Christmas Party Branch Members

Lavender didn't know exactly what faith was. But she knew she had courage. And she knew how to leap. Gathering her strength she leapt from the window sill across the room to the bookcase and landed in a shoe box full of personages in hats.

The personages, who appeared to be made out of knitting, shuffled awkwardly to make space for Lavender.

Woo! said Lavender. Where have I landed? And who are all of you?

More to the point, who are you? said one of the personages, who was dressed up like Father Christmas. Are you coming with us to Sydney?

Sydney? said Lavender. Who's Sydney?

We don't know, said the Father Christmas. We are just newly minted. We're all going to Sydney on Thursday, and that's all we know.

Why do you look like Father Christmas? said Lavender. And who's everybody else?

We don't know, said another of the other personages, who was wearing a Christmas hat and a red knitted apron. Maybe you know?

You look like Mother Christmas, said Lavender.

Wait a minute, said the Mother Christmas. That's a bit sexist.

Loser, said Lavender. You're wearing an APRON! Now shut up and I'll give you all names.

How come SHE's in charge? muttered one of the the personages from under his tall stripey hat.

Yeah, said the other one who looked much the same. But.... yeah.... she did come out of the sky.

Yeah, yeah...true.... said the other one, nodding his head, and his hat.

Right! Names! said Lavender. Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, Branch Member One, Branch Member Two, Stupid Looking Snowman, Cute Reindeer, Christmas Tree, Bag of Presents.

Oi! said the Bag of Presents. I'm not a bag of presents.

It's your NAME, said Lavender, You don't have to BE a bag of presents.

Alright then, said the Bag of Presents. Just so it's clear.

What's the point of you then? asked the Stupid Looking Snowman.

What's the point of YOU? said the Bag of Presents. A snowman made out of knitting.

Stop it! said Lavender. Let's have no more of this kind of talk.

Everyone was silent.

Lavender was pleased with her leap of faith. She had ended up in charge. Her word was law. She looked forward to Thursday. What would Sydney be like?