The next day, a joyous frenzy had invaded every member of the family. Traditionally on Christmas Eve, my father and I used to decorate the tree shortly before the meal. It was barely seven o’clock, and I was still not dressed when my father arrived with the treasure chest.
“But it’s far too early!” I protested.
He winked at me.
“Go up to your mother, she’s waiting for you. I won’t start without you.”
“You better not!”
I climbed the stairs four by four and found my mother in her room.
“Ah, there you are! Here, I want you to wear this little dress tonight. (She handed me a protective cover for clothes.) You can put on my shoes, those, she said to me, pointing to a pair of shoes with heels so high, that I didn’t give too much chance for my balance.
“Oh, mom, I wasn’t thinking
