Nevada, 89141
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"Let's make this Christmas special!" exclaims Jen as they unpack ornaments. Marty asks, "Can we blend both our old traditions?" Jen nods, "Absolutely, let's create new ones too!"
"This one or that one?" John asks, pointing at two lush trees. Sally wonders, "How do we pick the perfect tree?" John smiles, "It's the one that feels like Christmas to all of us."
Flour dusts the air as cookies take shape. "I love these smells," Susan smiles. Matt curiously asks, "Can we make gingerbread men?" "Of course!" Jen laughs, rolling dough.
Ribbons curl, tape spins, laughter fills the room.
"Wrapping is like a craft," Mike comments. "Does everyone get a gift?" Matt checks. "Everyone," confirms Jen, cutting paper.
"A classic tale," John begins, holding an old book. "Why do we read stories on Christmas Eve?" Sarah asks. "They're our bridge to the past," explains Jen, stoking the fire.
Each stocking is hung; names glitter in the firelight. "Do stockings bring luck?" wonders Marty. "They bring joy," smiles Jen, adjusting Marty's stocking.
Morning breaks, excitement peaks. "Look at all these gifts!" exclaims Sarah. "Who came?" asks a puzzled Marty. "Santa, of course," winks John.
"A
feast for us all," declares Jen, presenting a turkey. "Can we start a tradition of toasting?" suggests Mike. "A splendid idea!" agrees John, raising his glass.
Old photos pass around. "That's my first Christmas," points out Marty. "What's changed since then?" asks Susan. "We're together now," smiles Jen, squeezing his hand.
Dice roll, voices sing. "Next year, I'll win," vows Sally, laughing. "Which carol next?" asks Emily. "Jingle Bells!" chorus the boys.
"What was the best part?" Jen asks,
sipping her cocoa.
"This, right now," says Sarah, "all of us together."
"Our first Christmas in Brite Star," John muses. "May it be the first of many," Jen agrees, the children nodding.
