Read On Strike for Christmas for Free Online

language, darlin’.”
    Laura held up her tangled mess of yarn. “I need help.”
    Debbie took the tangle from her hands. “Well, you survived the invasion, and that’s the main thing.”
    â€œThe big turkey’s going to do it all again to me on Christmas, I know it,” Laura said. She dug in her purse and pulled out a package of gum, popped a piece in her mouth, and started chewing. “And God knows what he’ll dump on me between now and then. Sometimes I wish my husband wasn’t so social. He comes up with all these ideas for things to do, invites the whole world over, and then I’m the one who has to make it all happen.”
    â€œY’all could do like Joy and go on strike,” suggested Sharon, and Kay giggled.
    Laura looked across the table at Joy. “You’re going on strike?”
    â€œI never thought of it that way, but I guess I am. I’m not doing anything.”
    â€œShe’s on strike for more appreciation,” Sharon explained.
    Laura stared at Joy. “I don’t get it. How can you not do anything?”
    â€œShe can pretend she’s a husband,” Sharon said. “Do nothing all month, then just show up on Christmas Day. Of course, she’ll show up to nothing.”
    â€œI hope not,” Joy said. The mere thought was enough to drive her to the cookie plate for comfort. Except she’d just eaten the last one.
    â€œCan you live with showing up to nothing?” asked Jerri, channeling Dr. Phil.
    â€œYes, I can,” Joy said boldly. Even as she spoke, she was revisited by the image of a boring, Spartan holiday existence. A barren living room, no tree, no decorations, no goodies, no laughter. What had she done?
    She tamped down her rising panic by assuring herself it was going to take that kind of radical bleakness to get through to Bob. And something had to get through to him. It was now or never.
    â€œI think a strike is an awesome idea,” Laura said. “So, give us details. How’d you pull it off?”
    Joy hadn’t meant to go public with this but, somehow, telling her friends felt good. It was obvious from the approving nods and the occasional snicker that the majority of the women present agreed with her in principle.
    â€œA Christmas strike.” Laura smiled. “I love it. I’m in. I’ll go on strike with you, sister.”
    â€œYou’ve got little kids,” Joy protested. She could see it now. No Santa at Laura’s house, no Christmas cookies, no stockings stuffed with goodies. And it would all be her fault.
    â€œMy kids have a father, and he’s perfectly capable of doing something,” Laura said with a snap of her gum. “In fact, since he’s the one who loves all this so much, he can do it for a change.”
    â€œThat’s the Christmas spirit, honey,” cracked Sharon. “And the more I think on it, the more I think I need to get Pete to stop sitting around like an old bull in a pasture while I do everything. Maybe I should join you.”
    â€œJack’s always complaining that I spend too much money. Maybe this would be a good year to stop,” Kay mused. “You know, he doesn’t even shop for his own kids. He leaves that for me to do. And, of course, I’m the one who does all the wrapping. I even sign the gift tags. If it weren’t for me there wouldn’t be anything under the tree when the kids come to visit. I think maybe Jack needs a wake-up call.”
    â€œYou can’t not get presents for your stepkids,” Jerri protested, shocked. “They shouldn’t have to pay because you’re mad at their father.”
    â€œYes, the poor kids,” Carol agreed.
    Laura gave a snort of disgust. “How sick is that? She says she’s going to not shop for the presents and we’re shocked. Jack should get his own kids’ presents. Why should Kay have to?”
    â€œBecause she’s the