The Christmas 00's

It was on the 18th of December. Jimmy Eat World's version of Last Christmas was playing in the background. That song was coming from a radio that was tuned to 100.3 WNIC. That was Detroit's Christmas music station during the holiday season, and still is to this day.

This music was playing at Steve's house. And school was out for the next two weeks. And Christmas was only one week away.

Me, Steve, and Kevin were sitting in the living room at Steve's house watching TV. "Hey, I didn't know Jimmy Eat World made their version of Last Christmas.", said Kevin. "Yeah, it sounds alright. It still doesn't beat the original version made famous by Wham!", said Steve.

"Christmas is only one week away. Have any of you two mailed your letter to Santa yet? I have yet to do it.", I said. "I have yet to do it too.", said Kevin. "So do I.", said Steve.

"Well, what are you gonna ask Santa for when you do?", I said. "Well, I and Kev both agreed to put 'Xbox' as number one on both of our lists.", said Steve. "So, that's part of it.", said Steve.

"What about you Jamal?", said Kevin. "I still have yet to decide.", I said. "Well, it looks like nothing good is on TV. Let's turn this off and listen to some more holiday music.", said Steve. "Totally.", I said. "Alright.", said Kevin.

Then Steve got the remote and turned off the TV. After the TV was turned off, WNIC ran their station I.D. before switching to the next song. And the next song was a good one.

Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You started playing. "Ooh, ooh, this is my favorite Christmas song.", said Steve. "You've said that about a lot of Christmas songs Steve.", said Kevin.

"This Christmas song came out the same year I was born.", said Steve. "Yeah, except it was June, and folks were getting ready for summer. Now folks are getting ready for winter which is just a few days away.", said Kevin. "It's sad that we only get to listen to these songs during the holiday season, and not all year long.", I said.

"Dude, Christmas songs would get pretty annoying in April when it's about time to celebrate Easter.", said Kevin. "Now we've got to make sure we don't forget to send our letter to Santa.", I said. "I'm right there with you buddy.", said Steve. "You don't have to tell me twice.", said Kevin.

"Hey, our band has never performed any holiday songs before. Why don't we all get together tomorrow and perform some songs to get into the holiday spirit?", said Steve. "That's a wonderful idea. I hope the rest of the gang isn't too busy tomorrow afternoon.", said Kevin. "I hope not either man.", said Steve.

"I'll be there to record.", I said. "Great. We should be all set then.", said Kevin. "Now let's listen to some more holiday music to get some inspiration for tomorrow.", said Steve.

***

The next day, Two Seconds To Detroit got together to start performing Christmas music for the first time. "Alright, guys. What should be our first-ever December song?", said Steve. "Well, you're the leader Steve, so you can have this choice.", said Amanda. "Thanks, Amanda.", said Steve.

"Trust me guys. You will not be disappointed by what I choose.", said Steve. "Dude, we can't read your mind and play at the same time!", said Brad. "Alright, alright, alright. Let's go with The Christmas Song but in our rock version.", said Steve.

"Fine, we're ready when you are.", said Brad. "The Christmas Song? Isn't that song from the 1940s or something? Why not play something a little more not old?", said, Ariana. "Sorry Ariana, that's our first song.", said Steve. "Alright guys, let's get into position and get ready.", said Steve. Then everybody did just that including me.

"And 3...2...1...", said Steve. Then they started performing their rock version of the song. And performed it well.

Then they finished. "That was awesome you guys! The father of Christmas would be very proud of all of us right now.", said Steve. "Okay, one, who is the father of Christmas? Two, Santa is probably already proud of us. He sees everything dude. How else will he know who has been naughty or nice every year?", said Nathan.

"One, the father of Christmas is Mr. Claus. Two, how is that logically possible. Does he have cameras hidden all around the globe?", said Steve. "He doesn't need cameras dude, it's the magic of Christmas.", said Nathan. "Guys, can we change the subject and play our next song?", said Amanda.

