The living room was filled with laughter and chaos. Decorated with loads of green and red glittering lights and boring games in every corner. Amelia was on the floor sipping hot chocolate from her favourite mug that she had got from winning pictionary last year. Her brother Max was trying to explain the family feud rules but Ethan was distracted by the smell and the delicious supper that was being plated on the table by his grandma.
“Okay Okay attention everyone!” Max told everyone in a loud voice, uncomfortable but eager about the night that was coming up. At the other table there sat Claire Amelia's mom and Mike her dad on the kitchen counter hunched over on opposite ends to a game of Monopoly. They were both arguing the rules. Over time it has been the same games every year. Monopoly, Scrabble, Pictionary, and many more. Yes, the family loved winning but they cared more about the memories they had made together over anything.
“Amelia assist me in setting up the clock please!” Mac yelled while shooting a competitive look at her. She smiled evilly passing the timer over to him.
“You should know I'm the Pictionary champion.” She told him. Max then rolled his eyes at her.
“Yeah yeah but you are going to lose this year!” The doorbell ring and the house seemed to swell with more laughter and chatter as her grandparents and Aunt Lucy arrived bringing the
usual good-natured chaos the games begin. Pictionary was the first of course. Amelia's Moms drawing a snowman ended up looking like a confused potato.
“Is it a lump of coal?” Ethan asked.
“No, it's a snowman!” she yelled back at him in frustration but seemed to laugh. “How could you not see that?”
They all erupted in laughter. The game wasn't about accuracy or being as good as Picasso, it was about the ridiculous drawings and funny guesses that made the night really fun. The laughter came heavier and heavier every year as happy and magical as the lights on the Christmas tree. Later they came around and gathered for Christmas dinner. The room smelled of roast turkey, garlic mashed potatoes and stuffing. The conversations around the table changed very quickly. With everyone's lives changing and evolving to talk about what they are grateful for this year or new news years resolutions they are planning to fill in the new year. They never took a breath taking an extremely long time to eat their meals barely even picking up their forks. As they talked, the scene of Christmas lights flickered in the background. There was no rushing on this day, no need to hurry and get things done. Just the enjoyment and happiness of these people being together and for Amelia that was enough.
“Same time next year?” Max muffled with a mouth stuffed with pie.
“Same time, same games.” She said smiling ear to ear.
Outside the snow began to fall softly but inside the warmth of the family was all they needed.