#18 - A Christmas Tree Full of Surprises

It’s Christmas Eve, and as always, Lily has an idea that’s just a little different. While the rest of the family is busy preparing the Christmas dinner, Lily sneaks into the living room with a box full of small presents. Her plan? This year, the Christmas tree will not only look beautiful but also be exciting. She carefully hides little packages everywhere: between the branches, behind the twinkling lights, and even halfway under the star at the top. 

At the start of dinner, Lily’s voice suddenly rings out like a TV presenter’s: “Ladies and gentlemen! This year, there’s a mini gift for everyone… in the Christmas tree!” The family laughs and looks at each other. “Oh, what’s in them, Mom?” asks her son Jack. “That… you’ll find out after dinner!” Lily answers with a mysterious smile, as if she’s just solved the Da Vinci Code.

When the moment finally arrives, everyone rushes to the tree as if gold bars are hidden among the branches. Her youngest son, Jack, pulls a small package from the lower branches. “An eraser shaped like a Christmas tree? Seriously, Mom?” “Perfect for school, right?” Lily replies, watching proudly as Jack sighs and plops back down in his seat. 

Her husband, Ben, picks a small, flat package and pulls out a mini notebook with “Complaint Book” written on the cover. The family bursts out laughing as Ben, with a mischievous grin, starts writing: “1. Presents are too small. 2. Lily is a troublemaker.”

Meanwhile, her daughter Ella finds something large wedged in the branches. “Oh, this one’s heavy!” she exclaims, carefully freeing the tightly stuck package. She tears the paper open and—“A can of cocktail sausages?!” The whole room erupts into laughter. “Now you won’t have to eat all the candy all the time!” Lily says with a wink.

The enthusiasm of the oldest son, Jules, is already fading when he pulls his gift from the tree. “What’s in here?” he grins. “A pencil sharpener?” But no, it’s a disco ball keychain! “Wow,” he says, spinning it sarcastically, trying to sound impressed. That’s when the dog, Charlie, perks up. Eyes locked on the twirling disco ball, he leaps forward as if Jules is about to throw it for him. In his excitement, Charlie bumps the tree. Branches crackle, ornaments bounce to the ground, and the star on top tilts dangerously to one side.

“Charlie!” Lily yells, lunging for the tree, but instead she trips. Within a second, the tree is half-toppled, with Lily sprawled on top of it. “Pff,” Lily grumbles, climbing out of the pine needles, “the tree has done its job: surprising and spectacular.”

But ... there’s one last gift left—the big one—for Lily herself. “A proper present for yourself, huh?” Jules teases. Inside the package are two board games, a scratch-off lottery game for everyone, and a bone for Charlie. This way, The family settles in for an evening full of games, laughter, and snacks.

“Shall I take care of those gifts next year?” Jack jokes. But the family wisely keeps quiet about that… 🎄✨

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