“Well, while I do love The Matrix, I think It’s a Wonderful Life is a bit more my speed for the holidays.” Everyone agreed, even David, and we all settled down with glasses of eggnog and a plate of Christmas cookies to watch the movie.

After it was over Simon suggested a ride to the beach to roast marshmallows around a bonfire. Jane grabbed a bag of marshmallows and five skewers, and David and Simon lugged some firewood and kindling into the trunk of the car. Missy gathered everyone’s coats on her arm and found an extra for me, since the sun was down and the wind was picking up. We all piled in and took off for the beach, singing along with the Christmas carols on the radio.

The beach was dotted with families, but the crash of the surf breaking onto the sand drowned out all other noise. We found a fire pit, and the boys set up camp as I wandered to the edge of the water. I’d never been to the Pacific Ocean before, and I told Missy as much as we stood staring out into the rolling blackness.

“You’re kidding! Never?”

“Nope. Been to the Atlantic once, but never here. I’d never been to California before I moved out, and I didn’t really know where the beaches were, so I didn’t bother to come down.”

“Wow. Well, welcome to the Pacific.” We chuckled, pulling our coats tighter around us as the wind whipped off the water and into our faces. Jane called out that the fire was ready, and we ran back to its warmth, huddling around it and warming our hands, then roasting marshmallows to varying shades of brown. David provided the flaming marshmallow Olympic torch and jogged in slow motion around the beach. None of us ate much, having gorged ourselves on a huge lunch and far too many Christmas cookies, but the experience of being on the beach on Christmas was enough for me.

After a while the wind started to really bite, and we decided to go home. Simon and David doused the fire, then we all ran back to the SUV. Once we reached the house I gathered my gifts and made for home.

“Thanks again, Jane.”

“It was fun having you, Grace, I’m glad you came.”

Missy gave me a hug and asked if I wanted to get together sometime during the week, to which I of course agreed.

“Merry Christmas, you guys!” I called as I headed out to my car.

“Merry Christmas, Grace!” they chorused back.