"Mommy! Mommy! Is it time to decorate the Christmas tree?" a muffled scream made its way into the basement and jolted me awake from my long slumber. Soon after, screaming laughter accompanied thunderous footsteps that clambered clumsily down the creaking ladder that led to my home.

"Achoo! Sheldon, let's find the box and get out of here as soon as possible!"a shrill voice pierced through the darkness. I rubbed my bleary eyes as I tried to sit up straighter in my confines to no avail. The cover of the cardboard box refrained me from moving into a more comfortable position, so I resumed my original posture on top of a bed of tinsel.

"Achoo! Can't you do this faster? My nose is killing me!"

"I'm finding it as quick as I can! There's so many boxes in here it's like finding a needle in a haystack!" shouted Sheldon. The loud shuffling of boxes ensued as sneezes and grumbles filled the air.

"Oh my! What's this racket all about? Wait- Is it Christmas already! Golly gosh, it's been a year already! How exciting this is!" squealed Mrs Ribbon, who had also been woken by the sudden noises. Slowly but surely, everyone rose from their deep slumber- the Bauble children started babbling with delight, the Candy Cane twins could hardly contain their excitement and Ms Snowflake Lights beamed with happiness along with Mr Fairy Lights- until a growl from Grandfather Wreath rumbled our tiny box.

"Stop this noise at once! We're all going to be sent to the Marsh of Doom if they find out our abilities!"

In a split second, everyone froze and glued their mouths together. The mere thought of being sent to the terrifying Marsh of Doom sent chills throughout their bodies. We all knew the horrors of the Marsh- its indescribable stench alongside with the creepy crawlies that ruled the sickening place, toys and household items were haunted by the prospect of spending the rest of their lives there. Including me. But I knew I would never go to the Marsh. I was far too important for my family to be sent to that despicable place.

The clattering and banging of boxes drew nearer and everyone's fear dissipated into elation. Everyone would soon be put into use and marvelled by guests which in turn would bring our family pride and happiness. Puffing up my chest, adrenaline coursed through my veins as the prospect of being the center of attention once again.

"Aha! I found it! Let's get out of here now!" the second voice yelled out with glee. The once stationary box was now held carefully by the owner of the voice as he bounded up the steps. In a flash, the box was set down again and everyone in the box audibly gasped in anticipation. Surely, it would only be a matter of time before the household would turn into a beautiful winter wonderland.

"Mom! We finally found the box of decorations! By the way, we should definitely clean up the basement. It's a mess down there- there's so much garbage piled with dust Nylah couldn't stop sneezing!" the same voice rambled as I heard the basement door close.

"Sheldon's right. The second I entered the basement, my nose lost control and I started sneezing like I was in pollen season!" the high pitched voice, which I finally recognized as Nylah's, whined.

A familiar laugh reached my ears, and my heart soared. It belonged to Meredith, the woman who brought me into this family. She chose me amongst all the other Christmas angels that was sold in the department store and I was placed on top of the Christmas tree ever since.

"We'll clean it next year. Anyway, let's decorate the Christmas tree before Dad comes home and surprise him. Alanna! Do you want to open the box?" Meredith said.

"Yay! Alanna open box!" squealed Alanna. I mentally prepared myself for the blinding light that would welcome me as I quickly brushed a stray piece of hair behind my ears and plastered a wide smile on my face. Slowly, the flaps of the cardboard box opened and I was greeted by three pairs of hazel brown eyes that reflected disappointment in them.

"Mommy, look at angel's-"

"Mom, why does our Christmas angel look so-"

"Wow that angel should be-"

The children's voices all overlapped each other as their calculating eyes raked my body. My stomach dropped as shock overcame my mind. I didn't look so bad, did I? Tears welled up in my eyes as the thought of me being sent to the Marsh of Doom loomed in my head. I didn't want to be sent to that nightmarish place.

The hazel eyes were replaced by sapphire blue ones who stared at me with love, and I felt my heart soar. I would always be safe in the hands of Meredith. She would never abandon me.

