The Christmas Song - Moonshadow Woman
(Mel Torme/Robert Wells)
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows
A turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny toys with their eyes all a-glow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother’s child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times
Many ways
Merry Christmas to you.
“Daddy, can I sit with you and Justin for five more minutes?” Gus pleaded with his eyes so much like his father’s that Justin’s heart melted at the sight and even Brian had to relent, though they had put the child to bed a few minutes ago.
Brian and Justin had been cuddled together on the sofa watching the flames in the fireplace dance in time to the flicker of the Christmas lights on their tree. A CD of Christmas carols was playing softly in the background. This was a sight that would have been unusual even two years before, but was a common occurrence during the past holiday season and now this one was continuing a family tradition.
Both the idea of family and tradition had been hard won victories for Justin and Brian. But both men had to agree that the fight had been worth the tears and tantrums. Brian kissed Justin on the forehead before moving just enough to allow his son to climb between the two of them.
“We had lots of fun today didn’t we?” Gus began. “Daddy Justin’s nose was soooo red, just like Santa Claus.”
“He did have a red nose.” Brian agreed and he grinned over Gus’ head at his partner. “You and your preschool buddies did a fine job at singing Christmas Carols. Justin and I were very proud of all you.”
“Are you going to make a picture with me singing, Daddy Jus?” Gus asked.
“Of course, you were so cute all bundled up in your parka.” Justin replied.
“I was handsome, boys are handsome.” Gus said, “girls are cute.”
“I stand corrected.” Justin laughed. “Are you hungry, do you want another turkey sandwich?”
“Can we make a sandwich for Santa Claus, I bet he’s hungry tonight.”
“Yeah, Jus, Santa likes his turkey sandwich with no mayo, no butter and on whole wheat.” Brian deadpanned.
“Santa could use some fattening up – maybe just a little mayo and how about a light slather of cranberry.” Justin smiled.
“I’m sure Santa will like what ever you make for him. He’s very agreeable.” Brian quipped.
“Yeah, sure he is.”
“Daddy, can we go look at the stars from the roof?” Gus asked.
“We could do that, but you know Gus, if Santa sees you spying on him, he just might not stop here. We wouldn’t want that. I’m kind of hoping he brings me something.” Justin said as he got up to make the sandwich.
“But you’re a daddy, do daddy’s get toys for Christmas?” Gus asked.
“This daddy does.” Brian said and he smacked Justin playfully on the ass as he walked past the two on the sofa.
“I guess I should go to bed now.” Gus volunteered. “If you see Santa and his reindeer in the sky, make sure he doesn’t see you.”
Brian stood up and carried his son back to the bedroom, tucking him in and kissing him on the nose, and then kissing leather bear’s nose when it was offered. “Good night Gus, Merry Christmas to you.” He whispered to his son whose eyes were already closing in sleep.
When Brian returned to the living room he laughed softly so as not to wake Gus, Justin was holding a piece of mistletoe over his crotch as he lay on the sofa. “So you really do have the Christmas spirit this year.” He said with a chuckle. “I think the mistletoe traditionally held over your head.”
“This is the first year of the Taylor-Kinney family – we are establishing traditions that will be timeless yet slightly unorthodox.” Justin replied with a purr as his zipper was lowered.
“I think that Christmas traditions established early in a family are a fine idea” Brian said and he lowered his head. Before his mouth became full he muttered. “Merry Christmas to you Justin.”