My New Year

Flash Fiction

My New Year

Time to dress the Christmas tree. I love getting out the decorations, rearranging the room so everything fits. I pick a day when I know I won’t be interrupted, and spend it all on the project. I’ve been doing this for years.

I remember all my years; many memories, strong memories. As the naked tree awaits, I bring up boxes. Once opened, I settle down in front of the tree and begin.

First the tinsel and the star. The tinsel pretty new, the star very old. I inherited it when my mother passed on. She had inherited it from her mother. As I put it on the tree, the memories start. How old was I when I knew what the Christmas tree meant? My mother taught me early I know, I can hear her still, though now only in my mind.

The decorations go on slowly, each with another memory. All the things the kids made at school. (Including five popcorn balls!) Then, the ones given to me by my parents to help me cope as we lost theirs. My grandparents, first Dad’s parents, and then Mom’s.

Last but not least, the ones from my lovely husband. He tried so hard to stay with me, worrying about how I would cope on my own. I cope, but on Christmas I release that coping. I have a few days full of memories that I never want to give up.

The tree is lovely. My thoughts, remembering everyone, are truly wonderful. And then comes Christmas.

My house fills with my kids, and their kids, and my dearest friends. I start another year on Christmas Day. I know it’s too early, new year’s just around the corner. But this is my new year.

Surrounded by those I love, I’m happy to be here.