CHRISTMAS EVE

[Juma]

Hey guys, gather around. I want to tell you a story about my Christmas holiday. It's a pretty cool one, so listen up!

So, my dad came back after spending four months offshore. He was supposed to be gone for three months, but he stayed an extra month. My mom was not happy about it, and she wasn't ready to receive him when he got back. But my dad is a wise guy, and he had a plan.

[pauses for dramatic effect]

He came with his elder sister, who's also my mom's godmother. She's like a mediator, you know? So, she went inside and brought my mom out, and my mom was still angry. But then, my dad surprised her with a brand new car! She was so shocked that she started screaming and hugging him. All the anger just melted away.

[smiling]

We all went inside and started celebrating. Later that evening, my dad took us to a fast-food restaurant for dinner. We had a great time, and then we dropped off my aunt at her house. When we got back home, my parents went to their room and shut the door. My little sister Abigail and I were curious, so we knocked on the door, but they didn't answer. We were like, "What's going on?"

[laughs]

[Juma]

So, the next morning, my sister Abigail and I woke up and went to have breakfast. Abigail walked up to dad and asked, "What happened last night?" And dad was like, "We were having an adult talk, sweetie. Children weren't allowed." Abigail was curious, but mom intervened and said, "It's out of stock, period. Stop asking questions." Abigail was a bit sad and walked away angry.

After breakfast, dad told mom that he heard there was going to be a choir rehearsal later that day, after Bible study. Mom was in the choir, so she was going to stay behind and prepare. Dad was like, "Why are you having a carol service as a video? Why not just have it in the evening and be done with it?" Mom tried to explain why they were having the carol service on Christmas Eve, but I didn't quite understand.

Then, mom started telling dad about the history behind the nine lessons and carols service. Apparently, a Catholic priest many years ago noticed that people were going out and getting drunk on Christmas Eve, so he decided to hold a service to keep them in church till Christmas morning. That's why the pastor started the tradition of having the nine lessons and carols service on Christmas Eve.

[Juma]

I was fascinated by the story, and mom continued explaining that the pastor wanted to bring back the tradition of having a special service on Christmas Eve. She told us that the nine lessons and carols service was a way to keep people engaged and focused on the true meaning of Christmas, rather than just going out and getting drunk.

Dad nodded, seeming to understand, and Abigail looked curious. I could tell she was still wondering what had happened the night before, but mom just smiled and said, "Maybe one day you'll understand, sweetie."

To be continued...