Cigar

Rhonda recounted to the others how her mom wouldn't allow a single mention of the subject today. Everyone should forget it, she'd say.

It was Christmas morning, the excited kids had been up since just after sunrise, missed Santa by one cookie!

Sometime later, during the happy unwrapping spree under the tree, little sister Beth was first to notice it, very odd: a cigar ornament hanging from a bough? Everyone was quite mystified. 

Where did that come from? Was this a prank? No one knew. Rhonda's mom wasn't amused, but kept silent, with a strange expression, almost a frown. Some family knew or remembered, old enough, but no one nentioned it.

The only family member who favored his fancy imported cigars- San Lotano Madura Ovals- often most obnoxiously in use, blissfully ticking everyone off with billows of smoke. But, he was always invited for holidays that this old Scrooge barely tolerated: cranky, unlikeable Uncle Lou! Passed away for a decade now.  

There's no real explanation for it to this day- a fanily story re-told with whisper only. Rhonda's mom- with a private shudder- would say to forget it.