"Children, what are you talking about? She looks beautiful as ever! All she needs is a stitch here and there! Nylah, be a dear and get me my sewing kit. Get some tissues for your poor nose as well,"

As Nylah went to get the kit, Meredith gently took me out of the box, her eyes inspecting the damage on my white dress. Turning my body around, I heard a small rip and I felt my right wing hanging on to the back of my dress by a thread. Dread filled my body as I thought to myself, my time has come. No one wanted a broken angel, especially one with broken wings.

"Be careful Mom, you ripped her wings already! Next it will be her sleeves and before we know it, we'll need a new angel!" muttered Sheldon. Before I knew it, Meredith started sewing my wing back on with a tender smile on her face and it wasn't long before I was good as new. Well, I have to admit my hair was losing its sheen and my once spotless white gown had splotches of yellow. However, I know in Meredith's eyes I would always be perfect. Without another word, Meredith lightly placed me on top of the humongous pine tree where I had the perfect bird's eye view of the living room. A wide grin threatened to split across my face yet I tried my best to hold it in. This would be a perfect Christmas. I knew it.

As the children decorated the tree with laughter and playful banter, I couldn't help but reminisce the day- or rather, night- that I was brought to the Ford household. It was during a cold bitter day in December 2003, where the snow fell as if it had a vendetta against New Yorkers. The frosty wind howled so loudly even I, stationed in the middle of the department store, could hear its chilling cries. My sisters and I huddled closely with each other on the shelf, shivering despite our wooly dresses and thick petticoats. Just as the heavy snow turned into a blinding blizzard, the tinkling bell on the door rang, signalling the appearance of potential customers. A blast of ice cold wind accompanied the two people that stumbled in the shop. The duo immediately burst out in laughter, forming a beautiful harmony that I would be so lucky to hear throughout my years with the Fords. The chuckling slowly died as their footsteps echoed the rather empty department store.

"It's our first Christmas together. Do you think I should buy something to commemorate this day?" asked the woman.

"Up to you, Meri. Afterall, all I want for Christmas is you," the man replied with a smirk, which left the woman in giggles.

"Hey, these look gorgeous! It will definitely complete our Christmas tree!" exclaimed the woman as she stopped in front of the rack that displayed me and my sisters. I beamed in glee at the thought of having a home to go to for this Christmas. Immediately, I puffed up my chest and prayed to the heavens above that I would be chosen by this romantic couple. The woman stretched out her arms and plucked me away from my sisters, her hands warming my icy cold skin.

"She's perfect. Look! She even has the same hair and eye colour as me!" said the woman excitedly. I, on the other hand, was bursting with delight. I was chosen by a loving couple who would spend their first Christmas together and perhaps forever. This was a true Christmas miracle!

The man and woman left the shop, hand in hand, with me tucked safely in the woman's bag. Upon arriving at their apartment, I was taken out and placed on top of a small fir tree. A beam of satisfaction was displayed on my face as I witnessed the young lovers slow dancing to "White Christmas" and kissing underneath the sprig of mistletoe.

"I love you, Meredith,"

"But I love you so much more, Alex,"

That was 16 years ago. Every Christmas, I was met with more surprises. We moved into a larger house, I was placed on a taller pine tree, the cries of a baby accompanied the chortling of the adults, but the love of Meredith and Alex never faded away. It was crystal clear that they were meant for each other.

However, I sensed something was different this year. As Christmas drifted nearer, I didn't see Alex as much as I used to. Meredith constantly paced in the living room at the dead of night, her dark eyebrows furrowed with worry. When she finally retreated to her bedroom upstairs, the other decorations on the tree would whisper silly conspiracies or heartfelt concerns about Meredith and Alex. Sometimes, Alex would return home in a dazed manner, staggering and slurring a series of unintelligible words. Other times, he wouldn't return home until the afternoon when Meredith went to work and the kids to school.

I was bewildered by Alex's unusual and behaviour. He wasn't like this last year. Or the year before. He never made Meredith worry about him. He was always home for dinner. He always gave his kids bear hugs and Meredith a kiss before they went to bed. He always helped the kids decorate the tree. Now he was gone. Absent. Vacant.

