In a grand neighbourhood, majestic mansions rise toward the sky, touching the heavens. The ground sparkles with a glistening blanket of snow, covering the streets and pathways with a thick layer of powdery flakes that reach a person's knees upon stepping outside. The entire landscape bathes in a radiant white light, devoid of any trace of yellow, brown, or black. Instead, a soft, blue neon hue fills the air, casting an otherworldly glow. With the blueness encompassing the surroundings, a biting cold accompanies it.

     Ponds and streams transform into solid blocks of crystal. The wind hums a lullaby—like a mother soothing her child to sleep. The gentle breeze carries a deceiving sense of tranquillity until one steps outside, for it mercilessly nips at the exposed skin like ants armed with fiery teeth. The sky thickens, turning as white as powdered sugar, signalling an imminent snowfall. At present, not a single snowflake dances in the air, but the atmosphere hints at an approaching flurry as the frozen trees sway and howl in response to the wind.

     In the meantime, four children, bundled up in warm coats, joyfully frolic along the snowy streets. Even a narrow road transforms into a wintry playground, a canvas painted with pure white snow. They chase each other, their hands filled with snowballs ready to launch into the sky, their laughter echoing through the crisp air.

     The children's joyful giggles and frisky laughter create a timeless moment—as if yesterday's worries have vanished. They run in circles, aiming their snowballs at each other, leaving trails of mirthful memories scattered on the ground. Standing near an arched window, Gregory watches the children, resting his forearm on the wall as a gentle smile graces his face.

"Hm," Gregory smirked as he quietly watched the children playing from behind the window.

     Gregory drapes his broad figure in a thick black coat that flows down to his calves, its edges boasting light brown fur. A white cravat tie wraps around his neck, and a light clay-orange waistcoat with gleaming gold buttons complements his black trousers. His feet find warmth in black shoes with golden buckles, their heels giving him an extra boost in height.

"Hey, Greg! Help us, will you?" Edgar called out.

     Edgar cradles a carton box filled with colourful orb-like ornaments, carefully placing it on the ground. He takes a moment to brush off his warm black coat, its length reaching halfway down his thighs. His outfit boasts a plush fur lining at the neck and bottom, providing comfort and style. He wears a skin-coloured vest and light-grey trousers, perfectly matching his ensemble. Completing his attire are simple black shoes, steadfast companions on his feet.

     Standing next to Edgar is Sophia, dressed in a pastel pink gown with broad shoulders embellished with white fur. As she rises from the polished floor, her four-layered frilled skirt springs to life, mirroring her braided updo. As she turns to face Gregory, a welcoming smile lights up her flushed face, with her white bow at the waist swaying along with her movement.

"Hey! Come over here!" Sophia said, waving at Gregory.

     As Gregory approaches the group, Sophia's attention is drawn to a creaking sound behind her. She quickly turns around and spots Sarrah pushing a heavy clay vase. Gasping in surprise, Sophia rushes to assist Sarrah, guiding the pot to the centre of the room. Together, they carefully position it in place. Sarrah then takes a deep breath and exhales loudly as she places her hands on her hips.

     Sarrah's side curls frame her face while her other ginger locks make up a neat bun at the back. She wears a cream-like beige dress with wide sleeves and a sailor-shaped collar, accentuating her lean figure with a brown belt-like sash around her waist. Her floor-length skirt flows to the ground, adorned with voluminous fur at the hemline. Completing her look is a glistening pearl necklace with a silver pendant that catches the light.

     Like Sarrah, Bethany also wears a shiny necklace with a silver pendant, complementing it with her mossy green dress. Her skirt features triangular cuts with yellow motifs, creating a striking contrast against the inner black hemline. As she walks forward, Bethany feels a ticklish sensation on her nose and notices a few strands of her curled hair falling. Brushing them back up with her finger, she steps closer to Sarrah with a warm smile.

     Everyone gathers around the clay pot in the lobby, waiting in anticipation, their eyes fixated on the vase. Suddenly, faint, steady footsteps echo from the grand staircase and catch their attention. All eyes turn towards the stairs, and excitement fills the air as they spot their beloved companion, Oliver.

     Despite the enclosure of sturdy walls, Gregory feels the wind caressing his face. His eyes shimmer with a blazing glimmer as they land upon his spouse. A bashful smile forms on his lips, causing his cheeks to blush like a ripe apple. Slowly, he waves his left palm, revealing the gleaming ring on his finger.

     Oliver returns the gesture, waving back with his left hand, showcasing his golden ring that complements the golden cross necklace above his white cravat tie. As he descends the staircase, his black shoes with silver buckles make a loud statement. Under the luminous chandelier, Oliver's bronze-coloured coat with white epaulettes emits a subtle glow, harmonizing with his green waistcoat with crisscross patterns that mirror the vertical stripes embellishing his black trousers.

"Woah..." Gregory huffed as he smiled.

"Merry Christmas," Oliver greeted him with a kind smile.

"M-Me... mere... m-merry..." Gregory stuttered, his mind solely captivated by Oliver's presence.

Suddenly, Frederick descended the stairs, his voice filled with joy as he shouted, "Merry Christmas, everybody! Merry! Merry Christmas!"

     Oliver glances at the vase, brimming with rich soil but lacking any sign of greenery. He then steps back, and his companions follow suit, creating a space around the vase. Oliver swings his right arm, and before their eyes, a pine tree emerges from the clay pot, its branches stretching towards the chandelier.

     Swiftly, everyone plunges their hands into the carton boxes, searching for ornaments. They immediately start decorating the pine tree with decorative balls, transforming it into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours. Once finished, they gather in a line, tilting their heads almost ninety degrees to admire the pinnacle of the tree.

     Oliver takes a deep breath, and his smile deepens. His hand gently brushes against Gregory's palm, and their gazes lock on each other, exchanging a silent bond of happiness and affection. Their eyes gradually return to the colourful, verdant tree as their faces beam proud smiles.

     In the meantime, the heavens respond to the festive atmosphere and release a gentle shower of snowflakes from the sky. The wind picks up, and the breeze's howl intensifies, carrying the ethereal sound of the falling snow. The snowfall continues, blanketing the surroundings in a winter wonderland.

"O, come, all ye faithful. Joyful and triumphant. O, come ye, come ye to Bethlehem."