We were aware that we could not let it go when my brother and I overheard our father calling our mother “lazy” and making fun of the way she prepared meals. An innocent Christmas present list gradually evolved into a clever strategy to teach him a lesson that he would never forget. This lesson would be one that he would never forget.

This past Christmas seemed like a scenario right out of a comedy, but it was the type of moment that makes you grimace before you laugh. I never anticipated that I would say this, but it was exactly that.

Here’s my name, Emma. I am fourteen years old, and my life is a frenzy of school projects, eye rolls from my brother Jake, who is sixteen years old, and attempting to keep my Converse clean in a home that is immaculate only because my mother virtually runs it like a one-woman cleaning staff.

The mother is the very essence of our family’s house. In spite of the fact that she has a full-time job, does all of the laundry, scrubs every corner till it shines, and yet finds time to assist Jake with his nutty scientific projects, which often include baking soda volcanoes or explosions packed with glitter, she volunteers her time to assist Jake.

You, Dad? In any case, Dad is the kind of person who loves to think of himself as “the homemaker.” When everything is said and done, this just means that he watches reruns of action movies from the 1980s, provides comments without being asked for it, and has not touched a vacuum since the Clinton era. Without a doubt, I have feelings for him, but when it comes to carrying his weight, let’s just say that he has more bark than backbone.

Following that, Christmas arrived.

The beginning of everything began two weeks before the big day. Jake and I were creeping around the corridor of the upper floor in the hopes of discovering my mother’s secret location for concealing gifts. We discovered something more, something that caused our stomachs to turn in an uncomfortable manner.

His father was speaking with his brother, Uncle Ray, over the phone. The sound of his words could be heard clearly through the door, even though he was unaware that we were within hearing.

The question was posed with a chuckle, “What should we get Melissa?” Honestly, it’s simply things from the kitchen. Whatever she needs to finally learn how to cook, whether it be blenders, spatulas, or anything else. In there, she is such a slacker.

When I came to a complete halt.

Are you sluggish? He hushed his voice. His pupils were quite large. When he just said that, did he really mean it?

More and more of us moved in. Dad continued to speak while laughing as if he were making a joke about something. If she had better equipment, maybe her meal wouldn’t taste like cardboard. I mean, she could have done better. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?

We were both astonished, and Jake and I looked at one other in quiet. Could it be that our mother, the lady who never missed a school function and sat up until midnight to iron our uniforms, is a slacker? Was it the impression that he had of her?

The fact of the matter is that Mom does not particularly like cooking. There is no other reason for her to do it. To put it simply, nobody else will.

The next evening, Jake and I were sitting in his room, seething. But we didn’t simply sit around and do nothing; we devised a strategy. The name we gave it was “Operation Outplay.”

I started by saying, “Okay,” as I walked between the stacks of his clothes. “He will not be allowed to get away with this,” we said. It would be interesting to see how he feels about being the joke if he were to turn Christmas into a roast session about his mother.

A crack appeared on Jake’s knuckles. “It’s time to change the storybook.”

Our first step was to send an email.

Our explanation of what Dad had said was given to each and every member of the family who was coming over for Christmas, including grandparents, aunts, and cousins. This is not an exaggeration. We didn’t have any things twisted. Simply put, we had the truth in common.

After that, we wrote:

Hello to everyone,

Jake and Emma are their names. It is our intention to make this Christmas a memorable one for Mom. Dad requested you to purchase some items for her kitchen, but we believe that she is deserving of something much more than that. Included in this message is a wishlist of items that she has always desired but has never purchased for herself.
Also, instead of sending Dad the typical socks or grilling utensils, I would appreciate it if you could gift him fishing poles. Belief in us. It will be clear to him.”

On the list were presents that Mom had loved for years but had never taken the time to purchase: a fancy purse, a comfortable reading chair, a gift card to a spa, her preferred skincare package, and a delicate necklace with our initials inscribed on it. All of the tiny things that she fantasized of had been brought to our attention, and now it was time to make them a reality.

In the beginning, Aunt Joanne said, “Count me in.” Melissa is the person I know who puts forth the most effort.

The next thing that Grandpa said was, “Fishing rod ordered.” This is going to turn out fantastic.

By the time the week came to a close, everyone had come around.

The morning of Christmas dawned, and everything was well.

Cinnamon buns and pine were the aromas that permeated the home. She had been up since morning, baking and buzzing about the kitchen in her robe, her hair in that sloppy bun that somehow yet looked exquisite. Mom had been up since sunrise. She made sure that the fireplace was lighted and toasty, smiled at everyone, and distributed coffee to everyone within the room.

