Simply Having a Horrible Christmas Time 1

 Chapter 1

Wreck the Halls

“Maddie! How come you’re not packed!?” I asked, pausing at Maddie’s room with an armful of suitcases and Rufis trailing behind me. “We’re leaving in an hour!”

“Oh, that’s today? I forgot! Maybe you should have reminded me twenty more times,” Maddie rolled her eyes and plopped down on her beanbag with her phone. “And I am packed, see?” she held up her small duffle bag and dropped it on the floor again.

“That’s all you’re bringing? We’ll be gone for eight days!” And seven hours. 

“It’s not like we're backpacking,” she flashed a grin for a selfie and then sat up. “What’s burning?”

A curl of smoke wafted doon the hall.

My eyes widened. “JAAAAACK!” I dropped the suitcases and dashed down the hall into the kitchen.

“Hi mom,” Jack sat up on the counter next to the source of the smoke; a pan of what looked like coal sizzling in a fireplace.

“Jack, what have I told you about using the oven!?” I switched the range off and hosted Jack down from the counter.

“Don’t turn the oven on unless it is an emergency,” he answered.

“Yes, now- wait, emergency? That’s not-” 

“I wanted to know how long it took until the smoke alarms went off!” he explained, like it was a responsible explanation.

“Nevermind,” I sighed. “Jack, bring your suitcase to the car, ok?” I walked back where I had dropped mine. “Maddie, gab your bag, I need help loading the car,” 

“‘K,” Maddie nodded absently, her eyes glued to her phone.

“And no more screens,” I plucked her phone out of her hands and placed it in my purse.

“Mom,” Maddie groaned.

“I don't want to hear any of that. Now come on!” I shifted one suitcase to the other hand,” These are heavy, let’s go!”

Rufis barked excitedly.

Once  the car was packed, we piled into the car and started the engine.

“Ok, let’s think,” I pulled out a crumpled piece of paper out of my pocket. “we checked the house, lock the door, packed the keys, my phone, safety kit, presents, actively lists, winter coats-”

“Mom, we’re ready!” Maddie exclaimed.

“Alright. This is it! Are you ready to have a super duper fun Christmas family road trip full of amazing holiday stops along the way to Grandma’s house where we will have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family?” I asked.

“Umm... Sure?” Maddie answered.

“Rodger!” Jack said, hugging Rufis. “Me and Rufis are ready!”

“One amazing Christmas, here we come!” I exclaimed.