Christmas Eve Box
“Emma?” The excited tone got all of Emma’s attention in a moment. “Emma, come see what Santa has left you.”
Santa? Surely it was too early for him to have been? Emma fell into the chair and pulled off her snow-covered boots in record time. It wouldn’t do to trek it through the house and get on Santa’s Naughty List when she was just at the finish line. She threw the boots into a pile and scurried through to the living room where Regina’s voice was carrying from.
By the tree, Regina sat with a broad smile. With the fairy lights from the tree twinkling behind her, Regina looked like an angel. Emma’s attention didn’t stay on the woman for long. Beside her sat a wooden box – she would later recognise as being crafted by Geppetto and August – with North Pole Shipping Co. printed on the side.
Regina pushed it towards her as she sipped her cider. “Your Christmas Eve box arrived.”
Wonderment exploded in Emma. Her eyes turned to the fireplace, which she was certain was not big enough to fit the box, let alone a grown man. She bounced along regardless, peering up the chimney as best she could.
The other woman burst out laughing, but it was kind and gentle and loving. “Come and see what Father Christmas brought.”
Disappointment at having missed him vanished as quickly as it appeared. She dropped before the box and lifted the lid off with a flourish. Inside it were five carefully wrapped and placed presents. Her hands lurched for one but froze before they could even skim the paper. She peered up at Regina with uncertainty.
She smiled at her. “Go ahead, baby. It’s all yours.”
Emma lifted out the largest one first and as it flopped over in her arms, she announced, “I know what it is!”
Regina had always made it a tradition of getting new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, and of course Emma had been included in that. She tore the paper with glee, throwing it to the sides to reveal the rich red pyjamas with the Polar Express emblem on the pocket. One hand traced over the embroidery while the other ran up and down the velvety fabric.
“I love them.” She flew to her feet, not even stabilizing before she began tugging her jumper over her head. “I wanna wear 'em now.”
Regina cackled as her hand shot out to catch Emma’s elbow. “I’ll help you, darling, hold on.”
Less than thirty seconds later she was sat before her box again, now wrapped snug in her new pyjamas. Regina carefully folded her dayclothes over her legs while Emma scrambled for another.
“Be careful with that one. It’s fragile.”
Regina didn’t seem to realise what she had said until Emma turned a suspicious eye away from the present in her hands. “How d'you know?”
She paused, staring into space for just a moment before saying, “I can see what it is from here.”
Emma’s brows knitted as she lifted it up to the light, testing the weight and moving it between her hands. She nodded sagely, though she still couldn’t quite work out what she had. Nevertheless, she followed Regina’s instructions to open it carefully. It was placed on the floor, the wrapping peeled back like a banana skin to reveal a mug with the words ‘This is my Christmas movie watching mug’ written on one side, and a variety of festive characters on the other. Inside, a packet of mini marshmallows had been stashed.
“Ooh. Can I get hot cocoa?”
Regina’s lips tugged up. “Would you like to stop opening presents so I can make you one.”
A too-innocent expression met her as Emma lifted the mug between them. “Magic?”
Regina rolled her eyes in faux irritation. “Just this once.”
A wave of her hand later, and the mug was filled with steaming hot chocolate. Half the mini marshmallows bobbed along inside while the other half appeared neatly on the table. Emma squealed with excitement. She gave the drink one cursory sip before returning to her presents.
The third and fourth presents were pulled apart in the blink of an eye, revealing a pair of colouring books – Christmas and animal themed, respectively – and a selection box. She tore open the box to retrieve some of the chocolate, which she dipped in her cocoa. Regina manoeuvred the melting chocolate before it could dribble everywhere, chiding her gently.
The final present between her hands, Emma was overcome with a wave of sadness. Her eyes skirted across the piles of presents under the tree, holding an extra second over the ones she knew to be for her. Even if Santa didn’t bring any more, there would still be lots to open tomorrow morning. Even better, they’d done all their rounds this morning. They weren’t seeing anyone until boxing day, so if she wanted she didn’t even have to grow up again until then.
Besides, the luxury fabric of her new pyjamas was nestled against her skin, and she could still feel the warmth from the hot chocolate in her tummy. This was far more than she had received most Christmases in her youth – or her adulthood, for that matter – and she truly was grateful.
The wrapping of the final gift was removed more slowly, peeled in long, curly strips. When it was all discarded, she hugged the book tight to her chest. “Santa brought me my stories.”
Regina tugged Emma into her side, squeezing tight and kissing her crown. “I’m very glad, baby.”
She pushed the book into Regina so fast she almost hit her over the head. “Read it now?” As an afterthought, she added, “please?”
Regina laughed until her eyes watered as she hooked Emma under one arm and shuffled them to the couch. The book was laid open between them as she peppered kisses to Emma’s cheeks. “Stick Man lives in the family tree, with his Stick Lady love and their stick children three…”
Emma listened with rapt attention all through the Stick Man’s adventures, fingering the illustrations with deep reverence. She shifted so her ear rested over Regina’s heart, enjoying the gentle thumping as she was told a new story. Emma adored stories, particularly when Regina told them. There was something about the way she spoke, her voice deep and rich and comforting.
They still hadn’t had dinner, and there was much of the evening left, but Emma’s eyes were blinking shut when the book came to an end. In a sleepy voice, Emma said, “Mama?”
Regina feathered her fingers across Emma’s forehead. “What is it, baby?”
“I’m gonna catch Santa tonight.”