Soon, it was Christmas Eve. After dinner, Meredith tucked the sullen children in bed and sat underneath the Christmas tree, staring at the roaring fireplace in front of her with a bottle of wine in her hand. Every now and then, she would take a gulp of the ruby red liquid and wiped away the tears that rolled down her face. The wailing wind accompanied the crackling fire and Meredith's harsh sobs, forming a mourning symphony. I stared at her, the heartbreak in her eyes was obvious. I didn't understand what was going on, but Meredith was hurt. And I didn't want her like this. She deserved all the happiness in the world. Especially during Christmas.

A sudden bang shocked me out of my wits, and Meredith stood up shakily. Alex grunted and lurched forward, nearly falling down.

"You're finally back," Meredith hissed, her cold tone shocking me to my core. I have never seen this side of her. Things must be really bad.

"G-go away, give me space," groaned Alex, who was leaning against the wall, his eyes shut close and his fists balled.

"How dare you act like this? Do you have any idea how your children feel? How dare you treat them like this!" screamed Meredith, her blue eyes shooting daggers at her husband. "You're a drunken failure to them!"

"You've been drinking too, my love," smirked Alex, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. Instead, there was something sinister in them.

"Don't you 'my love' me, God knows what you've been up to for the past year! Drinking, drinking and more drinking! Do you think it's easy for me, having to raise 3 kids single handedly while worrying about a jobless husband who goes to the bar every single day?" screeched Meredith, her arms flailing around her as more tears ran down her red cheeks. I was abhorred to learn that Alex has changed so much. He was one of the best architects in the firm that he worked in. Why did he lose his job?

A guttural roar cut my thoughts abruptly and my jaw dropped in horror. Alex pounced on Meredith and dragged her to the ground. In a flash, Meredith raised her right hand and bashed the wine bottle towards his head. Seemingly unfazed by the attack, Alex continued to hit Meredith until she kicked him where the sun didn't shine. Groaning in pain, Alex stumbled off Meredith who ran towards the Christmas tree. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Where did the Meredith and Alex I know go?

Within seconds, Alex ran towards Meredith once again. His hands found their way towards her throat and squeezed on her delicate flesh tightly. I gawked at the terrifying scene helplessly. I was too weak to do anything. Meredith opened her mouth in a silent scream as she struggled against Alex, thrashing her body side to side. Suddenly, she kicked both her legs towards his chest and leaned back into the tree, successfully freeing herself from his death grip, but the momentum of her kick made the tree sway violently.

Time slowed down to a trickle as the collective screams of the ornaments echoed in my ear. My mouth widened in horror as I realized I was falling down. There would be no return. Closing my eyes, I braced for the impact of the crash. I prayed to the heavens that I would be safe. That I would survive this.

But my prayer was not answered. The tree toppled over with a thunderous crash and I felt a tremendous pain erupting throughout my body. I didn't dare open my eyes to witness the destruction. I tried to move my hands, but to no avail. My eyes flew wide open in panic, and the sight nearly made me faint. The ornaments were all jumbled in a mess, some chipped from the force of the fall and some broken in clean halves. Yet I was utterly destroyed. My cream porcelain skin had spiderwebs etched on them. My arms were no longer attached to my torso. Instead, they laid shattered next to me. One of my legs snapped off in two clean halves, but that was not the worst. My heart was crushed into dust as I watched Meredith and Alex screaming insults at each other. A pearly tear slid from my eye and fell onto the ground. My mind clouded as the heartbreak was too much for me to handle and my vision slowly turned black.

When I woke up, I found myself in a box with some other broken decorations. My eyes adjusted to the darkness as I realized my friend Mr Gingerbread was here with me.

"Oh Mr Gingerbread, what happened to you? Do you know where are we?" I rambled as I tried with all my might to sit upright.

