Uncle Ray was a jolly old soul with hazel brown eyes and an impressive, scruffy beard, always bursting with interesting anecdotes and extraordinary tales. A harmless charmer, he was adored by his large family and a necessary addition to any festive gathering.
In this particularly lively Christmas Eve, the whole house was buzzing with life. Family members laughed and talked with each other over a delicious Christmas feast. Fragrances of spices and baked goods hung in the air. In a corner, the sparkling Christmas tree guarded an abundance of vibrantly wrapped gifts.
After everyone had enjoyed their fill of the scrumptious dinner, the room’s attention shifted to the mountain of gifts under the tree. The children's wait impatiently anticipation while adults clinked glasses and made toasts. Simultaneously, the family TV murmured news broadcasts about crime crackdowns and police busts. No one gave much mind to the dreary reports, until they noticed Uncle Ray.
Instead of partaking in the festive cheer, Uncle Ray was acting strangely. Suddenly aware of the chaos on the television, he started quickly stashing his drinks underneath his chair, his face ashen.
Seeing his odd behavior, his brother Bill asked, What are you doing, Ray?
Uncle Ray glanced at him nervously, gesturing to the blaring TV, What do you mean, what I'm doing? You hear the cops out there?
Realizing Uncle Ray was mistaking the television sounds for reality, his sister Mary giggled and shook her head. She spoke up, her laughter contagious, That’s the television you hear, Ray.
At the realization, Uncle Ray stopped and peered at the screen, his nervous expression gradually replaced by a bashful grin. He chuckled and gave his shoulder a friendly shrug. The room broke into infectious laughter, their previous anticipation for presents replaced with another priceless memory of a family Christmas with their beloved Uncle Ray.
Uncle Ray laughed with them, bringing the festive spirit back. Christmas had always been filled with joy and love, and that year was no different. For every year Uncle Ray added his own special touch to their Christmas celebrations.