The Christmas House Read Free

opened the door and invited them inside.
         As they hugged and kissed, the doorbell rang again- and again- and again. Thirty, forty, fifty times over a brief 30-minute period. With each guest that arrived came an additional tray of sweets. The selection of food on the dining room table was overwhelming. The variety of guests that now filled the house was vast as well. Old people, middle aged, and several young children. Some people even brought their dogs. The house was abundant with joy and merriment, so much so that it was strange. It just wasn’t normal. It was as if a stage play was in full production and all of the actors were told to laugh and smile on cue. Over 120 people filled the house and without exception every one of them was smiling, laughing or singing.
    After an hour or so, the guests finally stopped arriving and the food and drink begun to flow, as the party was an obvious success. Having appropriately cared for the needs of her guests, Martha took advantage of an opportunity of leisure and joined the very first family that arrived earlier this evening at the dining room table.
          The distinguished gentleman, in his fifties was extremely well dressed in a three-piece black suit that was accented with a beautiful silk tie. Tied in a perfect Windsor knot around his starched white shirt collar, the silk reflected a light overhead. A mustache adorned his face, as well as a full beard graying at the temples. A full head of wavy black hair also hinted of gray, but added to the Clark Gable good looks of the d ignified gentleman.
    His wife, sitting at his side, was as mentioned very attractive. Her golden blonde hair was worn up with a bun over her forehead that accentuated her pronounced cheekbones. Wearing a lovely black dress that was v-cut at the neck, it showed off her lean yet shapely figure. Her lips, painted cherry red, were complimented by a light beige cover-base makeup upon her face.
    Their daughter, who sat across the table next to Martha, was lovely as well. Dark hair like her father, it was braided into locks and perfectly set. Her blue eyes and creamy white skin blended well with the pretty bright yellow and white ruffled dress she wore.
         The man directed his attention to Martha.
         “Martha, hosting this party year after year must be getting to be quite a chore for you isn’t it?”
         “Well, it does get harder every year, but I really don’t mind. Its’ only once every 365 days. I only wish my hips were a few years younger,” Martha replied.
          “Well, I have some good news for you,” the man said.
          “Yes Daddy, tell her, tell her!” The young girl chimed in.
         “Now calm down Rebecca... I am trying to,” he said.
        “Yes Martha, Stephen has something very important to tell you,” his wife said, as she smiled.
         “Thank you Mary. Well Martha, this is the last time you will have to go through all of this work at Christmas time,” Stephen said.
         “It is?” Martha asked.
         “Yes, by this time next year, you will be staying with us,” he said.
         “Really? When will this happen?” Martha asked.
         “By May of next year, so you are going to have to sell this house quickly. And remember you have to find the right buyer. Not just anyone can own this magnificent, old magical house,” he said.
        “Oh yes, I will find the right people to purchase the house. I promise you that father,” Martha said as she looked at the man with tears in her eyes.
    They embraced as several other guests from the party entered the dining room.
         “Well, did you tell her Stephen?” several asked.
         “Yes, and she is very happy. A bit apprehensive, but happy.”
                  It was now almost 10:00 p.m. on this Christmas Eve. The immediate area outside, in front of the house was completely deserted. For as far as the eye could see, not a single car was in