A Christmas Gift
The CBB -> St Clare's House

#1: A Christmas Gift Author: CBB Secret Santa PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:25 pm


Edit to say thank you very much to a certain elf who helped me dive into the archive for some things in here.



Hilda and Nell lugged the large box down the corridor, stopping outside the large double doors leading into the staff sitting room. As the straightened up they looked at each other and grinned.
“They won’t be expecting this,” Hilda said, while her partner smiled in appreciation, before adding,
“No, and I wonder how ‘interesting’ the contents will be, considering where it has come from.”
“That remains to be seen, but I am sure that they will not have let us down.”
“Shall we go in?” asked Nell.

Hilda raised her hand to knock at the door, and paused for a moment, listening to the laughter that rang out from within, anticipating the fun to come. Then she knocked and picked up her side of the large box. Nell a large grin on her face picked up the other side and they waited as Peggy Burnett and Sharlie Andrews opened the doors.
“A Christmas surprise,” they chorused as they carried the box in and placed it in the middle of the room.
“Ma Cherie, what have you here,” cried Mdlle as she poured the obligatory coffee for the pair, adding a little festive spirit into it given the occasion.
“This box arrived this morning, but I thought it would be best to wait till the girls were in bed and we had all gathered together before distributing the contents,” replied Hilda.
“But what is it?” questioned Joey from her seat in the middle of a large crowd of old girls.

Hilda surveyed the assembled staff and old girls from far and near who had come to attend the nativity play given by the girls that afternoon. There were more Old Girls than normal at such performances due to the fact that this performance was the one used to inaugurate the new, purpose built, theatre block at the school, paid for by subscription of the Old Girls themselves. It boasted a stage, raised seating, rehearsal rooms, music rooms, dressing rooms, light and sound systems and was everything the old girls could think of.

“This is a special present, I am told that there are a numer of gifts inside, many of them individual and some to the school as a whole. I thought it had to be unpacked when everyone was present because even I am not one hundred percent certain what it contains,” Hilda had everyone agog as she spoke, lifting the lid of the box to reveal the first layer of the contents. As many people as possible craned their necks to see what was inside.
“Oh, they are wrapped,” Hilda Greaves was heard to exclaim, “We can’t see what they are!”
“Oh, knowing who they are from, I am sure they won’t mind if we open them now,” Nell said laughing as she lifted the first present out of the box, “Sharlie, this appears to be for you.”

Shyly Sharlie Andrews came and took the small parcel. The label read, “Sharlie Andrews, with much gratitude, Pim.” Opening it she found a set of beautifully bound notebooks, all neatly labelled with her name and the word ‘Journal’ and a slim ink pen.
“How lovely, it will certainly encourage me to keep a diary, I may even show it to Pim on occasion.”
Then the fun started as the heads began dealing out the presents. Grizel found a delicate broach made in a mistletoe pattern with a label from LizB, Evadne found a photograph of her family, with the mountains in the background in a lovely silver frame from Josie. From Dawn there was a notebook full of ice-cream recipies for Frau Meiders.

Some gifts were for the entire school, Pat had sent a picture of Guernsey, Alice had sent a big box of chocolates, with enough for every girl to have one. Chelsea had been very busy and sent every member of staff a woollen hat. There was a set of J M Bettany first editions, with dust jackets for the school museum from Liss. Joey looked pleased when she saw where these were headed. Sugarplum had sent a beautiful angel to grace the top of the school Christmas tree and AnnaJ complimented this by sending a set of miniature chalet’s, each one complete with a tiny Santa climbing into the chimney, all ready to hang on the tree by a shinning thread.

There were many exclamations of delight at these joint presents, and Hilda had to wait a few minutes while everyone had a good look at them before handing out the next individual gifts. There was one from Carolyn, for Mary-Lou, a set of trowels and brushes and the most delicate digging implements for her work. For Len there was a large packet of Earl Grey Tea and a china cup from Mrs Redboots. It was Nell who reached in for the next present, and as she looked at the label she grinned and said,
“The owner of this present isn’t able to open it, Joey, maybe you should take it instead.”
Joey looked puzzled and came forward, then laughed as she too read the label, ”For Bruno, love from Katarzyna.”
“I should have expected that,” she said as she unwrapped a lovely collar and a large rope chew toy. “I wonder how long that will last,” she giggled to the accompaniment of giggles from those who knew her dog of old.

