A Christmas Story

A picture could never do justice to downtown Raton at Christmastime. Traveling north on
Main, one is treated to the twinkling glow of multi-colored Christmas lights lining the
street and adorning the well-kept storefronts, all nestled under the imposing, snowcovered mountains and mesas that separate New Mexico from Colorado. At this late hour
on Christmas Eve the view was unspoiled by the presence of people and vehicles. Most
folks were at home with family and friends, celebrating and looking forward to the magic
of Christmas morning.
Despite the charm of downtown Raton, Daryl Washburn wasn't in a mood to appreciate it
as he trudged up Main past the Christmas tree in Ripley Park. He was having a hard time
getting into the Christmas spirit this year. Daryl, along with his wife and twin daughters,
had moved to Raton almost two years earlier. He had taken a job at the Cimarron
underground coal mining operation, but was recently laid off when the company shut the
mine down. Daryl had been looking for work ever since, living off of his severance pay
and doing any odd jobs he could find. His truck needed a transmission, he was a month
behind with the rent, the kids were outgrowing clothing and shoes rapidly, and his wife
Sara had recently quit working at the Loaf-n-Jug because of the advanced state of her
pregnancy. It was going to be a lean Christmas for the Washburns.
As Daryl turned up towards Sugarite and the north part of town, he stopped to adjust the
armload of packages he was carrying. These packages were all the presents the
Washburns would get this Christmas. He'd gotten a winter coat and a doll for each of the
twins, slippers and a ten-dollar pair of earrings for Sara, and a small turkey for Christmas
dinner.
"Not much, but better than nothing." he mumbled to himself as he continued on his way
towards home. He had hoped to buy more, but he'd lost the money to do so. It was his
own fault. Daryl had figured on saving...