"I'm alright, just got a couple of bruises here and there," he replied, his small smile fading rapidly. "You know where we are, angel. We're in the Marsh of Doom. This is where we are going to live the rest of our lives,"

No. Where was Meredith? Didn't she love me? A pool of sadness formed in my eyes as sobs wracked my delicate body. I never imagined in my wildest dreams to end up in this pitiful state. Mr Gingerbread moved slowly towards me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, comforting me as if I were a baby. It wasn't long before I cried myself to sleep, but a sudden movement frightened everyone in the box. shrieks and hysterical cries filled the air, as everyone prayed for a fast death. But it was clear this movement wasn't caused by the Monster in the Marsh. It was a human!

"Stay still! It's a human! We aren't going to die!" I hissed, successfully restoring peace and quiet once again. An eternity passed before the box stopped moving and everyone held our breath.

The shining sunlight greeted us and a disheveled young boy with a dirty face peered inside. His dark eyes scanned across every single trinket before stopping at mine. The scowl on his face immediately vanished and a large grin appeared on his face. Immediately, the box started shaking again and all of us tumbled to one side of the box. I scowled in annoyance. I was already in pain. There was no need to be rough or aggressive.

As I became more irritated, the box came to a halt and the cover was opened again. A grimy hand reached in and picked me up lightly. I gasped in horror as the dirt stained my dress. I was absolutely ruined. Slowly, I was turned around until I was facing the boy. I waited for him to throw me away as he realized my limbs were broken, but instead he held me close to his chest and sprinted into the rundown house behind him.

"Renee! You'll never guess what I found!" the boy shouted as he ran into a dark room.

"Go away Nick, leave me alone. I don't care what you found in that old dump. It's filled with garbage anyway," a sad voice responded. My heart dropped at the sound of her voice. There was an indescribable sorrow and misery that everyone couldn't miss and I couldn't help but sympathize for her.

"No seriously Renee. Here! Take a look!"

Nick slowly untucked me from his arms and showed me to Renee. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

In front of me was a young girl, around 8 years old, hunched in a wheelchair. Her eyes and hair were the same exact colour as mine. But we also shared something in common.

She didn't have both her arms and a leg.

As soon as she set her eyes on me, Reneesat up straight and burst into a torrent of tears, her arms reaching out for me.

"Its- its a Christmas angel! Just like- like me!" she sobbed, nuzzling me into her warm chest. Tears of joy formed in my eyes too. Renee deserved happiness, just like Meredith did. I brought her cheerfulness all those years ago. She would want me to do the same for Renee.

"Oh Nick! This- this is the best Christmas ever! Thank- thank you!" Renee blubbered, her warm chest heaving as I laid there listening to the comforting rhythm of her heartbeat. I was one with Renee, and so was she.

In a blink of an eye, night came. Renee placed me on her lap and wheeled herself into the dining room. Their house was small and untidy, and to my confusion there were no Christmas decorations inside. In the corner there was a potted fir tree which I was placed on. A delicious scent wafted into my nose as I saw a woman balancing three plates in her hand. Her eyes widened as she saw me and a bewildered smile appeared on her tired face.

"Who is this beauty? Oh, she's perfect like you, Renee!" the woman whispered, her eyes glittering with tears.

"Nick found her in the dump pile. It is a miracle that she looks exactly like me! Mom, Christmas is finally complete! We have a Christmas angel on our tree!" Renee smiled from ear to ear.

"Oh baby, you haven't been this happy since forever. Here, Merry Christmas!" the woman said, engulfing Renee in a bear hug. At the same time, Nick joined the hug and proclaimed, "This is truly the best Christmas ever!"

I looked on the heartwarming scene that unfolded before my eyes. Meredith would always be in my heart, but I am where I should be- and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The snow fell thick and fast outside the house, yet Renee, Nick and their mother kept the household warm with their strong love for each other. 

End

Note: Okay this is the crappiest (and longest) writing I've ever written. This was a holiday homework which I didn't give a flying f about due to our crappy teachers' endless list of homework. If you liked this you deserve a cookie. Feel free to criticize this piece I really don't care (oops)