"Alright, the next song we're gonna do is Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer in our rock version.", said Steve. Then the whole band got prepared to play again. "Ready...set...", said Steve. Then "Two Seconds To Detroit" played their version of that song as well.

Then they got finished with that song. "Nice job so far with the first two songs everybody.", said Steve. "Now since I'm the older brother of the band leader, I get to pick next.", said Kevin. "Fine bro, choose wisely.", said Steve.

"Now since I was born in the early '90s, I thought I'd throw out my choice for our next song that was released in 1993. And that would be Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan in our own '00s rock version.", said Kevin. "Alright, let's do this.", said Steve. "Everybody into position.", said Steve. Then everybody got into position and got ready including me.

"Three...two...one...", said Steve. Then they started performing Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan in the band's version. And they performed it pretty well. They were doing excellent at performing that song. The best performance they ever gave that afternoon.

"That was awesome you guys! And great song choice my brother! We should start doing this more often every year during the holiday season. We can also practice on the Xmas side of things and continue getting better.", said Steve. "Yeah, too bad we came up with this idea less than a week before the Christmas season comes to an end.", said, Ariana. "Yeah, but on the bright side, we'll all be older, wiser, and have more life experience. And that, in turn, will probably make us just a little bit better.", said Nathan.

"A glass-half-full mindset from one of the band members. I like it.", said Steve. "I have a feeling this is gonna be a great Christmas you guys.", I said. "Yeah, and pretty soon, we'll be making our songs. Then other singers and artists will constantly make their versions of our holiday hits.", said Steve. "So, we're doing all Christmas music today?", said Amanda. "You got it, Amanda! Now C'mon! Let's get this thing rolling some more.", said Steve.

Then the band continually got at it and continued practicing on holiday songs. They couldn't wait to start practicing on more holiday songs in November of next year. They only played holiday music that day and no other type of music that wasn't holiday music.

***

It was on the 20th of December. Anna had the camcorder out and was filming the dog walking into the living room with a doggy Christmas sweater on. "Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy? Why you're a good boy Dexter.", Anna said while filming Dexter.

"Nice sweater Dexter.", said Steve. "I know right! It was just the cutest doggy Xmas sweater we seen at Northland Mall. I and your father just had to get it for our lovely animal over here.", said Anna. "Now all we need to do is put this video on America's Funniest Home Videos.", said Kevin.

"For that video to qualify for AFV, it'd have to make people laugh doofus!", said Steve. "Hey, watch it, bro! Santa's watching every word that comes out of your mouth. Unless you want 30 lbs. of coal under the tree.", said Kevin. "That's a nice sweater you picked out for Dexter.", I said.

"Why thank you, Jamal! You are so kind.", said Anna. "You guys wanna try some eggnog?", said Anna. "Sure.", said Steve. "I love eggnog.", said Kevin.

"I've never had eggnog before, but I'm willing to try it.", I said. "Alright, I'll go get some for you. You all just sit tight. Only five more days!", said Anna as she happily held up five fingers on one hand, then went to go get the eggnog for us. "Never had eggnog before? Dude, what planet did you come from?", said Kevin. "Earth.", I said.

"Jamal has never had eggnog before. So what?! Please explain to me what's the big deal about that?! And this better is worth my precious time.", said Steve. "Everybody on planet Earth has had eggnog before. I bet you and I have probably even had it while inside the womb.", said Kevin. "I'd have to disagree with you there Kev. I don't think everybody has tried eggnog before. Maybe a majority of the world population, but not 100% of it.", said Steve.

Then Anna came into the room with a tray of three glasses of eggnog, and a tray of cookies for all three of us to share. "And here you go! Enjoy guys.", said Anna. Then we all started eating the chocolate chip cookies first.

After we all got done eating our cookies, Steve and Kevin washed theirs down with some eggnog. I then proceeded to drink some eggnog for the first time. I took a sip of it. I had an unpleasant look on my face.

