The small cubic mystery parcel had lain unnoticed until the last present had been removed and fairy lights had started dancing on its glossy wrapping. Now it had become the center of attention.

“I want to open it!” insisted Levi. “I saw it first.”

“You opened the last present,” retorted Stacy. “It’s my turn.”

“Is not!”

“Is too…ouch…let go of my hair!”

“Stop kicking me!”

“Settle down or you’ll both get ding-dong merry on the hide!” scolded Eunice.

Levi retreated from striking distance and tearfully rubbed his smarting shins, while Stacy fixed her tangled hair. He peered down at his new paint-set then over at Stacy’s new Barbie and grinned mischievously.

“Might be best if Leroy opened it instead,” she continued “Just in case there’s something little ones ought not to see.”

“Who’s it from?” inquired Stacy, as her uncle retrieved the mystery parcel from under the tree.

Levi shrugged his shoulders with feigned innocence.

“Doesn’t say.” replied Leroy.

“Could be from one of your floozies?” grumbled Eunice.

Leroy stripped the wrapping paper, revealing a plastic bag full of icing sugar.

“How thoughtful.” said Eunice tactfully.

“There’s something else inside!” announced Levi excitedly, poking at the bag.

Silence filled the living room as Leroy retrieved a small length of hose.

“What is it?” asked Stacy.

“It’s Santa’s ho-ho-hose!” giggled Levi. “ Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas everybody!”

Want to comment on this Flash Fiction? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Flash Fiction and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...