An Unforgettable Christmas

The morning of Christmas arrived faster than I expected. The sun was just beginning to filter through the curtains when I heard Olivia's hurried footsteps in the hallway, followed by her singing at the top of her lungs:

—It's Christmas! Time to open presents! Wake up, sleepyheads!

I couldn't help but smile as I slowly sat up in bed. I knew Olivia wasn't going to let anyone sleep a minute longer than necessary. I put on a sweatshirt and went downstairs to the living room, where Lindsay and Olivia were already seated in front of the Christmas tree, surrounded by gifts wrapped in shiny paper and extravagant bows.

—There he is! —Olivia exclaimed as she saw me walk in—. I thought you'd fallen into an eternal slumber. Come on, sit down. It's time to start.

I sat next to Lindsay, who gave me a small smile before turning her gaze toward the tree. There was something special about the way her hair fell over her shoulders, something that made even the simplest moment feel… significant.

Olivia was the first to hand out her gifts, as usual. She always loved being the center of attention, but this time she had put a lot of effort into every detail.

—First, for Lindsay —she said, handing her a rectangular package wrapped in golden paper—. This is because you're the most talented person I know, and I wanted to give you something that reflects that.

Lindsay carefully opened the gift, revealing an elegant and minimalist designer watch with an inscription on the back that read: "So you never waste time chasing your dreams."

—Olivia… —Lindsay murmured, visibly moved—. This is too much. I don't know what to say.

—Just say thank you —Olivia responded with a mischievous smile—. Besides, I knew you needed something sophisticated to match your style.

Next, Olivia handed me my gift, a package wrapped in dark green paper.

—This is for you, Sack. Because I know sometimes it's hard for you to express how you feel, so I thought this might help you find new ways to do it.

Inside the package, I found a professional-grade camera with interchangeable lenses and a compact tripod. Attached was a note where Olivia had written: "To capture all those moments you can't describe with words. Sometimes, a picture is worth more than a thousand thoughts."

—Wow… —I said, surprised—. This is incredible. Thank you, Olivia.

—You're welcome —she replied, pretending to be modest—. Just make sure you use it. I don't want it collecting dust in your room.

Finally, Olivia opened the gift Lindsay had given her. It was a small box wrapped in silver paper. Inside was a delicate necklace with a tiny star-shaped pendant.

—It's so you never forget that you're our star —Lindsay said with a shy smile—. You always light up our lives, even when you drive us crazy.

Olivia placed a hand over her chest, pretending to be deeply moved.

—How am I supposed to top this? I think I just got the best gift ever.

—Wait, there's still mine —I quickly added, handing out my gifts.

For Lindsay, I had chosen something I knew she'd like: a book of snowy landscape photographs, accompanied by a customized photo frame with an image of the three of us during our recent adventure at the Christmas fair.

—Sack… —Lindsay said, looking at the frame with a mix of surprise and tenderness—. This is… perfect. I can't believe you thought of this.

—Well, I thought it'd be a good reminder of how even the most chaotic days can be special —I replied, feeling an unusual warmth in my chest as she smiled at me.

For Olivia, I had bought a set of thermal mugs with funny designs, each featuring a phrase that described her: "The Queen of Drama," "Chaos Expert," and "Always Ready to Save the Day."

—Oh, these are awesome —Olivia said, laughing as she examined each mug—. I'll definitely use the "Queen of Drama" one every day.

After our exchanges, Amelia and Thomas entered the living room with more gifts. My relationship with them had always been warm; from day one, they made me feel like part of the family, something I deeply appreciated.

Amelia handed me a package wrapped in shiny red paper.

—This is for you, Sack. I hope you like it.

Inside, I found a handmade sweater with a classic winter design. Amelia smiled at my expression.

—I thought you might need something cozier for these cold days.

—Thank you, Mrs. Grove —I replied, genuinely grateful—. It's perfect.

Thomas handed Lindsay a small box wrapped in silver paper with a golden bow.

—This is for you, sweetheart —he said with a warm smile—. And also for Sack. We wanted to give you something that symbolizes how special your bond is… something to remind you that some connections are eternal.

Lindsay carefully opened the box and found two delicate silver bracelets, each with a small infinity symbol charm. One had the letter "L" engraved, and the other had the letter "S."

—Oh… —Lindsay murmured, visibly surprised as she took the bracelets—. This is… incredibly sweet.

Amelia smiled at Lindsay's reaction.

—It's a small reminder of how important it is to have people in your life who understand and support you. You two have been through so much together, and that deserves to be celebrated.

Lindsay looked at me, equally surprised.

—What do you say, Sack? Do you think it's okay to wear one?

I smiled, feeling an unexpected warmth in my chest.

—Of course. It's… perfect. Thank you, Mr. Grove, Mrs. Grove.

Olivia, always observant, pretended to wipe away a dramatic tear.

—Oh, this is so romantic! Now I can officially say I'm the third wheel. Although, technically, I already was before.

—Don't exaggerate, Olivia —Lindsay replied, laughing as she put on her bracelet. Then she held out the other one to me—. Here you go. I guess we're officially… connected now.

I took the bracelet and put it on my wrist, feeling how this small gesture encapsulated everything we had been through together.

Finally, Amelia gave Olivia a pair of wool gloves, a handmade scarf, and some beautiful earrings.

—Because you've always been so kind to us since you arrived —Amelia said affectionately—. We're glad you're part of this Christmas with us.

Olivia was quiet for a moment, which was rare for her, but then she hugged Amelia tightly.

—Thank you. I don't know what to say… except that you guys are amazing.

When everyone finished opening their gifts, I decided to check my phone. I had received a message from my father, which was unusual given how distant he had always been. I opened it with some apprehension.

"Merry Christmas, Sack. Your gift is at the luxury car dealership. Stop by whenever you want to pick it up. – Father."

I read the message several times, trying to process it. A car. My father had given me a car. It wasn't the first time he'd tried to impress me with something material, but this time I felt something different. Maybe it was the brevity of the message, or maybe it was simply the way he signed it: "Father." He never used that word; it was always "your father" or just his name.

—What's wrong? —Lindsay asked, noticing my thoughtful expression.

—It's my father —I replied, showing her the message—. He gave me a car.

Olivia let out an impressed whistle.

—Wow! That's huge. Literally. What are you going to do?

—I don't know —I admitted, putting my phone back in my pocket—. I guess I'll go see him later. But… thanks for asking.

Lindsay looked at me with a mix of understanding and concern.

—You know you can talk to us about anything, right? Even if it's about your father.

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat.

—I know. And it means a lot to me.

As everyone continued chatting and enjoying the festive atmosphere, Lindsay and I stayed a little behind. We sat on the couch, watching Olivia try to convince Amelia to taste one of the Christmas cakes before dinner.

—You know —I said softly, looking at Lindsay—, I think this has been one of the best days I've had in a long time.

She looked at me, surprised but smiling.

—Really?

—Yeah —I replied, feeling the words flow more easily than usual—. Everything has been perfect. The gifts, the laughter… even the message from my father. I think I'm finally starting to understand that I don't need to shut myself off to enjoy important moments.

Lindsay gently took my hand, and though she didn't say anything, her gesture said it all.