Then I drunk some more of it. The unpleasant look continued to stay on my face. I drunk more of it, and I finally had enough.

"Ugh! This tastes horrible! Who in their right minds came up with the idea of this for a beverage?", I said. "First you never tried eggnog, now you're saying it takes horrible?! You're from Pluto. I've just concluded it.", said Kevin. "Dude, shut up!", said Steve. "Santa.", Kevin reminded Steve.

"You don't like the eggnog, Jamal?", Anna said. "I'm afraid not. At least I know not to drink that again anytime soon. I'm gonna go drink a glass of water.", I said as I got up to go get some water. "Mom, I think Steve's friend is from another planet.", said Kevin.

"Now don't be silly Kevin. There are probably other individuals out there who don't prefer eggnog as their drink of choice during the holiday season.", said Anna. "Everybody's different you know.", said Anna. "And he's not from Pluto you wonderful brother.", said Steve. "Thanks, Steve!", said Kevin.

I came back from the kitchen and sat right back down in the living room. "Hey sorry about that. Next time you visit, I'll just give you some hot cocoa instead. Ok?", said Anna. "Thanks, Steve's mom. I appreciate it.", I said. "Great! Now you all enjoy the rest of your day.", said Anna as she left the living room.

"I bet he hasn't tried hot cocoa either.", said Kevin. "Shut up!", I said. "Santa.", Kevin reminded me.

***

It was the 22nd of December which was the first full day of winter. We agreed to have the ultimate snowball fight just before sunset the day before. Ariana knocked on Steve's door that morning.

Kevin answered it. "You still coming to the playground for our scheduled snowball fight?", said, Ariana. "Yep, we haven't changed our plans.", said Kevin.

Then Steve came to the door. "What are the rules and stipulations of this snowball fight? Are we gonna get split up in teams?", said Steve. "We'll discuss it when everybody arrives.", said, Ariana.

"Cool, see ya there.", said Steve. "Alright, see you guys.", said, Ariana. Then Ariana left the apartment complex.

***

Later on, we all arrived at the playground. We all got together to discuss the rules and stipulations of this snowball fight. "So, how are we gonna do this?", said, Ariana.

"I think it should be gender vs. gender.", said Brad. "I don't know Brad. There are more males here than females. It might be too overwhelming for both of them.", said Steve. "I and Ariana could beat all of you guys while blindfolded.", said Amanda.

"There's five of us, and two of you. There's no way you would be able to beat us.", said Kevin. "Why don't we find out?", said, Ariana. "Anybody who gets hit gets eliminated.", said Amanda. The team that has no members left is the loser.

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you.", said Steve. And we got ready to do this snowball fight despite the odds stacked against the females. "Ready...set...go!", said Amanda.

Then the snowball fight got underway. You could see snowballs being thrown everywhere. It was quite the snowball fight at the start.

Then I suddenly got hit and eliminated by Ariana. "Yes! Got you! Now it's just four of you guys!", said, Ariana. "Yeah, so I guess you can go take a seat somewhere and watch both of us win this thing.", said Amanda.

Then the other four boys got ready to throw a bunch of snowballs at the girls. Then Amanda and Ariana got out of the way just in time before they got hit. Then the snowball fight continued.

Snowballs were being thrown everywhere. Then Amanda eliminated Brad. "Got you!", said Amanda.

Then the snowball fight continued. As it continued, Brad took a seat next to me on a bench at the playground. "So, you think the rest of them can win this thing against the female side?", said Brad.

"That's hard to say for me. Who do you think is gonna win? The females might win this thing.", I said. "I think we still got this. They're still outnumbered. I think it's only a matter of time.", said Brad. "Well, we'll see. Should be an interesting match.", I said.

The snowball match continued. Then after a while, Ariana eliminated Nathan. "Got you, Nathan! Now it's two against two!", said, Ariana.

