Mama's Happy Christmas

It had seemed to the Johnson children that they would have a very sad Christmas. Mama had been very ill, and their father had been so anxious about mama that he could not think of anything else. Everyone had been quiet for days. They did not want to wake Mama when she was napping. They did not put up a Christmas tree because they didn’t want to have one. Everyone felt sad. 

When Christmas Day came, they got good news. Mama said, “I’m much better today. I am coming downstairs.” 

Mama looked much better. She still was tired. But she came downstairs. She lay down on the couch. The family brought their presents out and opened them that morning. 

“I am sorry I did not get to buy presents for you,” said Mama. 

“This is the best present we could have,” said father. You are better.” 

“I am glad everyone feels good. I can tell you do because you are all smiling.” 

"Why, I NEVER had such a happy Christmas before," said Marie. "And it's just because you are well again." 

“But what about dinner?” asked Mama. 

“Mrs. Jones from next door is bringing it,” said Marie. “She said she remembered how you had been so helpful when she had her new baby, and she was glad to be able to help you.” 

Mama said, “OK, then I will go upstairs and take a nap and come back down at dinner time.” 

Marie said, “We should do something to make it a special night.” 

"Let’s put on a play,” Father said. 

"Oh, yes," they all cried, "it would be fun, we can make one up." So all day long, they were busy. First they planned the play. It would be a play about their own family. It would tell about how they moved to Chicago. 

Then after dinner, when mama was saying what a good day she had, the children said, “We have a surprise for you. We wrote a play. Here it is.” 

Then they put on the play. Each of them played themselves. But Felicia played Marie, and Marie played Mama. Felicia was only one year old when they moved in. So they used one of her dolls to be the baby. 

Mama laughed and laughed. The play was funny because everyone was so happy. They remembered how excited everyone had been to move to Chicago. They even had Mrs. Jones come in and play her part. She was their neighbor now and had been the first person they met when they moved in. 

"I know this," said Mama, "I feel much better. A loving family is the best medicine. And a good neighbor helps everyone feel better."