INA AND THE GINGERBREAD PAGEANT -- DAY 7

Christmas did not come early to Ina’s world. Oh, there were preparations, such as planning gatherings for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, buying or making gifts, writing letters, etc., but bringing in the tree and decorating happened Christmas Eve. Ina didn’t mail her gifts early either, even though the Post Office wanted her to. 

Ina was contemplating the gift that Shirley Anne would find in the closet today, when the front door opened and Bertha breezed in with the fresh air. “Ina, it’s cold, and we need to make sure little Shirley Anne is warm enough. I made this robe for her out of an old flannel shirt.”

“However did you find the time?” asked Ina, and the sisters looked at each other and giggled.

When Shirley Anne peeked into the closet after school, she was delighted to find the new robe. It couldn’t be said that the robe was beautiful. Bertha did love to make frilly things, but this robe needed to be practical and serviceable. And Shirley Anne loved it just the way it was.

After supper, Shirley Anne put on her new nightgown and robe, and Jack lifted her onto the upside down wooden box that he had brought in for her. From there she recited her verses from The Little Gingerbread Man. “Don’t sing-song,” Ina admonished, saying the lines more evenly and with expression. Shirley Anne obediently repeated. Her performance was improving with every practice. KW