Then Nathan sat next to me and Brad on the bench. "Well, it looks like it's even now.", said Nathan. "How did they get so good at throwing snowballs?", said Brad. "It might be because the opposite sex can handle the cold weather a little better.", said Nathan.

"Well, at least we're not outnumbered. It's any gender's game now.", I said. Then the snowball fight continued. It was getting pretty intense, and there were a lot of close calls.

Then Steve and Kevin went into a hiding place. They hid while both girls weren't looking and were making new snowballs. "Hey, where did they go?!", said, Ariana.

"They hid somewhere while we weren't looking.", said Amanda. "Nice! They hid. Why didn't any of us think of that strategy? It still would've been a five to advantage.", said Brad. "So now we're playing Hide & Seek? I thought we were having a good old-fashioned snowball fight.", said Nathan.

"Where's the remote? I wanna change the channel.", said Nathan. "This is real life dude. Not TV.", said Brad. "Now the advantage has shifted to the male side.", I said.

"Why don't you guys come out and face us?!", said, Ariana. "Unless you're chicken!", said Amanda. "Don't think we'll never find you! We eventually will!", said, Ariana. "And when we do, you know what's gonna come next!", said Amanda.

Then Steve and Kevin were whispering to each other in their hiding spot. "So, what's our strategy bro?", Kevin whispered to Steve. "I'm not sure yet Kev. I'm trying my best to come up with something. Are they anywhere near us?", Steve whispered to Kevin.

"Doesn't look like it, but we only got so much time left until they eventually find us.", Kevin whispered to Steve. "Yeah, you're right.", Steve whispered to Kevin. "I have a feeling we'll eventually come up with a strategy soon.", Kevin whispered to Steve.

Meanwhile, Amanda and Ariana were slowly roaming around trying to develop their strategy. "Come out, come out wherever you are!", said, Ariana. "You can't hide forever guys!", said Amanda.

"So, what's our strategy, Amanda?", said, Ariana. "I'm still working on it.", said Amanda. "What if they're planning a surprise attack on us?", said, Ariana. "Well, we're the smarter gender. Therefore, anything they got planned for us probably won't work.", said Amanda.

"Just keep your eyes out, Ariana.", said Amanda. "Got it.", said, Ariana. Then they continued to slowly roam around the playground.

"Wow. This has gotten intense. I wish this was an actual sport.", I said. "Still doesn't beat the winter Olympics.", said Brad. "I don't watch the Olympics, but this has gotten competitive so far.", said Nathan.

"Ok Kev, I came up with the perfect strategy for us.", Steve whispered to Kevin. "What's the strategy?", Kevin whispered to Steve. "We split up. And attack from different angles.", Steve whispered to Kevin.

"I was thinking we stay together, and attack from a really good location.", Kevin whispered to Steve. "I don't know. But you're the oldest, so we'll go with your plan.", Steve whispered to Kevin. "Awesome.", Kevin whispered to Steve.

"Where do we attack from?", Steve whispered to Kevin. Then Kevin observed the whole scene. "Over there.", Kevin whispered to Steve.

Then the two brothers snuck themselves over to the location Kevin spotted. They tried their best not to be seen. And they were you doing a good job at it.

"Look! They're sneaking over to another location to attack.", said Nathan. "Wherever they're going, they better choose a good spot.", said Brad. "C' mon Steve and Kevin, you both got this.", I said.

They continued to sneak themselves over to the spot they saw. Once they got there, they quickly hid just before the two girls looked at that exact location. "Alright, let's make snowballs, and attack at the right time.", Steve whispered to Kevin.

"Got it.", Kevin whispered to Steve. Then Steve and Kevin waited for the right time to strike. Then one of them saw that it was finally the right time to strike.

"Ok, let's attack right now.", Kevin whispered to Steve. "Alright, bro.", Steve whispered to Kevin. "Five...four...three...two...one...fire!", Kevin whispered to Steve.

Then Steve and Kevin fired. Amanda and Ariana got surprised. They almost got hit.

