The radio set was temporarily dispossessed so that the tree could stand on its table. It didn't take long to trim the little tree, but it was fun just the same. Hubert was satisfyingly enthusiastic about the bathrobe and he gave Lillian a bottle of perfume, a cigarette holder, and an enormous box of candy.
The Sullivans came over, bringing a bath-mat which was to Hubert and Lillian with best Christmas wishes from Anna and Cliff. The Fishers brought a half-dozen Victrola records with Christmas greetings. Theresa and Hymie dropped in to say Merry Christmas. They brought no gift, and Theresa received the elaborately boxed present which Lillian handed her without embarrassment. The Mosses had twenty-one relatives who had to be remembered at Christmas; so they left out their friends through sheer necessity. Theresa knew perfectly well what her friends thought of her, but she couldn't bring herself to explain about the relatives.
Hymie, however, had a flask of rye with him. He was able to give everybody a drink. There were toasts all around, a few bursts of song, and many Yuletide wishes more wordy than sincere. Then the Sullivans had to go. They were expected at Anna's mother's house. The Fishers followed soon after. They were going to a party.
Hubert looked at the clock. It was half-past nine. He said to Hymie, "What are you people doing tonight?"
"We're going over to Fordham," Hymie said. "My sister has a lot of kids. I'm playing Santa Claus there at ten o'clock. We have to beat it."
