The Christmas morning at Avebury Manor was a scene of serene joy and warmth. They had two distinct Christmas trees. The first one stood proudly in the grand hall, decked out with all sorts of shiny baubles and lights and it was so tall it reached up to the gallery above. This tree was all about the manor's grand side and it served the more formal purpose.
But the real heart of the family's Christmas was the second tree, in their cozy sitting room upstairs. This one was smaller but still pretty big and had its own charm with loads of decorations. It made the room feel warm and welcoming, especially with the big, soft rug that was perfect for lounging on.
As they entered inside, a fire crackled invitingly in the fireplace, casting a cozy glow across the room. Above the mantel, festive decorations added to the holiday spirit, with garlands and holly draped elegantly around. On a nearby table, a tray of cookies, alongside cups of tea and glasses of milk, was prepared, awaiting the family's Christmas morning ritual. The children's eyes danced with excitement as they took in the festive scene.
John, with a twinkle in his eye, gathered the children around. "Let's start with this one," he said, directing them to a large box sitting prominently among the other gifts. Its size alone made it intriguing, and the children were beaming with curiosity.
Marguerite, standing beside John, leaned in closer to the box. She could have sworn she heard a faint noise coming from inside it.
Gathered on the comfy rug that covered the floor, the Roxton family huddled around the large, mysterious box.
As John carefully undid the ribbon and opened the box, a small, excited movement could be seen inside. The children leaned in closer, their eyes wide with anticipation. To their delight, a Rough Collie puppy, with fluffy fur and curious eyes, peeked out from the box.
"Puppy!" Isabelle and Juliette cheered in unison.
William, with a look of pure wonder, gently scooped the puppy into his arms. Holding it close, he looked up with a smile that spread across his face. "Father Christmas knew exactly what I wanted," he declared, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and delight.
The puppy, nestled comfortably in William's arms, looked up at him with trusting eyes, as if acknowledging the special bond that was already beginning to form.
Marguerite turned to John, her eyes shining with adoration and gratitude. "John, this is adorable. Thank you." she said, her voice warm with appreciation. The tender moment between them spoke volumes of their deep love and shared joy in bringing happiness to their children.
As the children eagerly continued unwrapping more presents, the family remained seated together on the comfy rug, enveloped in the joyous chaos of Christmas morning. Marguerite, while petting the new puppy, looked up at John with curiosity.
"How did you manage this?" she asked.
John, with a smile, replied, "Oh, the puppy arrived yesterday and spent the night in the kitchen. They brought him up just before we entered." His eyes twinkled with the satisfaction of having successfully pulled off the surprise.
Marguerite continued to stroke the puppy gently, looking at it with fondness. "It's so cute. What shall we name it?" she asked, smiling at her family.
John responded, "It's a boy, and it's up to all of you to pick the right name."
Turning to William, Marguerite asked, "William, darling, do you have a preference for the name?"
William paused and took on a thoughtful look. His young mind seemed to weigh the importance of this decision, understanding the significance of giving their new family member a name. His eyes lit up with inspiration as he announced "Archimedes" after his favourite mathematician.
Marguerite smiled, delighted with the choice. "Perfect. We can call him Archie for short," she said, her voice reflecting her approval of the thoughtful and unique name.
One of the presents was a train set with a railway. John and William carefully arranged the railway track across the room. They worked together, connecting pieces and setting up the train, their faces showing concentration and enjoyment. The tracks weaved around furniture, creating an intricate railway network on the floor. John guided William with gentle suggestions, while William's youthful enthusiasm brought a fresh perspective. Together, they tested each section, ensuring the train would smoothly glide along the tracks, their shared project fostering a special bond between father and son.
Meanwhile, Isabelle, with her new dolls, found a comforting spot beside Marguerite, snuggling into her embrace. Marguerite wrapped her arms around Isabelle, kissing her on the head and gently stroking her hair. Isabelle showed her mother each doll, her voice filled with excitement while in return Marguerite offered kind words about the dolls, making Isabelle beam with pride.
