It was four days before Christmas Eve in San Francisco. The people were out shopping here and there. Even Grizz's family were having lots of fun decking the halls, hanging the lights, decorating the tree, hanging up the mistletoe, and singing Christmas carols. Grizz worked in an office building run by a mean employer named Mr. Nom Nom. While working in his cubicle, Grizz's wife Shelley called him on his laptop holding up a blue 👗. "Grizz, what do you think of this lovely dress?" asked Shelley. "Nice, babe!" said Grizz. "But isn't it a bit too small for you?" "It's not for me, silly!" said Shelley. "I bought it for Eliza." "Great, honey bear!" said Grizz. "What's the special occasion?" "Eliza's recital, Grizz." said Shelley. "Oh, yeah I've been so busy with paperwork that Mr. Nom Nom keeps dumping on me." said Grizz. "When's her recital, Honey?" "Christmas Eve." said Shelley. "She's going to sing a solo at the school auditorium!" "My little 👧 a soloist!" said Grizz. "But wait  Shelley, if she sings solo (so low), nobody is going to hear her!" "Very funny, Grizz!" said Shelley. "What's for dinner, sweetheart?" "It's a surprise." said Shelley. "Aw, you know I hate surprises!" whined Grizz. "Well, that's too bad, Mr. Grizz!" said a voice from behind him. It was his boss Mr. Nom Nom! "Mr. Nom Nom!" cried Grizz. "I'm just finishing up the paperwork, sir!" "I don't want to hear it!" yelled Mr. Nom Nom. "Get back to work or you'll be fired!" "Yes, sir." said Grizz. "I'm sorry, honey but I have to get back to work now I'll see you when I get home okay, my love?" "Grizz, you shouldn't let that Mr. Nom Nom boss you around like that." said Shelley. "He's so bossy!" "Well, he is the boss, sweetheart." said Grizz. "You know what I mean!" said Shelley. "Anyway, we need eggs, milk, and 🍞 could you go to the market after work?" "Of course, darling." said Grizz. "Do you want me to bring home the bacon?" "You're so funny, Grizz!" said Shelley laughing. "MISTER, GRIZZLY!" shouted Mr. Nom Nom. "GET IN MY OFFICE RIGHT NOW!" "Um I'm coming, Mr. Nom Nom." said Grizz. "I gotta go now, babe." "Okay, sweetheart." said Shelley. "Bye." As Grizz closed his laptop, he went to Mr. Nom Nom's office. "Did you wanted to see me, Sir?" asked Grizz. "Have a seat, Grizz." said Mr. Nom Nom. "Yes, sir." said Grizz. "Do you know why I've called you in here?" asked Mr. Nom Nom. "You're going to give me a raise?" asked Grizz. "No, Grizz." said Mr. Nom Nom. "This is the third time this week that you've been distracted in your job." "I'm sorry, sir my wife was telling me about my daughter's recital on Christmas Eve." said Grizz. Mr. Nom Nom glared at Grizz. "I mean it won't happen again, sir." "It better not happen again, Mr. Grizzly." Mr. Nom Nom said. "Now get out of my office and get back to work." "Yes, sir." Grizz said and went straight to work. After working from nine to five, it was time to go home. Grizz drove to the store and bought eggs, milk, and bread. Twenty minutes later, Grizz came home with the groceries. "Honey, I'm home!" he said cheerfully. "Daddy!" cried the cubs as they ran to the living room giving Grizz a hug. "Hello, sweetheart!" Shelley said giving Grizz a long passionate kiss. "Eww!" the cubs cried. "Kids, go wash up for dinner we're having company." "Yes, Mommy." the cubs said and ran to the bathroom to wash up. "Company, Shelley?" Grizz asked. "What company?" Shelley took the bag of groceries in the kitchen. "I invited the family over for dinner." Shelley said. "That's cool." Grizz said. "How was your day, Grizz?" Shelley asked. "Well, you know honey, paperwork filing folders, talking with clients, having the boss breathing down my neck." "I'm sorry, Grizz." Shelley said sadly giving her husband a hug. "It's not your fault, babe." Grizz said. "What's for dinner?" Shelley put the groceries away. "I've made everyone's favorite dishes including yours." Shelley said. "Meatloaf topped with ketchup and roasted potatoes." "Babe, you're the greatest!" Grizz said giving his wife a hug and a long passionate kiss. As Grizz and Shelley were kissing, the doorbell rang. "They're here! They're here!" The cubs shouted as they opened the door. It was Panda and Ice Bear with their wives and kids. "Hello, guys!" Grizz said greeting his family. "What did you bring us?" asked Dipper. "Dipper, where are your manners?" Grizz asked. "I'm sorry." said Dipper. "What did you bring us, Uncle Panda?" "That's more like it!" Grizz said. "Well, Aunt Zelda and I made chocolate chip brownies." Panda said. "And Ice Bear and I made vanilla ice cream." Janessa added. "Dinner is ready!" Shelley said. As soon the desserts were in the freezer, the family sat down at the table and they each had their favorite foods. The cubs had Macaroni and cheese with chicken nuggets. Panda had eggplant Parmesan. Janessa had chicken Marsala. Ice Bear had salmon with rice. Zelda had manicotti. Shelley had beef teriyaki. And Grizz as usual, had meatloaf topped with ketchup and roasted potatoes. After having a wonderful dinner and delicious dessert, Grizz and Shelley invited their family to stay overnight. With every bear sound asleep, it was a peaceful night.

To be continued

Hello readers,
I hope you like my Christmas tale. Stay tuned for chapter two of It's A Beary Wonderful Christmas Carol. Please comment bye!