They ran to a safe spot to make some snowballs. The girls then attacked. And it was an all-out battle between the two males and two females.

Then Steve and Kevin hid again when the two girls weren't looking. "Darn it, they hid again!", said Amanda. "I say we hide ourselves this time.", said, Ariana. "Good idea Ariana. Let's hide over there at that spot.", said Amanda.

Then they proceeded to hide. "Now everybody hid.", I said. "Looks like a real game now.", said Nathan. "Go Steve and Kevin!", said Brad.

"Now let's go with your original plan Steve and split up.", Kevin whispered to Steve. "Alright, let's do this.", Steve whispered to Kevin. Then Steve and Kevin both proceeded to act on Steve's plan.

They split into two and went to two different hiding locations. Both girls unhid themselves. And then both brothers unhid themselves to attack.

The girls tried to avoid the attack and were successful. Then as the two males made snowballs, the two females hid. The match was getting more intense by the moment.

Then after a lot of different strategies, while hiding, Steve and Kevin got hit in the middle of the snowy playground. They got bombarded with snowballs. And there was no sign of it stopping.

"Alright, alright, alright! You both made your point! Can you stop attacking us with snow now?!", said Kevin as he was getting attacked along with his brother. Then the attack stopped. Then they began to attack Steve and Kevin again.

And the two girls were having a lot of fun doing it. Then the three of us got up and attacked Amanda and Ariana. Then we ended up attacking each other. It was now an all-out individual snowball fight.

We continued to enjoy ourselves in the cold winter snow. And we all couldn't wait until Christmas arrived. We had a great time.

***

It was now Christmas Eve morning. And My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears was playing in the background. The author of that background music was 100.3 WNIC of course.

Steve and Kevin had their alarm set earlier than usual on a non-school day because of Christmas Eve. When it went off, both Steve and Kevin shut off the alarm and got right out of bed. "Just one more day Kev!", Steve said with a smile on his face.

"Just one more day.", Kevin said with a smile on his face. "Midnight seems so close, but yet so far away.", said Steve. "Yeah, and that sounds like Britney Spears playing in the living room.", said Kevin.

"It's about time we get this Christmas Eve started.", said Steve. "Hey, is your friend coming over again?", said Kevin. "Which one?", said Steve.

"Your best friend.", said Kevin. "Oh, Jamal is coming to visit later on this afternoon.", said Steve. "What I don't understand is why do people celebrate the day before Christmas. Like, why celebrate the day before a holiday. Just doesn't make sense to me.", said Kevin. "Hmm, you should probably take that up with the holiday police.", said Steve.

***

Later that afternoon, I knocked on Steve's door. Kevin answered it. "Yo Steve, one of your eggnog hating friends just arrived.", said Kevin.

Then I walked in, and Steve came into the living room. "Dude, can you quit it with the eggnog references?", I said. "Not until you like eggnog.", said Kevin.

"Make yourself right at home here man. You can just ignore my brother of mines.", said Steve. Then all three of us sat down together on the couch in the living room. "So, how have things been with you and your mom?", said Steve.

"The same as usual. We both put up our Christmas tree together around the start of December.", I said. "Is it natural or artificial?", said Kevin. "Artificial. Why does that concern you?", I said. "A real Christmas fan would love eggnog and have a real Christmas tree in their home.", said Kevin.

Then Anna came into the room with a tray of chocolate chip cookies for all of us to share along with two glasses of eggnog and one cup of hot cocoa. "I've made another batch of cookies for you guys. Happy holidays. And Jamal, I remembered not to give you eggnog, so the hot cocoa is for you. Enjoy."., said Anna. "Thanks, Steve's mom. I appreciate.", I said.

"Just be careful not to burn yourself, sweetie.", said Anna as she left the living room. "So, do the two of you have any New Years' resolutions for 2002?", said Steve. "I don't make any New Years' resolutions.", I said.

"I resolve to be a tweenager.", said Kevin. "Dude isn't that automatically suppose to happen.", said Steve. "I meant mentally.", said Kevin.