The next few present came think and fast as they got through the box. For Matey there was a box of handkerchiefs with her initials embroidered on them from MaryR, For Mops Robertson there was a copy of A A Milne’s Winnie the Pooh books, all in a handsome slipcase from Catherine, for Margot there were also books, a set of Enid Blyton’s school stories from Eilidh. Lavender found herself unwrapping a hairbrush and comb set, to many giggles and a hasty check of their locks. This was a present from Roisin. Identity Hunt had sent a set of Black Lace novels for Joey, who hastily shoved them under her chair, out of Hilda’s sight. Hilda reached into the box again and pulled out a package labelled for Con. Handing it over with some trepidation as she had seen the name ‘Rachel’ on the label and knowing of that lady’s recent antics she was wondering if they would survive the opening. She need not fear however, for apart from a slight bang as the paper was pulled back from the cracker snaps, the present turned out to contain a brand new typewriter.

Hilda and Nell looked into the box, wondering how many more presents it could contain. They were beginning to wonder if anyone would get to bed that night as the present opening looked as if it could continue all night. There was a large lime green cake from Kathye, complimented by a larger bag of Lime green sweets from Katie. Vikki and Rosy had teamed up to send sets of stilts for the girls, while Susan had sent a cross stitch picture, showing each of the schools homes. Christine and Katya had also teamed up and their present was a map of the area around the school, showing all the danger spots and making the distance between each danger spot and the nearest know doctor’s dwelling. Nikkie had sent a video camera so that the girls could capture on camera their latest exploits, and Ruth B had sent a popcorn maker so they could enjoy a treat while watching themselves on screen.

More individual presents followed, Gem had sent a bottle of Baileys for Anna, Claire had sent white wine for Davida Armitage, while Alison H had sent red wine for Miss Denny. LadyGuinevere had sent a selection of coffee beans from around the world, along with a grinder for Mdlle. For the men present there were also gifts, Sarah K had sent a bottle of whiskey, single malt of course, for Jack. And from Mia there was a stethoscope for Rix. Phil Greaves received a new address book from Tiffinata and Kirsty sent a rather nifty set of cufflinks for Jem Russell. Ali and Bookwormsarah had teamed up to send a new game for the men to play at the summer fates, clock golf having been played till no one wanted to play it any more.

There were more presents for old girls after those for the men. For Carola there was a gift from LL, a personal organiser and for Emmy there was a gift from Chair, a complete magic set with full instructions. Gaityr had sent a present for Nella and Vanna Ozanne, a twin set of matching beads and bangles. BethC had sent a present to Beth Chester, as she commented, who else could she send to when there was someone with that name among the old girls! Beth unwrapped the present and found a miniature of herself and her two friends from school, Daisy and Gwensi, all stood together in the gardens at Plas Howell. Helen P had sent a present to Frieda, a lovely set of candles to burn peacefully in the evenings. Changnoi had given Marie a tiny but exquisite charm bracelet, with a charm of a rowing boat on it. Marie looked and smiled as she recalled captaining the rowing team many, many years before. Nicci and Lucy had sent a present for the Bettany girls of a set of scrapbooks commemorating each of their terms as Head girl. Catherine S had sent a present for Simone of a set of Breton lace collar and cuffs. Cazx had brought a new set of ice-skates for Claire, the Maynard adoptee, while Joyful had brought skis for Ruey Richardson, another of their wards. JackieJ had sent Robin a string of garlic bulbs and KB and Kathryn had teamed up and sent the whole staff a large selection of Tim Tams. This was complimented by Joey’s present to the staff of a large tin of cocoa.

They were almost at the bottom of the box by this time. The next present was a large and heavy one, and when they lifted it out they discovered it was addressed to the school Library and they asked Miss Derwent to open it. Inside was a large card index, ready drawn up for every book they held. Looking at the label they discovered that KathyS sent this amazing gift. Rooting down into the packaging Nell lifted out another gift and passed it to Jack.
“It is labelled for all the doctors at the san, so I suppose you had better take charge of it,” she said.
Jack opened the present and inside discovered inside a list, the title was ‘Unmarried CBBers deserving doctors’. Taking note of Joey’s hand on his arm, he quickly passed it over to one of his younger, unattached colleagues commenting that it was more suitable for the younger residents.

There were hardly any presents left when Hilda and Nell both reached into the box. They were the only two people present without a gift, although they were both happy, so many presents had been sent to the staff and the school that they had not noticed they had not received individual ones. Each pulled out a single present and then turned and looked at each other, before holding out the parcel in their hands with the words,
“For you,”
The assembled staff and old girls watched them open the identical looking parcels with bated breath. One was addressed to Nell, with the words, ‘Just in case’ love from Nell. The other was addressed to Hilda, and was from Lesley. There was a burst of laughter through the room, as they both held up the same present, a double-headed coin.

