Christmas Joy

A white blanket of snow covered the earth making the brown and barren world look pure and beautiful again. The last school bell rang and Teri and Rodrigo, along with everyone else fled the building, a candy cane in their mouths and a little gift in their hands. Excited Christmas break had finally begun, kids ran around throwing snowballs, eating candy and icicles, making snow angels, and watching their breath float away, too full of energy and elation to notice the cold.

Teri and Rodrigo headed home together discussing the many plans for fun get-togethers and guessing what magnificent gifts they would each find under the tree on Christmas morning. Teri had been working hard on a gift for Rodrigo that she hoped would be completed in time; she made a mental note of all she had left to do as they chatted away.

They had not been out to their favorite spot, the old magical barn, since the snow had covered their pathway to the door. “My first order of business is to shovel a path for us to get back in the barn,” Rodrigo announced.

“Oh, that would be wonderful,” cried Teri, “I have missed it so much! I keep thinking about that Captain we visited for a brief moment the first time you took me into the barn. We told him we would be back and we haven't gone yet.”

“You’re right! I’d forgotten about that. We do need to go say hello and see how they are,” gasped Rodrigo.

Eyebrows lifting and teeth showing through a grin Teri hooted, “Let’s make something delicious and take to them! Remember when we put together a little care package for some soldiers with homemade cookies?!”

Rodrigo nodded excitedly, “Yeah and one wrote us a thank you saying how much he had missed homemade treats and it made his day to get that package!”

“Exactly,” boomed Teri, “we should bring them something delicious and homemade!”

The rest of the way home they talked about their favorite homemade goodies and what the soldiers might like most. In the end they decided raspberry milkshakes and chocolate mint brownies were the winners, even though they had a debate over if raspberry milkshakes would still be as good without using fresh picked raspberries.

The next day Rodrigo worked hard all morning clearing a path to the barn. After lunch, Teri came over and together they made the brownies. As the brownies cooled they made the frosting and washed off raspberries. “These store bought raspberries are just not as good and you know it Rodrigo,” Teri teased.

Smiling Rodrigo agreed, “Yeah, I know, but it will still be delicious! I can’t wait until we can sneak all the raspberries we want off our bushes again.”

With plates of amazing brownies, a pitcher full of yummy milkshake, and supplies to serve it all they headed for the barn. The day was chilly, but the afternoon sun warmed their skin and made the snow look like it was covered with thousands of tiny diamonds. Inside the barn was colder without the sun beaming down on them, but they moved forward determined to bring a little joy to the soldiers. As they reached the old animal stall a streak of light from one of the cracks between the wood crossed over their eyes and suddenly they were looking out over the army camp, snow covered the ground with paths traveling here and there between the large tents. Rodrigo helped push Teri along through the narrow sections, as he called hello’s and stopped to salute various soldiers.

Teri shivered and said, “Brrr, maybe we should have gone with hot chocolate instead of cold milkshakes.”

The head of a soldier, walking nearby, shot up and a grin split across his otherwise downcast face. Excitement in his voice he shouted, “Did you just say you had milkshakes?”

Rodrigo motioned him over saying, “We sure do, want some?”

Word spread fast and a group gathered walking along with them towards what someone said was the holiday tent.

The tent was slightly warmer with a small stove putting out a little heat. Teri understood why it was being called the holiday tent as she looked around. There were makeshift tables and chairs set up with a few Christmas decorations here and there. She noticed a small tree in one corner with green lights and paper ornaments hanging on it. It was rather pathetic compared to what she had at home, but it at least added a little Christmas cheer to the place.

Rodrigo placed the little offering they brought on a table and announced, “Merry Christmas,” as he stepped away allowing the soldiers to dive into it. Both of them wished now they had made so much more. Tears welled up in Teri’s eyes as she watched them cutting brownies in half and taking small portions of the raspberry milkshakes so everyone could have a taste.

A warm hand landed on her shoulder and Rodrigo’s, “You two sure know how to lift the morale, thank you.”

Turning to see who was speaking to them Teri recognized him as the captain she met on her first visit to the barn. “It is nice to see you again Captain Grid-Iron,” Teri choked out.

Squeezing her shoulder, he responded, “And it is very nice to see you two.”

Rodrigo pointed towards the table, “You better go get some before it is all gone.”

“No, I’ll let them enjoy it. They needed this today, spirits were down before word spread that you had come bearing gifts. The cold, darker days have made it harder to keep them in good cheer.”

Teri questioned, “What else can we do to help?”

“Just go talk to them my friends, let them know there is still hope.”

So, Teri and Rodrigo did just that, they moved amongst the group visiting and laughing with them all.

As they left the barn each turning for home they fell silent, both lost in the thoughts of just how blessed they were to have a nice warm home to go to, steaming hot dinner to enjoy, and comfortable cozy beds to snuggle into.

For more Teri and Rodrigo adventures check this story out.

To read about the start of their adventures together check this story out!