My name is Holly Riddle. This year I spent my Christmas vacation with my dad because I spent last Christmas with my mom. But it wasn't as much fun because my dad is just getting over my stepmother's leaving him. I'm glad I had a chance to spend time with him over my vacation, though.

While I was there my dad and I went to the mall to shop for gifts. I found a good gift for my mom which was a crystal bowl. Two hours later we went to his house and wrapped the gifts. We also went to the movies then went out to eat. While we were eating my dad and I talked about other plans for us to see each other, my grades and how each of us was doing.

The following days I stayed in while my dad was working. One night while I was home the phone rang. It was my dad calling from the police station. He told me he got picked up for D.W.I. I thought he knew it was not right to drink and drive. While I was riding to the police station in a taxi, I was wondering if I would have to bail him out. As it turned out, I didn't have to. I just had to go get him and make sure he came home.

I got mad at him, and all that night I stayed in my room. I didn't open the door for him because I wanted to be left alone. The next morning he apologized to me. I asked him if he had started drinking. He said that was the only time he drank. "Don't start dad," I said, "it will just make things worse for you and you might even get fired from your job." He promised me he wouldn't do it again, and after that we decided to go out and have some fun.

When I said goodbye to my dad, I told him my three week vacation was all right, but I hoped my next visit would be more fun. My dad agreed and promised to make it so.

The next day my mom came and picked me up before school started again.