The Coconut and Christmas

How nothing but a good bonking became a family Yuletide tradition

Let the Games Begin! — Image by author

Had a friend Scotty who was the kind of guy who would show up unannounced on a Sunday around 4:30 p.m., just before supper, and naturally expect that an extra plate or two was no real problem for his hapless hosts.

Besides, if he had a date, he’d not have to spring for her meal too. And he’d never bring a bottle of wine.

Needless to say he was not always a welcome guest to my Mother and Father’s Christmas table. I later found that on some Sundays they’d taken to parking the car at the neighbours’, turning off all the lights around 4 p.m., and laying down on the carpet, waiting ‘til the coast was clear.

Quiet. I think he’s gone. — Image by Author

So, this one time, after his parents’ divorce, Scotty took the liberty of asking for an invitation this one Christmas, along with his poor alone 74-year-old mother, needing their warmth to take away the cold around her broken heart.

Of course he left out the, ‘And a free meal would be a nice way to spend time with my mother…on the cheap so-to-speak.’

Apparently Mum and Dad hesitated but Mum was a sucker for a hard luck story…sure if it wasn’t…