I'm already thinking of next Christmas

The fire was crackling. We were drinking hot chocolate as we waited for dad to get back. He had gone out for eggnog with my friend's dad. We had our best friends over for Christmas Eve. They were going to spend the night, and then have Christmas with us. Their names were A.J., who was four; and Conner, who wasn't even one yet. Their parents were there, Bryan and Mindy. My brother Nick, was also there. He was only three. And then, there was me, little Megan, five, going on six.

I was very impatient. "When are daddy and Uncle B going to get back?" I had called Bryan Uncle B as long as I had known him.

"I'm sure they'll-," my mother said, but was cut off by the sound of the front door opening and closing.

Everyone, even little Conner, was excited. We all jumped up and ran down the stairs, shrieking. "You're finally back!" I yelled. "Yes, I am," said dad. "Now stop jumping all over me before you spill the eggnog."

"Can we do it now?" asked A.J.

"Yes," dad said, "but only one."

We ran upstairs to the Christmas tree. We each took a present and ripped the wrapping paper. We had wonderful presents. I couldn't wait to see what Santa would bring the next day.

I slept in the same room as A.J. He and I just lay there wide awake, waiting. As I started falling asleep, I could have sworn I heard footsteps on the roof.

What Santa left us was amazing. All the milk and cookies were gone, our stockings were full, and there were footprints from Santa's boots from the ash in the fireplace. Even Conner had a great time. He had gotten the biggest Teddy Bear I had ever seen.

It was a great Christmas. The best. As I watched Conner open his last present, I started thinking about next Christmas.

Megan Hardin
Age 10