We bundled up and drove to the rink. At the party, every spot was filled. We waited a few minutes for more family members to arrive then fit our soup into the space. I wrapped the white elephant gifts, picked up the skates, and walked inside. Festive silver garland looped along the trees and my sisters wore either glittery nail polish or an eggplant sweater. I said Merry Christmas and we exchanged pleasantries as I ate soup. Connor's eyes flitted around the room noting the lights, boxes, and six types of soup sitting along the counter. I stood at the counter ten minutes or so, long enough for my gifts to be picked and opened and to notice how many faces were happy and quite possibly just loved ones.
