Ellie called her mum and sister over for NewYears Eve, I told you, and asked me if wed have time to sort everything out.
Finally, the longawaited weekend! I sighed with relief, flopping onto the footstool in the hallway and pulling off my boots. Ten whole days off ahead of us, I thought, stretching my sore muscles and smiling at the idea of a lazy fortnight.
Sounds brilliant, Charlie nodded, propping the doorframe. I was just speaking to Sophie. She said they still havent decided where to ring in the NewYear, so theyll come to us, he added.
Right, I said, raising an eyebrow at him.
And mum will be there too, she always celebrates with them, Charlie summed up, noticing my mood shift.
You realize NewYears tomorrow, dont you? I snapped. Ive been pulling late shifts all week to hit my target. And now you tell me Im spending the whole day juggling pans? I raised my voice a notch.
Whats there to cook? Charlie replied casually. A couple of salads, a main, some cold cuts, maybe a few nibbles
Charlie, youd better keep your distance for a minute, or youll get whacked by a frying pan, I said, unusually serious. If your relatives are coming, let them bring something. Give them a ring now and let them know. I remember one NewYear when we all ran around with trays while the ladies lounged on the sofa sipping wine under the glow of the Christmas lights.
Ellie, why are you? Charlie asked, not expecting my outburst.
What else am I supposed to do? I shot back and stormed off to the bedroom to change into something comfortable.
I was furious at Charlie, especially since his weekend had just started the day before. The one bright spot was that Id earned about a half again as much as usual this month. I sighed, walked to the mirror and slowly wiped off my makeup, mulling over tomorrows plans.
Ideally I wanted to sleep until at least midday, then have a leisurely breakfast, tidy up, order some groceries, and whip up something light for the celebration. I was exhausted from the constant hustle at work and craved a quiet, cosy holiday.
How can I make sure everything goes according to plan? I wondered, running through every possible scenario in my head.
Trying not to notice Charlie darting around the flat, I shuffled into the kitchen, poured myself a mug of hot lemon tea and sat down to eat. Outside, the snow was falling gently, sparkling under the street lamps and giving the whole scene a magical NewYear feel.
For a moment I got lost staring out the window, forgetting my dilemma, then shook my head and snapped back to reality. Thats when a risky but brilliant idea popped into my head!
The next morning unfolded exactly as Id hoped: I woke at twelve, stretched lazily, and discovered Charlie already up, bustling in the kitchen a rare sight right before a holiday. I threw on a soft robe and headed over.
What are you doing? I asked, squinting at the bright light.
I thought Id treat my favourite to a festive breakfast, Charlie grinned, whisking something in a bowl.
You look like youve set the kitchen on fire, I laughed, noticing a wisp of smoke rising from the pan.
When we finally sat down, I asked him how he planned to handle the guests, given we hadnt bought anything and the house was still a mess.
I couldnt say no to Sophie, he said without looking up from his plate.
Right, your sisters hard to turn down, I raised an eyebrow.
Got anything you want to suggest? I saw that thoughtful look on your face yesterday. Honestly, I was surprised you held it together I thought youd have turned the whole flat upside down.
First thing, call Sophie and ask if theyll bring any snacks or salads. There are four of them two adults and two kids.
Okay, Charlie nodded, picking up the phone, his nerves evident.
Hey Sophie, its Charlie. Ellies sorting the table, so I wanted to check what youre bringing so we dont doubleup.
On the other end, Sophie laughed. Charlie, youre joking? When am I supposed to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Ellie would sort something out, as always, she retorted.
Theyre not babies, both in school, Charlie replied.
A loud crash came through the line. Oops, sorry Ive broken something again. Talk later! Sophie hung up.
Charlie returned to me, looking puzzled.
Theyre not bringing anything, are they? I asked, hopeful.
Nothing and Mum too. Both said they just want to relax and enjoy the evening, not cook, he summed up shortly.
Got it. I thought as much, I mused, biting my lip. Im actually planning to spend NewYears with my parents. They invited me on Thursday, but I wanted to stay home and didnt tell you. Will you come with me? We dont have much time to decide.
Thatll put us at odds with the family, Charlie said, bewildered.
Or youll argue with your wife, I teased.
Of course I pick you, he replied, raising his hands in surrender.
I decided to tidy the flat so we could return to a clean place after the holidays, while Charlie headed out with the shopping list Id prepared. The shopping centre was buzzing with festive decorations twinkling lights on the shop windows, Christmas trees everywhere, even a Santa stand.