Everyone relaxed after that, presuming that the present opening had finished. Laughter rang around the room as staff and visitors compared presents and partook of the many sweets, chocolates and cakes they had received. Hilda and Nell looked at each other. They had both noticed another gift, right at the bottom of the box. Together they reached in and lifted out the large box, placing it on the hearthrug they knelt and lifted the lid. Silence slowly fell as they took out the contents one by one and placed them down at the side of the fire in an open space. Soon the whole room was stood, quietly watching as Hilda and Nell set up a carved wooden nativity set, and as the clock chimed midnight, Hilda took the final piece, the crib and infant from the box and placed Him in the centre.

“The label simply says, ‘from Santa’, said Nell.


Last edited by CBB Secret Santa on Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#2:  Author: BethCLocation: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:32 pm


Thank you, Santa - excellent drabble!

 


#3:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:35 pm


Thank you Santa! Very Happy Wonderful gifts for everyone - and the last part made me cry! Crying or Very sad

What a lovely way to start Christmas! Very Happy

 


#4:  Author: RóisínLocation: Gaillimh, Eire PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:51 pm


Amazing story - I really felt part of it! So glad Lavender liked the brush and comb set Laughing

 


#5:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 3:37 pm


Thank you Santa. That was really lovely. Happy Christmas.

 


#6:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 3:46 pm


Thank you very much for taking the trouble to write that for all of us on Christmas Eve, Santa. Hope Miss Denny enjoyed the wine. & hope that I've been a good enough girl this year to have been included on the list of girls deserving a nice doctor!!!

 


#7:  Author: RosyLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 3:55 pm


Aww. Thankyou Santa. That was fab.

 


#8:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 4:04 pm


Thanks, Secret Santa. That was the 1st time I have been included in a drabble - that has really made my Christmas! It was lovely to read - thank you so much for writing it.

It made me laugh when I saw I had sent a magic set! My fiance's (I recently realised that is the way to spell it for a male) niece had tried a magic trick. As a joke, I was trying to persuade her to learn a magic trick to make my fiancé disappear. Unfortunately, she didn't take me seriously!

 


#9:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:37 pm


Fabulous Santa! Thank you!!!

 


#10:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 6:19 pm


Wonderful Santa - thanks

 


#11:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:18 pm


Woohoo ! I'm in a drabble, thanks Santa.
Crying or Very sad at the end

 


#12:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:54 pm


Awwww, that was lovely - made me laugh at the end there!

Thanks Santa - such a lot of work when you've got your busy time coming up! Wink

 


#13:  Author: KatieLocation: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 9:48 pm


Thank you Santa - that must have taken an awful lot of time, especially at this busy time of year!

 


#14:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 11:24 pm


Thank you Santa that was a lovely drabble.

 


#15:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 2:56 am


thankyou Santa that was lovely - hope Frau Meiders liked the ice cream recipes Laughing

Now wondering just whihc Santa wrote this Very Happy

It must have involved a lot of research or a very good memory

 


#16:  Author: Chalet_school_loverLocation: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:37 pm


Thank you Santa that was lovely! That must have taken you ages to write! Such a lovely thought! Very Happy

 


#17:  Author: Le Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:30 pm


What a good idea Santa. I can appreciate all the hard work that has gone into this- well done! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 


#18:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:50 pm


Thank you Santa (catching up just after Christmas). First time I've been in a drabble, too.

 


#19:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:56 pm


Thank you Santa - that was wonderful (not sure what Robin would have thought about the garlic though *shrug*)

JackieJ

 


#20:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:09 pm


That was wonderful - Thank you Santa Very Happy

Liz

 


#21:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:39 pm


Thank you Santa! Wonderful!

 


#22:  Author: gaityrLocation: Singapore PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:03 pm


Just saw this - how lovely. I love being in a drabble, and such a warming, Christmassy one too! Thanks, Santa!

 


#23:  Author: CBB Secret Santa PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:07 pm


OOps, just realised that the gift tag came off one of the presents and that the adress book was given to the Doctors without a label. Everyone is checked off my list, so I must have accidently rewritten the sentence after checking my list. Evidently Santa needs to check the list more than twice! This present was sent by Kat, although I am not sure she has got all the adresses right, a good number of them seem to bear a remarkable similarity to her own adress. Laughing

There was another present as well, but it went un-noticed in the general melee of opening the presents, it was the box that the gifts came in, which had been provided by Robin, and it wasn't until they came to clear up the following morning that they realised the box itself was made a charming coffee table, a great addition to the room.



(and Santa is blushing for not making sure of those gifts much earlier!)

 


#24:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 2:26 am


Awww, just found this Santa! Thanks. It was lovely. Kiss

 




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