On Strike for Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

the expression on Debbie’s face, Sharon might just as well have announced that Joy was going to assassinate Santa Claus.
    â€œI don’t know what else to do,” Joy explained. “Over the years my husband has evolved into a Grinch. He whines about my family traditions, balks at the Christmas parties, and basically complains his way through the holidays. I think it’s time he saw what his life would be like without all the celebrating he claims to hate.”
    â€œWow,” breathed Debbie. “You’re my hero.”
    â€œBut what will your Christmas be like?” protested Jerri.
    Jerri’s question put Joy back in that holiday desert, surrounded by buzzards picking at empty gift boxes. She shook away the grim vision. “Probably pretty ugly, since I do it all.”
    â€œHow does that make you any different from any other woman in America?” Sharon quipped.
    â€œIt probably doesn’t, and that wouldn’t matter if only I could get Bob to participate.” Again Joy caught a vision of a Christmas Future where she moved through the holidays increasingly more alone. Joy Robertson, Christmas widow.
    â€œIt is an unfair division of labor,” Kay pointed out.
    â€œI didn’t know that doing loving things for your family was a division of labor,” Carol murmured.
    â€œAt least if I do everything it gets done right,” Sharon said. “But I’ve got to admit I’m a little tired of having all my work go unappreciated. That man of mine has no idea how I work my fingers to the bone every holiday season,” she added with a flick of a well-manicured hand.
    â€œI don’t think Bob realizes how much he really enjoys Christmas with all the trimmings,” Joy said. Oh, how she hoped she was right! “Anyway, if he sees what it would be like without them then maybe it will cure him of his bad attitude.”
    Carol said nothing, just shrugged and went on knitting.
    â€œWell, you go, girlfriend,” said Sharon. “I think you’re absolutely brilliant.”
    At that moment Joy’s neighbor, Laura Fredericks, blew in. She was a tiny blonde who always managed to look great in spite of her perpetual harried state. Tonight she wore her favorite consignment-store leather jacket over jeans and a turtleneck.
    â€œHi, guys,” she said, throwing her bag on the table. A tangle of yarn fell out.
    â€œYou look frazzled,” Jerri observed.
    Laura grimaced. “My usual condition.” To Joy she said, “Sorry I couldn’t car-pool with you tonight, but I had to work late. Then coming home and making dinner really put me behind. I left Glen a mountain of dishes.”
    â€œI think it would be fun to work at the Chamber of Commerce,” said Jerri.
    â€œYeah, right. Today was a bundle of fun. We got back the brochures for the Hollydays Fair and the printer messed up on the dates. They all have to go back.” Laura got her cup of tea and fell into her chair with a sigh. “I hate this time of year. Anybody want a used husband? I’ll sell mine cheap.”
    â€œNot me. I’ve got enough trouble with the one I’ve got,” said Kay.
    â€œSounds like you need chocolate therapy,” Joy said, and passed the plate of cookies to Laura. “Save me and eat that last Andes Mint cookie before I do.”
    â€œNo, thanks,” said Laura.
    â€œI guess I’ll have to take it then,” Joy decided. “It’s the last of its kind. No sense letting it sit lonely on the plate.” And this, said her diet conscience, is why Laura is a size Twiggy and you’re a size…Never mind, she told it and turned her attention back to Laura. “What happened to you on Thanksgiving?”
    â€œJust the usual invasion of the hungry hordes.” Laura shook her head. “I love Glen, but sometimes I really hate him. You know?”
    Joy nodded and Sharon said, “You’re talkin’ my