Marissa was finally beginning to learn all about Christmas; a forever knowledge. Town folk was the best place to hear stories, tales and memories of how and why Christmases were celebrated. So she heard tales of Santa, his elves, the mysteries wrapped around mistletoes and various funny incidents that hound the town around Christmas.
Mom and Dad ensured that advent was a regularly celebrated event that led up to Christmas for Marissa. Of course, age is a barrier, and they were only able to begin this tradition two years ago, and the gifts were very little, very common. Not much thought went into gifting when a toddler received them. But over the years, she has been picking up on conversations and asking questions too!
The inquisitiveness was something Marissa’s parents loved about her. They wanted her to cultivate it, make use of it, learn from it. A prize, they called it. So, whenever the chance came, they would feed it too. Experiences, stories, inventions, trial and error became routine for her. Two steps forward, one step back, is what they always taught her; when it came to trying something new.
It was around the 20th of December, when she was hopping about the street with Paul, once again, a trip to the photo studio to develop photographs that she clicked. The roll wound up earlier this month; because there was so much to document. “Here’s another one for your Christmas night. Now, don’t go telling Mommy that you have this. It’ll be our little secret!”, Paul giggled while sliding a fresh roll for her camera.
“Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best!”, she chimed excitedly. It’s unmatched; the face of excitement on children, when they see simple gestures. It means the world to them. Like when you play the same variant of ‘catch’ with a baby. How many ever times you hand over the same-colored block to them, they’re giggling with joy. This is pure happiness; pure satisfaction. Unmaterialistic, simple, self-less. It’s love, in its purest form.
They ran into Mr. Green at the burger joint; and Marissa had neatly placed herself behind her father’s jacket. After all, a man in a green suit is a rare sight, and she didn’t know how to react to him. Simply put, she was afraid, wary, unsure.
“I’ve got your shipment of mistletoe coming in. It should be here in two days. When do you plan on beginning your decorations?”, informed & inquired Mr. Green. A coffee in one hand, and his hat in the other.
“Why is this man giving Daddy mistletoes? Is he trying to kill people?”, Marissa wondered. Just like elephants, children tend to remember certain parts in their day. Here, Marissa never forgot her mother’s words in the forest about never touching mistletoe. It can be poisonous, and we don’t want anyone dying!
Once Mr. Green walked away after a brief conversation, Marissa was sobbing behind her father’s jacket. He turned to her, and lifted her in his arms, and asked, “What’s wrong, my love? Why are you crying?”
While in tears, she complained, “Daddy, I heard you are buying mistletoe from that man. Why do you want to kill everyone in the town on Christmas night?” Her deep eyes looked at him expectantly. She could not understand her father’s behaviour. It was something unheard of, something she had never seen. For her, Daddy was the purest, the nicest and most loving man.
Paul smiled, holding in a quip, and asked her “My dear. Why do you say that? Not all mistletoe is poisonous, and Mr. Green, who we just met, has removed all the poison from the ones I have ordered. I want everyone to enjoy themselves, and this is the only way!”. He wondered who misled his daughter into such information. He had never seen her so horrified of a plant, and he needed to know the reason for it.
“Mommy told me never to stand near mistletoe and never to touch it! She said it is poisonous and we must not be near it!”, she cutely defended. Oh, the child was a gem. She was innocent, pure, ready for this world. Paul smiled at her, knowing why his lovely, dear wife said so. It wasn’t the poison, but the fear of any naughty boys around. After all, mistletoes were for stealing kisses!
They walked home, while he explained to Marissa about how these were not poisonous and that we will be careful all the way. Puzzled as she was, she decided to accept his explanation but yet heeded her mother’s advice!
Written By Anisha Masand
Part 4 of the story on 25th Dec ’20.
Week 51, December ’20
