The house is left in ruin. My little "cute" cocktail waiter (read as: punch pourer) outfit is hanging up in the bathroom, smelling of Shout and Tide. By all rights it was Dad's 50th Birthday, so after all the torture we had given him, the least he could do was enslave us for an impromptu party and crack jokes at us.

The basement was filled with coughing, sneezing, fighting, video game playing kids. What would they think if they knew All the Santa's were upstairs drinking Spiked Christmas Punch, Miller Genuine Draft and Ice Wine.

I'm actually shocked... shocked... by Ice Wine.
"Hot aren't they?" I'm asked as I have an Hor'Derve.
'Yes sir, Dr. so and so', I reply panting trying to cool my mouth, my mocking respect more than evident to the all too familiar Doctor.
"Here, try some of this" He smiles, "This will help."
I take what I think is a glass of chilled white wine and douse my mouth.
The rest is a Story for Another time... but let it suffice to say that I was relieved of waiter duties almost immediately after.

The Christmas Eve/Birthday Party finally started to wilt and tire as the Santas and Mrs. Clauses realized church bells would soon be sounding and children's stomach were still empty. Bit by bit the house cleared, leaving me sorting empty bottles and my brother whining about a lack of a real meal.

The house emptied. The kitchen and the rest of the ruins were cleared and cleaned.

The phone rang. I saw the number, knowing only too well it was 'Dr. So and So'.

"Hi... Colum is it? Do you mind if we come back? The Former Mayor's house is burning down and we can't quite get home."

Merry Christmas Everyone :)