Advent day 3 - Carol Ann Erhardt

The Unexpected Christmas Bonus

by Carol Ann Erhardt

"I'm getting a Christmas bonus this year, hon," I told my husband.

"Really? That's great. Maybe we can get that new refrigerator now."

We'd been nursing along our ancient side-by-side for the past two years, but other more pressing things drained our funds. Earlier in the year, hubby had to remove the handle on the refrigerator door and mount it a little lower because the screws had become stripped. Looking straight at the unit would make you laugh, because the freezer handle was about four inches higher. A new appliance would be welcomed. But, the unit was still functional. Maybe it would be best if we waited until it clunked out. If it held up for a couple more months, we might draw a little interest on the money by putting it in our practically non-existent savings account.

We headed out that weekend to look at refrigerators. Crowds were already heavy…everyone out shopping for Christmas. Red bows, music, brightly decorated trees adorned even the appliance stores. Prices were really high, much higher than I’d anticipated. Purchasing a new one would take all my unexpected Christmas bonus plus the remaining funds in our account. What if we had an unexpected emergency? A new refrigerator wouldn’t help pay bills. And, there had been something else on my mind lately, too.

The next morning I woke early to get ready for church. I had made a decision on what I wanted to do with the money, and I hoped my hubby would understand.

"Honey, I've been thinking."

He looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Really?” He grinned.

"I kind of like the look of the refrigerator with the offset handles. And it does work."

His grin lifted higher. "And..." he prompted.

"And our kids are struggling this year, too. I’ve been remembering how hard it was to pay the bills and provide a few presents for our kids on Christmas. I think we should divide the Christmas bonus and give it to the children to help with their expenses."

He grinned. "Okay."

"So you agree?"

He hugged me. "Of course I agree. That's why I married you. You have such a big heart. Now hurry up and get dressed so we're not late for church."

That year was one of our best Christmases ever, and that old side-by-side? It continued to function for another two years until we could afford to replace it.

Bio:

Inspirational romance writer, Carol Ann Erhardt, touches the hearts and emotions of her readers. Fans categorize her books as emotional, suspenseful and inspirational.

She gives the glory to God. Carol Ann lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and three cats. She divides her time between volunteering at her church, being a caregiver for her hubby, caring for twelve feral cats, enjoying time with her eight children and their families, and writing. She is the newsletter editor for Central Ohio Fiction Writers, and a member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Learn more about Carol Ann by visiting her website at www.CarolAnnErhardt.com.

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