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mother. A few of the decorations were twenty years old yet they looked pristine. A golden angel looked over them all from the tip. An array of presents wrapped in red and gold paper contrasted with the brown carpet.
    Daniel rested on the armchair and glanced at the open fire. An oak mantle, and floral tiles bordering the fireplace. The fire breathed heavy, a soothing quiet roar as the wood converted to smoke and ashes. A log collapsed, enticing the fire to spit. The skin on his hand warmed from the radiating flames. The family shared a few presents with each other, hardly denting the pile of gifts that awaited his nieces and nephews. Daniel handed out the ones from himself.
    “Thank you, Daniel, it’s lovely,” said Clarissa, holding up the cream dress.
    “I hoped you would like it, Mum.”
    “It’s perfect.”
    Daniel’s father and brother opened theirs at the same time.
    “That looks an interesting read,” said his father. “I’ve read the first one from this series.”
    “I couldn’t remember if it was the right one but took a chance,” said Daniel.
    “The first one was good. It’s set in the Cold War,” said his father.
    “A new set of guitar strings – thanks, man,” said Matt. “I’m going to put them on now.”
    Daniel opened the presents he had been gifted.
Every year I say don’t get me anything but I still end up with some good stuff.
Matt attached the strings to his acoustic guitar. He proceeded to play a classic. The sound of Asturias pleased Daniel’s ears. The perfectly timed caressing of the nylon strings seamlessly provided a close rendition.
I would love to play like that
. Daniel examined the speed of his brother’s fingers.
    “They feel good,” said Matt. Clarissa had left to prepare the kitchen. The smell of turkey in the oven made its way throughout the house.
    “That smells good,” said Daniel.
    “An aroma that makes you think of childhood,” said Matt.
    “We had some good Christmases, growing up.”
    “Except the year I gave you a bad back,” said Matt.
    “I remember that. I let you throw me that time.”
    “Of course you did,” teased Matt. The pair often practised their judo training on each other. Despite the age gap Daniel rarely championed in their duals.
    “It’s been a few years but I reckon I could take you these days,” said Daniel.
    “Is that a challenge?” asked Matt.
    “For a later date.”
    “Thought so,” said Matt. “I had better go and wrap up the kids’ presents.”
    Daniel looked over at his father, who had his eyes closed.
Making the most of the quiet
. The fire raged on and he became enchanted by the flame. A large log supporting others looked ready to collapse.
I wonder how Susana is spending Christmas. She’s
single and her family all live in Croatia. She must be with friends. I will ask her when I see her.
    “Daniel,” his mother called. “Can I borrow you for a minute?”
    “So long as you give me back,” he said whilst on the way to the kitchen. “What do you want me to do?”
    “Could you peel some potatoes?” she asked.
    “Yeah, sure.” Before he finished peeling the first potato the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” he said. Daniel opened the door.
    “Merry Christmas,” shouted the four children.
    “Quick, come in out of the cold,” he said. “Where’s Mummy and Daddy?”
    “They’re getting stuff out of the car,” said Freya.
    “And I thought you did the driving, Freya,” said Daniel to his seven year old niece, the eldest of his sister’s children.
    “Don’t be silly, Uncle Danny,” she replied. Daniel knelt down and held out his arms.
    “So where’s my hug?” he asked. Daniel’s two nieces, Freya and Alana, reached out for him followed by his two nephews, Marcus and Luke. The cuddle was the best present he could hope for. When the whole family were together he was filled with warmth.
    “We got this for you,” said Marcus as he handed Daniel a neatly wrapped gift.
    “What could this be?” he