I got a green argyle sweater and a pair of brown corduroy pants, two board games, Life and Mouse Trap, and a book about frontier men. Joel got me a large box of Swedish Fish.

After the last present was opened my mom and dad went back to bed while Joel and I played with our new treasures. About an hour later, my mom got up to make breakfast. I was setting up the Mouse Trap game in the living room when my mother came in and sat by me.

“I’m sorry there wasn’t much this year,” she said.

“I got plenty,” I said, trying to balance the game’s small plastic teeter-totter. “Besides, that’s not what Christmas is about.”

My mother said nothing and I looked up to see she was looking at me, pride evident in her eyes. “Eric, I don’t know everything that’s happening in your life right now. But I know this has been a hard year for you; losing our home, coming to a new school, and leaving all your friends behind. But you’ve grown up so much. I’m so proud of you. Maybe coming to Utah wasn’t such a bad thing.”

I smiled. “Maybe not.”

She smiled back at me. “Come on, let’s have some breakfast.”

Mom always made special breakfasts on Christmas: cranberry corn muffins from scratch, hash brown potatoes with cheddar cheese, fried eggs, and sausage links. We looked forward to the Christmas breakfast table almost as much as the tree.

After breakfast we all helped my mother clean up. Joel and I put on our new sweaters and slacks while my parents dressed in their Sunday best.

Then I went into the bathroom and put a washcloth under hot water and held it to my forehead until it was hot. I dried my face with a towel and walked to my parents’ room.

“Mom.”

She was rubbing her hands with Jergens lotion. “Yes, dear?”

“I don’t feel well. I think I have a fever.”

She turned and looked at me. “You do look a little flushed.” She put her cheek against my forehead. “You’re warm.”

“Would you mind too much if I just stayed home and went to bed?”

She frowned. “Maybe we should stay home with you.”

I hadn’t anticipated that response. “Mom, I’m almost fifteen.”

“I know. But it’s Christmas. I just want us to be together.”

“I don’t want to ruin your plans. I’ll be okay.”

She ran her fingers through my hair. “Okay. Why don’t you go lie down and I’ll get you some aspirin.”

I went to my bed. She came in a few minutes later with a glass of water and two aspirin. “Here you are.”

“Thank you.” I took the pills and handed the glass back to my mother.

“We’re going to be going soon. Do you need anything?”

“No. Thank you.”