“Oh Father, the tree is ever so lovely this year!”
“Merci, my dear. When I first laid eyes upon it, I thought it was splendid and, with a knowing wink, said to the gentleman in the lot, ‘My good man, the Gheys simply must have this gorgeous specimen!’”
“Let’s unwrap the gifts!”
“Yes, let’s shall!”
[unwrapping noises]
“Oh my! This sweater is exquisite! My everlasting thanks, m’lady!”
“Oh Father!”
[laughter, followed by more unwrapping noises]
“The complete works of Truman Capote! A touch naughty, but I likey!”
“I’m pleased that you’re pleased!”
“Oh Father, we love all your presents. Thank you so so so so so much!”
“Shopping is even more of a treat when guided by love!”
“I was about to opine that Christmas is the best, but no.”
[gasps]
“Father, you are the best! You fill the Ghey home and hearth with such love!”
“I bow to your compliments, for I am humbled.”
“But still incorrigible!”
“Ho ho!”
“What shall we do next? Try on our new outfits?”
“Is there a foot ball match on the telly?”
“Ho ho! Foot ball?! You always were the black sheep of the family!”
“Speaking of such, Father, I have a confession. At University, I shan’t be majoring in theatre.”
[silence]
“Then what? Literature? Willst thou be a playwright?”
“Oh my! I sense a tiff arising and must ask who would like to partake in snow sledding.”
“Oh, let’s shall!”
“Yes!”
“Oh yes!”
“Not I.”
[silence]
“Say again? You’d miss such jollification? Is your heart too light for the dales on this morn?”
“Nothing like that. It’s just that someone has to prepare the hot chocolate for when the hardy sledders return from their sporty endeavor.”
“Last one out has lumps of coal in their stocking!”
