The day had been a long one for John! With his executive assistant throwing a temper tantrum, a million dollar deal winding its way to a close and a high powered lunch that was destined to show bountiful returns in the near future, he couldn't spare the time to take note of his beautiful surroundings. It was December 23rd, but it may as well have been July for all the attention John was giving the festive season. Yes, there had been staff bonus cheques to sign and the obligatory Christmas dinners, but that was all. John had lost the spirit of giving a long time ago. In the world of high finance time was merely an essence which raced by much as the kaleidoscopic Christmas decorations whizzing past his window. As he drove his sleek and wildly expensive Renault convertible home, John allowed himself a rare freedom, he reflected upon his life. At 49, he had it all. His firm was frequently heralded as one of the best. He had a wife, Tessa, who looked and played her part well and he'd satisfied the two child quota. The streets were empty this Wednesday night. As he drove toward his luxuriously appointed Tucker's Town estate, John pondered his austere beginnings. He was suddenly back in his mother's stark kitchen enjoying the sounds and smells of Christmas dinner preparation. The cache under the Christmas tree was never anything to boast about, but that hardly ever mattered. Each gift was given with love and received with true appreciation. There was always enough love, laughter, and of course turkey to go around. "Enough of that!'' John thought, shifting his mind into the present. A feeling of contentment welled inside him as he easily traversed the winding road of his beautifully landscaped drive. He was home. the past was behind him. A smile split his face as he opened the car door. the tranquil thoughts of the warmth and friendship of a family filled his mind. He needed the support and camaraderie of a family today. Thank God he was home! As the entry door swung open before him, John caught a glimpse of the richly polished Mexican tiles which loaned warmth to the auspicious room. With its high ceiling and gleaming staircase, the foyer was one which had been featured in several home beautiful magazines. The style of opulence carried on through the salon into the loving room with its costly balsam fir tree and grand decorations. Beneath it lay artistically displayed gifts purchased from the finest stores on the Island. It occurred to John that he had no idea what was hidden behind the expensive wrapping paper. He had no idea at all. Where were the children who should have been throwing themselves into his arms? Where was the pup who should be nipping at his heels in a bid to capture his attention? Where were the succulent smells of dinner cooking in the warm kitchen. And where was the love? Had he banished it in his long pursuit for success' trappings? A quick walk through the house substantiated the conclusion John had already drawn. The house was deserted. He had no idea where everyone was.

Since he needed the companionable support of family he lifted the nearest phone receiver to call his mother. He didn't do that often enough, but tonight mum deserved a treat. "Hello,'' said a tentative voice at the other end of the receiver. "Uh, hello,'' John answered. It had been so long since he'd called he couldn't even begin to guess who he was talking to. "This is John, John Johnson,'' he finally qualified. "Who?'' asked the voice. "John Johnson. I'm looking for my mother, Millicent. To whom am I speaking?'' he asked making no attempt to mask his utter confusion. The last time he had called Mum's Filipino housekeeper had answered. The male voice at the other end of the phone certainly didn't sound like Joyce. "Ah,'' came the unhelpful answer. "So, the prodigal son truly does exist. My name is Philip, perhaps it's time that you and I became better acquainted. I'm your mother's beau and have been for the past year or so. "I have heard so much about you from darling Milly, and what she hasn't told me I've been able to fill in for myself by reading the numerous newspaper articles that have been written about you. How are Tessa and the kids?'' Unable to bear it anymore, John glanced around in search of a chair he could ease himself into. His mother's beau? Surely this was someone's idea of a joke. "A-hem'', he cleared his throat, shaking his head to clear it at the same time. "I'm sorry,'' he said, "but are you sure I've called the right number? I'm looking for M-i-l-l-i-c-e-n-t Johnson.'' "I'm afraid not, old chap. You have got the right number. In fact Milly's right here waiting for the phone. I guess I'd better hand it over to her. It was nice to finally trade words with you. I hope we get to meet before the wedding,'' Philip said before giving the phone to Milly. "Wedding?'' John roared. "What wedding? My 70-year old mother is not in the market for a husband. When I get my hands on you I'll quickly disavow you of that notion.'' "Calm down John,'' his mother's dulcet tones cut through his tirade. "How have you been?'' "How have I been?'' John fumed silently for a moment before he continued. "The better question would be how have you been? And who on earth is this fellow calling himself your beau? What's this about a marriage? Why haven't I heard anything about this before?'' "That's an easy question to answer, John, but I think I'll answer it with another question. Instead of how have you been, I'll rephrase it to ask where have you been. It seems as though I have to open a newspaper whenever I want to see you. "You've changed so much over the years, John. Are you even aware that it's Christmas? You are probably sitting in your beautiful home without any notion as to what's going on around you. "Do you know where your family is. Are you bubbling with the excitement of the Christmas Season? I'd guess that you aren't. And you should ask yourself why that is the case. "I'm comfortable with myself and my decisions John. Can you say the same? I'll leave you to think this over. Call me tomorrow and I'll answer any question you care to ask.'' John listened as Millicent closed the connection with a gentle click. He wondered when everything had gotten so out of control. As he stood there combing his fingers through his thick black hair and sighing, the brandy in the liquor cabinet called out to him. It was a call he couldn't ignore. As the smooth liquor warmed him, John paused to really take stock of his surroundings. Everything was in its place, just as it always was. He moved leisurely to his study and there, on his desk sat an eloquent envelope with his name on it. He recognised the writing as his mother's. John's hands shook as he lifted the envelope in order to extract the invitation within. He read it through quickly the first time, then read it again in order to digest it. He held in his hands official notification of his mother's marriage on New Year's Day. In the ten years since his father's death, John had never considered his mother's need for male companionship. As he had grown more successful over the years he had seen that his parents' station in life elevated as quickly as his own. Why hadn't he seen that this wouldn't be enough? The sound of the front door open interrupted his thoughts. He found his way to the foyer just as Tessa bustled in. The kids, eight-year-old Jessica and seven-year-old Joshua tumbled in behind her with the playful Cocker Spaniel pup Ned at their heels. "Hello darling,'' Tessa breezed happily as she brushed his lips with a quick kiss.

