Abby Klein - The Perfect Present

Only two more weeks until Christmas. Id better start making my list, I said to my mom and dad.

Thats a good idea, my mom said. Do you know what you want this year?

Boy, do I ever! I think I might need more than one piece of paper!

Really? said my dad.

Really! I ran over to the desk in the kitchen and grabbed some paper and a pencil. Can you help me write it? Im not sure how to spell some of the words.

Of course, said my mom. What do you want to write first?

Umm let me see. I think I want to write Video Funstation.

Video Funstation? said my sister, Suzie. Do you know how much those cost? And they are almost impossible to get.

So?

So, she said, I wouldnt count on getting that. Everyone at school wants one, and none of the stores around here have any.

I saw on the news last night that they get a few in every day, and you just have to wait in line, I said.

A very long line, my dad interrupted.

Yes, added my mom. Some of the people waited in line for six hours only to find out that they were already gone.

Arent I worth it? I said, flashing my cutest smile and giving my mom a big hug.

Yeah, right, Suzie said, snickering. I think Im going to be sick.

Suzie, thats not nice, said my dad. Please dont talk about your brother that way.

Fine, she mumbled. But arent you going to tell him that the Funstation is out of the question?

Are you his mother or father? my dad asked her.

Well no.

Then I suggest you let your mother and me worry about what is out of the question.

Suzie, said my mom, why dont you work on your own Christmas list? Im sure there are things you want.

Yes, there are.

Then heres a piece of paper for you. You work on your own list, and well continue to help Freddy with his.

Suzie took the paper and moved down to the end of the table.

If you really want the Funstation, then put it on your list, said my dad. But remember that the things you put on your list are just suggestions for us and for Santa. There are no guarantees.

I know, but I really want it, so Ill put it as number one on my list. That way you and Santa will know that its my first choice.

You do that, said my mom. But first, dont forget to write your name at the top of the paper.

Oh, I almost forgot, I said, giggling. I wouldnt want to get my list mixed up with Suzies.

Thats for sure, said Suzie. I really dont want Commander Upchuck underpants for Christmas!

What kind of weirdo asks for underpants for Christmas? I said.

You! Thats who! Suzie said, laughing.

Thats not true! I have never put underpants on my Christmas list. I only put good stuff. You, on the other hand, put the lamest things.

I do not!

Oh, yes you do.

Really? Like what?

Like bubble-gum-pink nail polish and banana-split lip gloss.

Whats wrong with those? asked my mom.

Theyre not toys! Thats whats wrong, I said. On Christmas you are supposed to get toys, not makeup.

Says who? Suzie asked.

Says me.

Well, thats the dumbest thing I ever heard, said Suzie.

All right, enough, you two, said my dad. Suzie can put what she wants on her list, and, Freddy, you can put what you want on your list. But if the two of you continue to argue, then we will be done making lists! Understood?

I nodded.

Suzie nodded.

Good. The holidays are supposed to be a time for peace and happiness. Not for fighting.

I turned back to my paper and carefully printed Freddys Christmas List at the top. Then I wrote a big number one. I wrote V-I-D-E-O and F-U-N, but then I had to have my mom help me with the rest. When I was done writing it, I underlined it and put two stars next to the number one.

There. I think you and Santa will know that I really want this.

Yes, I think we all get the picture, my mom said, laughing. Is that it? I thought you needed two pieces of paper because there were so many things that you wanted.

Oh, Im just getting started, I said, smiling. Lets see. Number two: the new Backlot Baseball game for the Funstation. Robbie and I saw a commercial for it on TV yesterday, and it looks really cool. You can set up teams and play against your friends.

That does sound fun, said my dad. Can I play sometime?

Of course! I said. Number three: the new thresher sharks tooth I saw at Timeless Treasures at the mall. I definitely need that for my collection.

Number four: the new All About Sharks video. It shows some really awesome shark attacks.

Oh, Freddy, said my mom. That is disgusting.

Number five: a real baseball bat, I said. If Im going to play coach pitch this year in Little League, then I am going to need a good bat.

Number six: the new Commander Upchuck laser sword. Those things are really cool. Max brought one to school the other day.

I thought you werent allowed to bring weapons to school, Suzie said, looking up from her list.