The Christmas House Read online

  "Uncle Wally? Where is your son James? He died many years before you passed away and yet he isn't here. Why is that?" Michael asked.

  Arianna rejoined the conversation and offered coffee to her guests. Bryan and Jenn, also joined the conversation as Arianna and Jenn joked around like old times. As Arianna poured fresh coffee into each cup setting around the table, she listened to Uncle Wally explain.

  "Well Michael, that has to do with heaven as well. You see, there are certain rules that apply. One of which, is this rule about taking a life. Many sins are forgiven and you are allowed into heaven, but taking a life is not one of those sins that is easily overlooked."

  "James killed someone?" Michael asked.

  "He took a life Michael; his own. Suicide is not well received in heaven. You aren't punished or sent to a place that is known down on earth as hell, but you are not allowed certain privileges in heaven. You are not allowed to reunite with your family or loved ones for a very long time. It's sad, but those are the rules," said Uncle Wally.

  "Oh, my. That's terrible," said Arianna. "Doesn't God realize that someone who takes their own life does so due to pain and suffering, whether physical or mental?"

  "God understands all too well Arianna," replied her mother. "No one that commits suicide is denied access to heaven. They just have fewer privileges. It's hard to explain."

  "What if a person takes someone else's life intentionally?" asked Michael.

  "Then that person will never enter heaven," said Bryan.

  "Never?" asked Arianna.

  "Never." said Jenn.

  "So what is heaven like for the ones that are allowed to enter?" Michael asked

  "It's not what you think Michael," said his father.

  "Do you remember the best times of your life?" he asked.

  "Sure," Michael replied.

  "What were some of those times Michael?" his father who was on the smaller side asked.

  "Oh I don't know. There are many. When Billy and I came home to find a new swimming pool in the backyard when I was 12. That was a great day. We swam for hours! Mom made sandwiches and lemonade. It was just a great day,” he said and then paused.

  “When I first kissed Arianna. That was a great day. The birth of David and Nicole. Those are the best of times for me," Michael replied.

  "That's what heaven feels like Michael. There is no pain or suffering. Every moment feels like the best moments of your life. It's the feeling of love and happiness. The only sorrow we ever feel is that of separation from our loved ones still living. We miss you so much. We worry about you constantly. We can feel your pain and suffering when you feel it. But it's different. It's not like we are suffering ourselves. We take in your suffering and sadness and consume it with our love. Then we send it back to you," his father said.

  "So, you know when I am having problems and you try to help me?" asked Michael.

  "All the time Michael. And the more friends and family you have in heaven the more help that is sent your way. We all send our love to you constantly. And when things are going good for you, we still send you our love. Those special times you mentioned don't happen by accident. They are the result of everyone up above sending you a little piece of heaven all at once. There is still power in numbers. Even in heaven," he said.

  "And what is this time here with us mean to you right now?” Michael asked.

  "Son, this is heaven on earth. The ability to touch you, to see you, to see your family and your home. The joy and love it brings to our hearts. This is what heaven is all about," his father replied.

  "If you have faith in yourself and faith in heaven, then you will enjoy these feelings as well someday. You have to make peace with God Michael," Michael's mother, a lovely woman with light brown hair in her late fifties said.

  "I know Mom. I lost my faith after you all died. I gave up. I couldn't understand why God would do that to me. It just wasn't fair," Michael said.

  "Well, at that time it wasn't fair, but now we are here and we are together. Is that fair?" she asked.

  "I don't know if it's fair or not Mom. If I never see you again, am I better off for having this one opportunity or will it make it hurt just that much more?" he asked.

  "Do you feel sad at this moment Michael?" she asked.

  "No. No I don't. It's weird. I feel very content," he replied.

  "Then I think you should have faith that the feeling of contentment will last you the rest of your life. How many people get the chance to tell their departed love ones the things they never got the chance to say? You have that chance now Michael. Enjoy it," she said.

  "Okay, then I would like to say two things right now. Dad, I love you. I don't think I ever told you that. I have always loved you; I just never said it. Mom, I love you too. The both of you were and still are so special to me," he said.

  "That alone was worth the trip Michael," his father said as he hugged his son.

  The doorbell rang.

  Michael rose from the dining room table. He walked to the foyer and opened the door.

  "Merry Christmas Michael!"

  "Well if it isn't the ever elusive and overly generous Martha Kennedy," said Michael as he opened the storm door.

  "Welcome home Martha," he said as he hugged her tight.

  "This isn't my house Michael. This is a beautiful home full of life and happiness. I am so proud of you for fixing it up the way you have. The exterior of the house is truly magnificent," she replied.

  "Thanks to you. Wait until you see the interior, Martha. We couldn't have done it without you," said Arianna as she joined Michael and Martha in the foyer.

  "Please come in. Everyone here has been waiting for you," Michael said.

  "I must apologize to everyone but especially to Michael. When I was here before with David I could not come inside due to one of the rules of this house, which I will explain in a moment. I am sorry for making you look foolish Michael. I didn't know Jack and Wanda were here at the time," she said.

  "What do Jack and Wanda have to do with anything?" Arianna asked.