"Well, I resolve to get better grades. Oh, and just to let you guys know, I'm gonna be staying up in the wee hours trying to spot Santa in person.", said Steve. "I'm not sure how that's going to be possible. Santa has to bring gifts to every boy and girl all over the globe. You'll likely not have enough time to see him.", said Kevin. "I beg to differ.", said Steve. "How late are you staying up anyways?", said Kevin. "As long as possible.", said Steve.

***

Then it was finally Christmas Day. The alarm in Steve and Kevin's room went off. Once they woke up, they paused and immediately rushed to the living room.

And once they made it to the living room, there were a bunch of presents under the tree. And Donny Hathaway's This Christmas was playing in the background thanks to 100.3 WNIC. "Wow! Santa came through!", said Steve. "And he came through big time!", said Kevin.

Kevin Sr. and Anna were sitting on the living room couch. "Merry Christmas boys!", said Kevin Sr. "Merry Christmas you guys! Some of the presents you see are from us, and some are from Santa. Feel free to unwrap your presents guys.", said Anna.

Then the two boys quickly unwrapped their presents. "Look, bro, we finally got the Xbox!", said Kevin. "Wow, sweet!", said Steve.

"It reads from Santa to Steve and Kevin! This has to be the best day of my life!", said Steve. "And Santa told us that it's for you two to share. That's why he wrote both of your names.", said Kevin Sr. "I wish I could've seen the whole thing in person, I only lasted until 12:01 am when I decided to stay up late.", said Steve.

"That's pitiful. I lasted until 1ish.", said Kevin. "Anyway, open my gift, Steve.", said Kevin as he handed his present to Steve. Then Steve opened the gift and it just so happened to be a Red Wings Steve Yzerman jersey.

"It was originally my Red Wings jersey for about two years, and now I'm passing down to you.", said Kevin. "Wow! Thanks, bro You're the best.", said Steve. Then the two brothers hugged each other.

Then Cody came up to Steve. "Merry Christmas Steve.", said Cody as he handed his present to Steve. "Thanks so much, man! I wonder what it could be.", said Steve. Then Steve opened up Cody's gift and it was a box of crayons. "It's a box of crayons.", said Cody.

"Cool! Thanks, man. I needed some crayons.", said Steve. Then Steve and Cody hugged. Then Cody went back to his room.

Then Matthew came out of his room. "Merry Christmas Kevin!", said, Matthew as he handed his present to Kevin. Kevin opened it and it was a toy firetruck. "A firetruck? Nice! Thank you so much, Matthew.", said Kevin as he started to hug Matthew. Then Matthew went back to his room.

Then I knocked on Steve's door. "Yo Steve, it's me.", I said. Then Steve got up to answer the door.

"Hey, man. Merry Christmas.", said Steve. "Merry Christmas. I just wanted to stop by and hand you this card as a Christmas gift. Happy holidays.", I said. Then Steve read it out loud.

The front message read "The Best Things in Life Aren't Things". And the inside message read "They're friends like you". "Hey man, thanks! Enjoy the rest of your Christmas vacation, and have a happy New Year.", said Steve.

"You've been the most wonderful friend I've ever had over these last three months.", said Steve. "Four months?", said Steve. "Nope, still three months.", said Steve.

"The same to you.", I said. "Well, I better get going. I still got a lot of presents I have to open myself.", I said. "I understand dude. See ya.", said Steve. "See ya.", I said as I went back to my place.

Then WNIC ran their station ID and played Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by NSYNC. "It's not even noon yet, and this could arguably be the best Christmas ever.", said Steve. "And there's still a lot of Christmas left.", said Kevin.

"So, you want to finish opening up the rest of these presents and enjoy the rest of Xmas day Kev.", said Steve. "Sure. There's nothing like the holiday season.", said Kevin. "Alright, let's get to work!", said Steve. And it all turned out to be a pretty great Christmas.