#20 - The Christmas Battle

It’s finally Christmas Eve. Outside, thick snowflakes drift gently down. Inside, it’s warm and cozy. There’s a large bowl of Christmas cookies on the table, and the Christmas tree sparkles in the dim light. As Ben prepares dinner, the children gather in the living room.

“I’m putting on my Christmas playlist!” Lily calls out enthusiastically. She clicks on her trusted playlist, and the first notes of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas fill the room.

Jules raises an eyebrow. “Mom, this playlist has been the same for three years.” “Of course! That’s called tradition, Jules!” Lily laughs. But Jack, the youngest, has a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Let’s turn this into a Christmas Eve Music Battle tonight!” he shouts, jumping up and pulling out his tablet. Ben glances over from the kitchen, amused. “Oh, this is going to be interesting…”

The rules are simple – everyone picks a Christmas song, and whoever chooses the best one wins.

Ella kicks things off with Christmas Tree Farm, spontaneously dancing around the table. Jules chooses a Christmas remix of Let It Snow, complete with heavy bass. Lily, of course, picks Last Christmas, dramatically standing by the window as if she’s starring in a music video. But it is Ben who steals the show. He puts on Fairytale of New York and, with a wide grin, starts playing air guitar. Jack bursts out laughing. “Dad, what are you doing?!” “This is rock ‘n’ roll Christmas, kids!” Ben shouts as he slides across the room like a true rock star.

Jack himself brings out something completely unexpected – Frosty the Snowman, but in a chipmunk version. Hilarious! Lily films the entire spectacle while their dog Charlie barks happily and bounces around the room.

After the battle, everyone -except for Ben- collapses on the couch, exhausted. Jules looks around and asks, “So… who won?”

Ah ... it doesn’t matter. Lily dims the Christmas lights and lights the candles on the table. Dinner is ready! The evening ends with soft Christmas music in the background and a room full of happy faces.