  "Let's gather everyone in the living room and I will explain what is happening here and the rules that must be followed during this special visit," she replied.

  Michael and Arianna gathered all of the guests into the family room. The total count was 72 people and even in this massive room, the crowd was still shoulder to shoulder. As the guests settled in, Martha asked Michael to help her up onto the coffee table so she could be seen and heard. Once standing a foot above the crowd, Martha began.

  "First of all, I would like to apologize for being so tardy. I had another function to attend to, and when I first arrived here at this house, neighbors of Michael and Arianna’s were present, which leads us to the rules of the visit. I am sure all of you are very confused, so let me explain what is happening here.

  The reason you are all here is because this is a magical house. This house has allowed spirits from the other side to rejoin their loved ones for over 100 years. My family visited me every year, just like this, until I recently passed away and then I joined them. When I found out that I was going to die, I had to pass on the wonderment of this house to a family that would be able to appreciate and utilize the magic that this house offers. Selling this house to a family that had no use for it or that would tear it down, was not an option. Michael and Arianna met the requirements to be owners of this home.

  Now, some of these rules are for Michael and Arianna and others are for the guests, but you should all be aware of every rule so you know how to prepare and act while you are here visiting.

  This is not a one-time visit. As long as this house stands on this foundation, you will have the opportunity to visit here 24 hours per earthly year. My family found that the most appropriate time for the visit was Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m. until Christmas Day at 6:00 p.m. I think you will agree.

  No one but family is allowed in the house during the visiting time. If by chance someone enters the house that is not family, all of
the visiting guests will disappear immediately.

  Once you are here you are in human form. You can drink, eat, smoke, and feel, just like you did when you were living. Keep this in mind. If you used to get sick from drinking to much beer...(She looks over to Uncle Wally) when you were alive, then you will get sick again now. You are human for one full day, so be very careful. Pain is very real once again.

  And yes Wally, you are all allowed to make love. (The crowd goes wild!) But, keep in mind that you are here to visit with the earth bound souls and their families. In other words, don't over do it! (She laughed)

  You may not knowingly bring or take back anything that is not consumable. Consumables are food, drinks, tobacco... not televisions, cars or ties. This is very important. If you ever bring, take back or leave behind an object of mass and matter that cannot be consumed, you will never be allowed to return. Bringing animate objects between the real and spiritual world is dangerous and it is not allowed. No exceptions. "Knowingly" is also a key word. If you place a handkerchief in your pocket and forget you have it and then return, you will not be penalized.

  Thus all gifts given must be consumable and not tangible. That is why trays of cookies and cakes were sent with you this first time. You must return with the empty trays that you brought with you, when you depart this house.

  Sharing information about what heaven is like is strictly forbidden. I know that some information has already been shared. (She looked over at Wally again) but you didn't know that was against the rules, so you are forgiven this one time.

  24 hours is 24 hours. You must start your departure when the grandfather clock chimes six times. The order of leaving is the reverse of how you arrived. In other words the immediate family is always the first to arrive and the last to leave. The more immediate the family member, the more time they are allowed, but it is always approximately 24 hours, give or take a few minutes. Again if this rule is broken, you will be returned immediately and not allowed to visit ever again.

  Guests are to stay in the confines of this house at all times except during arrivals and departures. Michael's family that lives here year round can come and go as they please of course.

  Hmm, there was another rule, but it really doesn’t apply here yet and to be honest I have forgotten exactly what it was. I guess that's it. Are there any questions?" asked Martha.

  Wally raised his hand.

  "I would have never guessed. Yes Wally?" she asked.

  "Let's say I meet one of Arianna's aunts and I think she is pretty, well you know. I can make love to her right?" asked Wally.

  "That my dear will be up to her," Martha replied.

  The crowd laughed.

  "Remember that this 24 hour period is no different than a 24 hour period when you were living. So Wally, if that aunt slaps you, it's gonna hurt," Martha said.

  "Thank you all for understanding the rules of this grand old house that looks more wonderful than I have ever seen it. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have and as much as I still do. Thank you all once again," Martha finished her speech to a round of applause.

  As Michael helped her down from the coffee table he asked her, "So Martha will you come visit us every year as well?"

  "Do you consider me a dear friend Michael?" she asked.

  "Probably the dearest friend of all," he replied.

  "Then I will see you for the rest of your life and beyond," she said.

  Michael embraced her and whispered in her ear, "And that Miss Kennedy makes me very happy."

  Christmas Eve

  11:55 p.m.

  148 Festive Lane

  As the party continued throughout the evening, guests mingled with one another and talked for hours. The Carters and the Campbells talked about their respective children and this opportunity of a lifetime that they had all been given.

  The holiday music filled the house with sounds of merriment and Christmas. The assorted cookies and cakes were disappearing at a steady pace. A few couples found their way upstairs to the guest bedrooms. Once again they could enjoy the physical intimacy that escaped them for many years.

  As Michael and Arianna, began to tidy up the house a little, they talked between themselves.

  "Well it looks like we’ll be hosting this party for many years to come," Arianna said.

