C14: A Father's Advice.

That night, upstairs in Aiden's bedroom-with the door open, James sat at Aiden's bedside on the left, reading the 8-year old 'HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS' by Dr. Seuss, with Aiden lying in bed in his pale blue long sleeve pajamas, the bed covers up to his chest, his arms out, and Max lying on the bed beside him on the right. The lights in Aiden's room were off and the only source of light was the lamp on a night-stand.

"And he brought back the toys...and the food for the feast. And he...he, himself...the Grinch carved the roast beast. Welcome, Christmas. Bring your cheer. Cheer to all who's far and near. Christmas day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas day will always be, just as long as we have we. Welcome, Christmas, while we stand...heart to heart...and hand in hand." James read. Having now finished the story, he closed the book.

"That's a good story, Dad." Aiden said.

"Yeah. It's always a good story." James said, smiling.

"Dad?" Aiden asked.

"Yes, Aiden?" James said.

"Is there something wrong with Grandma?" Aiden asked, concerned.

"No, Aiden, why do you ask?" James said. Had the boy taken notice of the sudden change in his Grandmother's behavior? If so, how much?

"Because she doesn't seem to be into Christmas like the rest of us are. Why is that?" Aiden said.

"Well, Aiden...i guess it's been such a long time since Grandma celebrated Christmas that she's lost her holiday spirit." James explained. Everyone in Michigan had lost their holiday spirit, thanks to his mother.

"Will it ever come back?" Aiden asked.

"I don't know. I hope so." James said. "So...got your Christmas list ready?"

"I haven't even started on it." Aiden answered.

"What? Well, that's not like you, Aiden. Usually you have your list ready by now. What's wrong?" James said.

"I can't think of what i want." Aiden said.

"Ahhh. I see. A little Christmas presents block. Well, it's not un-common for things like that to happen." James said.

"It's not?" Aiden asked.

"No. Everyone's experienced it at some point in their life. I know i did." James said.

"You did?" Aiden asked.

"Yeah, when i was your age. It was December 19th-1998...and i was here in my room, working on my Christmas list. Trouble was i couldn't think of anything i wanted. And then my Dad, your Grandpa...came in and gave me some advice." James said.

"What kind of advice?" Aiden asked as he propped himself up on her elbows.

"Well, i'll never forget what he told me. He said that if i couldn't figure out what i wanted for Christmas, i should make a list of what to get someone else." James explained.

"And did you?" Aiden asked.

"Yeah, i did. I got a very special gift for a very special someone." James said.

"Yeah. Well, you know, i'll do that. I'll do that." Aiden said.

"Good. Now get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." James said.

"Okay. Good night, Dad." Aiden said.

"Good night, Aiden." James said before getting off the bed and exiting the bedroom, followed by closing the door.

"A Christmas list for someone else. Hmm." Aiden said, thinking.

...

James stood outside Aiden's bedroom, thinking about December 19th-1998, when his Dad gave him the idea of making a Christmas list for someone else. He would never forget it ever.

Please review.