During this time, Dad was relaxing in his recliner, enjoying a cup of cocoa like a king while enjoying the view of his court.

Twelve of us were there in the living room at the same time. The tree was surrounded with presents. On the sofa, Jake and I sat next to each other, attempting to contain our laughter and not break out laughing too soon.

Socks, scarves, gift cards, and other holiday-related items were among the items that were unwrapped. However, after that, it was Dad’s time.

The first present was given to him by his aunt Joanne.

“From me,” she said with eagerness.

It was the wrapping paper that Dad tore off.

His eyes blinked as he responded, “Oh.” It is a fishing rod. Howdy, ”

Aunt Joanne smiled and said, “This is the best of the best.” “I thought you’d really enjoy it.”

He mustered out a stifled laugh.

Following that was Jake. This one is from me, Dad,” she said.

One more fishing pole to add.

Dad murmured, “Wow… two fishing rods,” with his eyebrows narrowing slightly in exasperation.

Say, “Here’s mine!” As I handed him a third, I stated in a loud voice.

He took his time opening it. He said, “You have to be kidding me,” as he looked at me.

However, that was not the end of it. Another one was given to him by Uncle Ray. Aunt Claire comes next. After that, Grandpa.

When Dad finally opened his sixth fishing rod, his fake grin had transformed into a full-blown frown by the time he had finished unwrapping it.

“All right, what the hell is going on?” he yelled out in a growl. This is a joke, right? Is it necessary to have so many fishing rods? It’s not even that I fish!

Mother, on the other hand, was radiant.

Tears were streaming down her face as she looked at the needlework on the expensive handbag that she had just unpacked.

Oh my goodness, this is just stunning! the woman shouted. “How were you all able to know that I desired this?”

Ray, Uncle, gave a wink. “We had some assistance. ”

Jake gave her a poke with another box. Inside was the gift card for a day at the spa.

“You are deserving of a break,” he told her. “For a change, let someone else take care of you,” the speaker said.

The next item was the skincare package, followed by the plush reading chair (which was accompanied by a note stating that it will be delivered that week), and lastly, the necklace, which was delicate and shaped like a heart and had our names etched on it.

The mother brought it close to her chest. She pleaded in a hushed voice, “I am at a loss for words.” “This Christmas is the best I’ve had in… what seems like an eternity.”

In the end, Dad, who was red-faced and muttering, lost his cool. “Let’s be honest, what exactly is going on with the fishing rods? Whatever happened to the appliances in the kitchen? That material is crucial for her!

There was complete silence in the room.

Mom couldn’t believe her eyes. You requested that everyone bring me some cooking equipment, right?

The arms of Jake were folded. Uncle Ray was informed by him that she was “lazy” in the cooking and that she need better instruments. I thought that would be very humorous.

The father’s face went a bright crimson. “I didn’t intend for it to be that way!”

You mean, really? I stated that. “Because we were able to hear every voice.”

The expression on Mom’s face conveyed both pain and rage at the same time. I take it that this is how you feel about me? That I am a slacker? To say that I am a poor cook?

The father stutteringly spoke. “It was nothing more than a joke!”

Jake sneered at the idea. It’s you who’s in the wrong, that’s for sure.

Following a long and deliberate approach, Mom approached Dad and delicately put one of the fishing poles on his lap.

With a chilly demeanor, she wished her beloved a Merry Christmas. “It seems as though you’ve taken up a new hobby.”

There was a riot of laughing in the room. As he sat back in his chair, Dad remained quiet.

The remainder of the day was filled with joy. Mom basked in the kind of love and gratitude that she had earned all along. She embraced each and every one of us, smiled, and shed tears at the same time.

On that particular evening, after the visitors had left and the dishes had been cleaned, my mother drew Jake and I into a powerful embrace.

A hushed voice murmured, “You two…” At this point, I am at a loss for words. For me, this was the most important thing.

“We just wanted you to feel like you were seen,” I had stated.

“As well as appreciated,” Jake said. “Since you are the one. The whole day”

In spite of her tears, she grinned. “I adore both of you so very much. You are the most wonderful presents I have ever been given.

What about your father? Never again did he bring up the topic of kitchen appliances. What about the fishing rods? It was a subtle reminder that sometimes the greatest way to teach someone respect is with a little bit of ingenuity, and they were sitting there in the garage having not been touched.

It is safe to say that Operation Outplay was a successful endeavor. It was a Christmas that we will never forget.