"Hi dad,'' the kids cried in unison as Ned played around his ankles. "Where have you all been?'' John asked as he stooped to receive the hugs being offered so generously. "We've been at Mum's,'' Tessa answered as she moved through the house to deposit a bag full of gifts under the tree. "She and Philip needed our help.'' "Oh,'' John replied. Suppressing feelings of both astonishment and bewilderment, he cast around his mind for something to say.

"Everything is progressing splendidly,'' Tessa replied, oblivious to the quandary John found himself in. "Mum is so happy she is positively glowing.

And the kids are so pleased to be included in the wedding and the plans leading up to it. It's just wonderful. The timing couldn't have been better.

How can anyone possibly avoid getting caught up in the excitement of this time of the year?'' "Well,'' John replied, feeling as though he had just awakened in Wonderland. "It seems that I can.'' Tessa glanced at her husband with a knowing smile on her face. "Don't worry John, everything will fall into place for you, it always does.'' Several hours passed before Tessa and John could freely discuss the forthcoming wedding. "Tessa,'' John said pensively,'' How did all this happen without my knowing about it?'' "Easily,'' she replied.

"You lead a very fast paced life. Your work is important and we all know that. We never wanted to bother you with petty details. We're all proud of you and what you have accomplished.'' Tessa moved into John's arms in a bid to smooth his crestfallen expression. He stared at the Christmas Tree as they High powered executive learns the greatest gift of all is being with family lose touch with my family while I'm pursuing it. When I came home to an empty house I felt lonely and I had time to think things through. I've become a peripheral participant in our family life. I haven't helped choose one present for the children. "My mother and I have become so out of touch that I didn't realise she's getting married in a few weeks' time. How could all of this have been going on over my head? I haven't even noticed the children talking about it and they chatter about everything,'' he exclaimed. "Yes John, but do you listen? the children have been bursting with excitement. And for that matter, so have I. Maybe we mentioned it and your mind was elsewhere.'' John thought this over for a split second before making a decision. He'd take the next day off and devote it to his family. His first stop the next morning was his mother's house. As he entered the lovely Fairylands cottage he said nothing for a moment. He studied his mother. for all her 70 years she still had an air of youth and vitality to her. She dressed and carried herself well. "Hi Mum,'' he said quietly as she peeked at him over the rim of her tea cup. "I came by this morning to tell you I only want you to be happy. If Philip brings you happiness then I'm all for him. Congratulations!'' A bright smile lit Mum's face as she opened her arms to John. "Thanks,'' she breathed into his shoulder, "that means a lot to me. Your blessing is the icing on the cake.

I'd like to begin my new life surrounded by my family. "In fact I'd like to start tomorrow. Why don't you leave that mausoleum you live in for one day and have Christmas dinner with Philip and I? It would be like old times. Your father can't be with us, of course, but we can make the most of it. I'd enjoy cooking for you again. And it would be great if you can get to know Philip.'' "Of course,'' John smiled. "We'd be happy to come.'' He was already anticipating the mouth watering aroma of his mother's turkey. John was still grinning some hours later when he drove into Hamilton. It had been years since he'd allowed himself to get caught up in the frenzied buying spree that went hand in hand with the spirit of Christmas. There were toys to buy for the kids, a chew toy for Ned, plus lingerie for Tessa and his mother. He even paused to send flowers to his executive assistant. What surprised John most was the sheer joy he got out of choosing the gifts. As he selected his purchases he watched those around him. Children thrived on the excitement and proud parents fed the anticipation which would culminate with shrieks of glee during the early hours of the very next morning. It was five o'clock before John arrived home. He was tired but happy as he added his brightly wrapped packages to those already under the tree. There was a smile plastered across his face as he watched Jessica, Joshua and Ned frolicking in front of the roaring fireplace as Tessa enjoyed a book nearby. "This is what its all about,'' he thought with a contented sigh. The true spirit of Christmas is not only within, but without. It surrounds you. John felt an inner peace as he advanced into the room, aiming to join the melee in front of the fire. Despite all the presents beneath the Christmas tree, John knew his greatest gift was just being here with his family. He shared a quick smile with Tessa before he threw himself on to the floor and accepted a wet doggy kiss from the youngest member of his family. PHOTO ADULT WINNER -- Mrs. Ellen Furbert is shown receiving her award from Editor of The Royal Gazette Mr. David L. White at the special prize-giving, which was held earlier this month. CHRISTMAS SHORT STORY CONTEST CPN