  "Yes, it sure looks that way doesn't it?" Michael replied.

  Michael continued. "Do you think we will ever get used to this? Don't get me wrong. I think this is wonderful. Who else can see their entire family every Christmas even if they are all deceased?"

  Arianna laughed. "Yes, this is something you just don't talk about down at work. You know Jack and Wanda are going to be a real problem when next Christmas comes around. Hopefully they will go down to Florida again, but what if they don't? You better start thinking of excuses to tell Jack why they can't come over for Christmas dinner now! It will take you a year to make it sound realistic and believable. You are a terrible liar Michael."

  "You're right there. Jack is relentless when it comes to food," Michael replied.

  They both laughed as they continued to gather plates and glasses from the main living area and carried them into the kitchen.

  As they entered the kitchen, Michael's mother Dorothy was washing dishes. Arianna's mother Marie was drying.

  "What are the two of you doing?" asked Arianna.

  "You are our guests. Get away from that sink. Michael and I will take care of this mess."

  "Honey, we do our share. Some things never change. Michael was actually going to help with the dishes? I'm impressed," Marie replied.

  "Hmm, when Michael was a boy he would listen for the clink of the last clean glass to be stowed away, then he would come into the kitchen and ask if I needed any help. He was sneaky back then," Michael's mother said.

  "He's still sneaky and he still does that same little trick," Arianna said.

  As the dishes were washed and dried, Michael and Arianna began to yawn. It's long past midnight and thus Christmas Day had arrived. As Michael walked from the kitchen into the dining room he spotted David fast asleep on Grandpa Tony's lap. Tony as well, was sleeping soundly as his head touched David's to form a triangle. Michael picked David up in his arms and carried him upstairs to his bedroom. Arianna was not far behind as she followed Michael up the stairs with Nicole cradled in her arms.

  The party downstairs was still going strong. The guests didn’t want to waste this valuable and special time on something as silly as sleep. Although many were getting tired and fatigued, they were determined to keep their eyes opened for a few hours longer.

  Michael yelled down from upstairs, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!"

  He joined Arianna in the master bedroom and collapsed on the bed. It was approximately 12:25 a.m. Christmas morning. Arianna kissed him lightly on the cheek.

  "Michael, this has been one very stressful day. The disappearance of David, the surprise visits of our families. The shock of it all has completely exhausted me beyond my limits," she said.

  "I know exactly how you feel. Let's get some shuteye. Tomorrow is another day. Let's hope it's a bit less hectic," Michael replied.

  As Michael and Arianna dozed off to sleep, the party down below was settling down to a whimper. Many of the guests staked their claim on sofas and loveseats in the living room and family room areas. The fortunate ones managed to secure a vacant bedroom on the second floor. The house became more and more silent as the hours past. By 3:30 a.m. all but a few, who decided to pull an all-nighter were tucked in and sleeping soundly.

  Uncle Wally was one of the few that remained awake. He sat by himself in the dining room and recalled a time when he was alive and well everyday, not just Christmas. He began to think of his son as tears gently caressed his cheeks. Even after death, he was still not able to share the joys of heaven with James. He wondered why it was that a magical house could allow nearly a hundred spiritual souls to visit an earthly couple on Christmas, but yet he could not see his
own son who was not earth bound. He prayed that someday James would also be allowed to visit the house on Festive Lane.

  Chapter Thirteen- Christmas Day Revelations

  Christmas Day-December 25th

  148 Festive Lane

  6:55 a.m.

  Michael was sleeping soundly, spooning with his lovely wife as they laid in their king size bed under the warmth of a down comforter. His eyes opened slowly as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee titillated his nose. Still half asleep, Michael thought Arianna had gotten up and was making breakfast, until he realized that she was still lying beside him.

  It dawned on him that yesterday was not a dream. It really happened. The laughter and music he could barely detect from downstairs confirmed his thoughts. He sat up in bed and yawned as he put on his robe. He hoped that the guests had not woke David or the baby. During all of the chaos of the previous night, Michael forgot to place the Christmas presents by the tree for the traditional Christmas morning ritual of opening the toys that Santa delivered while they all slept. He knew David would be very disappointed if he ran down from his bedroom and into the family room to find a tree without colorfully wrapped presents surrounding it.

  “Poor kid will think Santa left his toys in Florida instead,” Michael said to himself.

  As Michael walked out of the bedroom, he shut the door softly as to not wake Arianna. Down the narrow hall toward the winding stairway, he heard laughter and giggles coming from the guestroom.

  He knocked on the 6-panel hardwood door. “Hey! You two better be of age in there.”

  Michael started to walk away laughing and then heard a response from the room.

  “Don’t you worry about us Mikey, we’re doing just fine.”

  “Uncle Wally?” asked Michael. “Who’s in there with you?”

  “Just little old me Michael?” responded Arianna’s Aunt Lucille.

  “Aunt Lucy?” Michael asked.

  “Uncle Wally you should be ashamed of yourself. Wait until Aunt Louise hears about this.”

  The door of the guestroom flew open and Uncle Wally, wearing only a white sheet came running after Michael.