Remi quietly goes down stairs and sits on the bottom step out of sight. She listens to her aunt as they say the blessing over the evening. She has always loved this day . The family has always tried to make each Christmas more special every year. Aisling comes to sit next to her. "Hey cuz you feeling better." Remi smiles and nods her head. Aisling gives her a big hug holding her for just an extra minute.
"You know I love you and am always here for you. Yona and Moll asked me about if there was anyway , I would help if you want to get counseling. Here is the deal I"m all for you going and getting help. What I want is for you to be ok with it. I will pay for it and if you need to quit work to get it . Then you and crystal can come here if you need to. I don"t want you to hide away in your apartment when you have to face those memories. I also do not want you to be at the sharp end of your brothers mouth. So think about it and let me know. It"s your choice. I used to love listening to you sing and would love to hear your beautiful voice again. We are here for you. Don"t be afraid to face it and if it means people will be hurt so be it. You are who is important and those who hurt you will need to face it." Hugging her again she takes Remi by the hand and drags her to the kitchen to sit next to Crystal. Crystal smiles brightly at her mommy. Crystal gives her a piece of her cake and winks at Yona sitting beside her. Remi smiles at her daughter and takes a bite. The rooms of the house are filled with laughter and joy. When all was done eating Aisling turns the lights on low and brings out a candle . She lights the candle and places it on the table by the front door.
"May the blessing of the lord enter our home bringing peace to all" she moves and Moll enters the room with another candle lighting it from the first. Placing it next to it.
"We thank you for the blessing you have bestowed." Charlie enters with Maureen they each have one lighting from the other two .
"May all who gathers here be joyful in celebration of our lords birthday." Charlie moves aside for Maureen.
"My his life bring peace and joy to all the hearts of the world. "
Crystal and Debra enter Debra helping Crystal with her candle.
"This time of year we celebrate Christmas with a grateful heart and with new family members. May our family continue to be blessed."
Crystal looks at Yona
"This year I"m grateful for my new friend . I had someone to share my cake with. Though Salali"s cake is a little dryer than Aisling"s it"s still really good. Thank you for all the yummy food ." The room erupts Inyo laughter then the last candle is brought in by John"s wife it"s time for her to tell the Christmas story. She lights her candle and lines the seven up in a row turning to all she begins.
"The seven candles represent the the seven days of creation. It also represents the nights that the oil lamps burned with only one nights worth of oil. Reminding us that with faith even when we are without Hod will make it enough.
Now Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to be counted for taxation. When they arrived there was no room for them anywhere. Mary was due anytime yo deliver her child. Her child was a holy child the child of G.o.d. Finally they were given a place in a stable to be out of the cold. They got settled and was ready to sleep for the night. Out in the fields a strange star was in the heaven . It was a large bright star that shone brighter than the rest . It showed the way to the Christ child. From the East came wise men who had been following the star in the heavens to find where it was leading them. They brought gifts for the prophecies had told of a king being born under this star. The shepherds in the field were told by an angel that the Christ child had been born. Following the star they all came to Bethlehem . There in a poor stable lay a child sleeping in a manger. Surrounded by livestock and his mother with Joseph. When asked what the child"s name was Mary replies it"s ." Before she can answer all of the smaller children in unison call out Jesus . Smiling broadly she nods yes.
"Now the wise men brought him gifts they were gold,Murr and Frankincense . They would be used for various things in his life. Now this child grew up to give his life as a sacrifice for our sins. So that we can have eternal life in heaven. We celebrate this day to celebrate his life. " she starts to sing a Christmas carol as the whole family begins to sing only Remi doesn"t. When the carol is done you hear jingle bells coming from outside. All of the little ones run out to the front porch and there drawn by horses with antler headbands in a carriage sleds, is Santa Clause . Yona looks around he sees everyone except Sam . So he grins knowing that Sam is Santa . He brings a large bag from the back of the sled and heads into the house.
Sitting in front of the tree he begins pulling presents out of the bag calling names and handing out gifts. When each child has a gift he waves bye and heads back outside. Taking the sled back to John house. Sam quickly changes and heads back to Aisling"s house. When he quietly slips into the living room. Watching John hand out the rest of the gifts. He can"t wait to see what Inola and Moll thinks of their gifts. Aisling and Astila gran the two large boxes and hand them to Inola and Moll . Looking at them in surprise not expecting a gift. They open them looking at the clothes inside . Aisling speaks up first.
"Since you two have waited so long to be together . we would like to ask if you would grant us the privilege of giving you a Christmas hand fasting . along with our normal Christmas traditions " Aisling is holding her breath waiting for an answer.
"No but you can host our wedding. We got our marriage license before the courthouse closed the day we got back from Tennessee. We were going to wait till after the holidays but knowing you . I"m guessing it"s all arranged. " Aisling nodded and hugged the couple. Everyone let out a great cheer and Inola pulled out the ring he had been saving for the announcement. There were hugs and congratulations all around.