Juliette, full of energy, was playing a lively game of chase with Archie, the puppy. The puppy, full of energy and curiosity, playfully dodged and darted around the room, with Juliette in hot pursuit. Their laughter and barks filled the room as they played. At one point, their spirited chase led them under the Christmas tree, causing a gentle rustle among the presents and decorations, adding to the cheerful chaos of the morning.
As the morning unfolded, Marguerite and John found a moment of tranquility on the sofa. John, with a tender gesture, wrapped his arm around Marguerite's shoulder. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes reflecting a serene happiness. Together, they watched their children play on the rug in front of the Christmas tree. The room resonated with the children's laughter and the playful barks of the puppy, creating a scene filled with family, love and the joyful spirit of holidays.
"Happy Christmas, my love," John said, his voice warm with affection.
Marguerite, lifting her head to look at him, responded with a tender smile, "Happy Christmas." The simple exchange between them was filled with years of shared memories and a deep, enduring love.
Juliette, feeling the warmth and comfort of the family moment, climbed onto the sofa. With the innocence and affection only a child possesses, she nestled into Marguerite's lap, seeking a cuddle. Marguerite, wrapping her arms around Juliette, held her close, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Juliette began to sing in her sweet, two-year-old voice, "Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!"
Marguerite turned to John, a smile on her face. "Nanny has been teaching them Christmas carols."
"How wonderful," John replied, his eyes twinkling with delight.
Just then, Isabelle approached John, holding out an empty toy tea cup. She handed it to him, and he pretended to drink, exclaiming, "Delicious!"
"It's hot!" Isabelle warned.
John playfully pretended to burn his tongue, causing Isabelle to giggle. Everyone joined in the laughter.
"Sing a song, Mummy!" urged Juliette.
Marguerite shook her head playfully. "I don't think so. My voice is terrible."
John countered, "Darling, I'd hardly say your voice is terrible."
Seeing Juliette's disappointed look, Marguerite quickly added, "Your grandmama Catherine will arrive soon, and she will sing you any song you want."
Juliette's voice was insistent, "No, you sing."
John, entering into the spirit of the moment, scooped Isabelle onto his knee, both of them looking at Marguerite with expectant eyes.
Even William, momentarily leaving his train play, picked up the puppy and settled on the rug next to the sofa. He positioned himself and the puppy as part of the audience, turning their full attention towards Marguerite. The room was quiet, waiting, the family's collective gaze encouraging Marguerite to share in the joy of the moment with a song.
Marguerite, with a playful roll of her eyes, conceded, "Alright. I'll indulge you, but don't get used to it. I'm not a songbird."
Embracing the moment, she began to follow Juliette's lead. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. 'Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la" Her voice, though she claimed it was not that of a songbird, carried the tune sweetly, filling the room with the familiar and joyful strains of the Christmas carol. The family listened, smiles on their faces, as they were drawn together in the shared joy of the song and the warmth of the holiday season.
As Marguerite finished singing, everyone applauded warmly. John, with a smile, complimented her, "You have a beautiful singing voice. I wish you did it more often."
Marguerite playfully retorted, "I remember you hushing me several times when I sang to you."
John chuckled, "It wasn't because of your voice. It was because of that boring bird song."
Marguerite, feigning indignation, replied, "It's not boring, and it's not about a bird. I happen to like it very much." Her words were light, teasing, adding to the playful and loving atmosphere of their family Christmas.
With that, the children, having had their fill of cuddles and songs, resumed their playful activities on the floor, their laughter and chatter filling the room once more.
John continued, "Well, in any case, you sing beautifully, and I would like to hear it more often, even if it is about a bird."
Marguerite, with a soft smile, replied, "Well, maybe I'll consider it, just for you."
And so, with hearts full of love and a home filled with laughter, the Roxton family's Christmas morning slowly drew to a close. Soon, they would get ready to welcome their friends into their home for the larger Christmas celebration. The house would be filled with more laughter, stories, and the warmth of extended family and friends.