine chuckled. "And everybody sang. Can we have candles like that at home?"

"Not with Cammie, Pumpkin and Luna, baby girl, but I bet we can find some battery-operated ones."

"Thanks, Mommy," she said with a sleep heavy voice. "I better go to sleep now so Santa can come. I'll see you in the morning."

THE END

thanks for reading - stay tuned as the marathon continues tomorrow

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