Right, a tree! he muttered, spotting a display. How could I forget?
Without hesitation he abandoned everything else and made a beeline for the Christmas market. He chose a modest but charming fir; its branches brushed his face as he lugged it home on his shoulder.
When he opened the door, I turned and gasped. A tree? My smile lit up.
Would you like to dress it? I havent bought anything from the list yet, just wanted to surprise you.
Youve always been against a live tree, havent you?
Dont know, I felt like a change this year.
The atmosphere turned truly festive. I grabbed the box of ornaments from the top shelf and started decking the tree, hanging baubles and tinsel with care. Each new decoration made the room feel more magical.
By the time I finished, Charlie was back, so we had to rush to finish the rest of the preparations.
Did you get everything? I asked, eyeing the overflowing bags of groceries and goodies.
Almost the fish wasnt fresh, so well swing by another shop on the way, he replied, and I felt a warm glow inside.
Alright, I said, surprised by how involved hed become. Id expected him to balk at my ideas and leave us both entertaining the relatives all night.
We packed the car with bags and gifts. It was only sevenpm; his family was due at ten. The drive to my parents place took about an hour, so we left early to be safe.
Standing by the open boot, overloaded with parcels, I brushed my hair back and asked, Hope we didnt forget anything?
Everythings here except dessert. We can pick something up on the way.
She nodded and we set off.
My parents live in a snug country cottage they built ten years ago after selling their city flat. Even in their later years theyre full of energy and never lose their zest for life. The house was festooned with fairy lights, giving it a cheerful holiday vibe.
We never took the lights down after last year, my dad, Alan, chuckled when I mentioned it.
No, I didnt notice when you had us over in the summer, I replied with a grin.
We started unloading, and I handed my dad a bag. Weve brought a lot. Not sure what youre planning to cook, but I hope itll be useful.
Let me pop everything inside, he said, then added, While youre in the kitchen, Charlie and I will fire up the sauna we built in the garden.
Alans homemade sauna was a real treat a spacious steam room with wooden panels and a faint scent of essential oils he loved buying for guests.
Meanwhile my mum, Valerie, and I switched on some classic NewYear movies, getting lost in the bustle of preparation. When the clock struck nine, Charlies phone buzzed nonstop.
Charlie, answer! Were at the door, shouted Sasha, my sister, on the line.
Were not home, he replied timidly.
Where are you? When will you be back? she asked, annoyed.
Weve gone up to the cottage. Everything got a bit chaotic, well be back in two days, he tried to explain.
Off to the countryside? What about NewYear? she scoffed.
Well celebrate here, in the village, he said.
Really? Sasha sneered. So were stuck at home with the kids?
Theres still time to get home and have a family celebration, I interjected, trying to smooth things over.
You want me to entertain the kids all night? Sasha snapped.
I dont know, maybe thats what Ill have to do, Charlie muttered.
I never expected such a cheap trick from you. Do you even have a spare key under the mat? she asked, halfjoking, halfserious.
Now I see why you all go to other houses every NewYear, I laughed, and Charlie added, My wife outsmarted me, love. He chuckled, Happy NewYear, darling! before hanging up.
Charlie counted down to ten, then his mother, Althea, called.
Yes, weve gone up to the cottage, he said before she could finish. Well be celebrating NewYear here. No spare keys left.
How dare you leave us hanging? We were counting on you! she exploded.
I get it, but its just how its turned out. Honestly, Im fed up with doing every holiday in our tiny flat. Why dont you or Sasha ever invite us? And you always say come over when youre ready, yet both of you have threebedroom flats! he retorted, exasperated.
My son, did I raise you just to be treated like this? Althea sighed bitterly.
Fair enough, Charlie murmured, the conversation weighing on him. He wasnt the type to ruin family ties over small stuff, but a lot of grievances had piled up.
Everything okay? I asked, resting my head on his shoulder.
Yeah, Mum called.
I see, I exhaled. Do you think we did the right thing?
Absolutely, he said, turning to me. Theyre waiting for us, getting ready. As for my own folks they just take advantage of my kindness.
I pulled him close, trying to lift his spirits.
Come on, he tried to lighten the mood, lets get ready for the party.
That NewYear turned out to be unforgettable. We stayed at my parents for a couple of days, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, sledding down the hill like kids, and having long talks. It was the most heartfelt NewYear wed had in ages, far from the usual hustle.
Soon enough well have to slip back into our regular lives, but the memory of that warm, simple celebration with family will stay with us forever.
