Where It Started

"Artificial or fresh trees?" Winnie asked, her blue eyes glowing in anticipation. My best friend had been eager to hear about my plans for Christmas Eve, but I wanted it to be a surprise for everyone, including her.

"I'm not telling you," I answered, waggling my eyebrows, childishly.

"Don't be like that, Amy. Just tell me what you've gotten for the Christmas tree." Winnie whined, batting her eyes like a child.

A Christmas tree. It seems like my surprise isn't a surprise anyone. My dear Winnie has dug up my wishlist and read it. Typical Winnie.

"An artificial tree," I answered, giving in to her. She would have found out about it anyway. She had her ways.

"That's fine. Who has the time to take care of a natural tree?" She shrugged.

"You do, Winnie." I teased her.

When we were so much younger, Winnie took care of her natural Christmas tree for months until it died.

"I was ten, Amy!" She retorted, screaming at the top of her lungs.

"But you did," I teased her, knowing fully well that she doesn't like being teased.

"I'll let it slide because it is Christmas Eve," she said before throwing a pillow at me.

Yes, it is Christmas Eve. For the past three years, I have written down a wishlist for Christmas and new year. I love celebrating, and I love to do it with my loved ones.

My festive holidays were always with Winnie until I met Raphael, the love of my life. He made sure every Christmas was different and special for me. This year, I can't wait to spend every moment with him just like always.

"What type of lights will you use?" Winnie asked, interrupting my daydream.

"Lights?" I stared at her, flashing her a confused look. I don't really know much about them. This is my first time decorating a Christmas tree, but I won't be doing it alone.

"You should know if it is an incandescent light or LED," she said after noticing my confused look.

"I don't know," I burst out laughing.

"I don't blame you. Christmas tree ain't cakes or cookies," she teased, indirectly throwing a shade at me.

"I know what you are trying to do, but I will let it slide because it's Christmas Eve," I replied with a smile.

"Whatever," she rolled her eyes before rolling to the other side of the bed. "Use incandescent light," she advised.

"Why?" I asked with a frown.

"Simple logic, Amy. Artificial trees and incandescent light bulbs." She said it like she was reciting the national pledge.

It might be simple logic to her because she was an expert in design and decorations. I, on the other hand, am just a baker who spends almost all her day behind the oven.

"Fine, incandescent it is."

"Ornaments?" She asked.

"Plastic, obviously." I answered, confidently.

I might not be familiar with other things when it comes to decorations, but ornaments for Christmas trees are plastic.

"Smart Amy," she teased, bugging me at the side with her elbow.

"Stop it, Winnie," I giggled loudly.

"Garlands?" She asked.

"How do you know all this?" I demanded, surprised by the number of questions she was asking me.

"I'm an interior designer for crying out loud," she answered, her high-pitched voice shrilled loudly in my ears.

"Mrs interior designer, what do you suggest?" I half talked and half smiled.

She rolled her eyes before sitting up from her former position. Using her fingers to describe, she listed and I listened. "There is holly, evergreen and mistletoe. Choose anyone of the three."