Day 19: 26 November 2025

 Short Story -- The Christmas Party: Part 1

The finishing touch was candied orange peel.

Tildi then started arranging the ginger spice cupcakes on the Christmas tree shaped plate in front of her. Completing that, she walked over and set them on long sideboard alongside all the other festive treats that she’d made for the evening. There were: a festive fruitcake bundt with a vanilla drizzle, snowflakes made out of pretzels and white chocolate, marshmallow snowmen, and a cranberry white chocolate trifle. The table had a red and gold runner down the centre. And there were sprigs of evergreen and pinecones as decorations. She was pleased with how it looked and — having sampled everything or at least components of everything before setting it out — how it tasted, too.

The fairy had invited over a few of her closest friends for an evening of Christmas themed games and food. And they’d be arriving any minute.

Tildi turned her attention to the rest of the room. A cosy fire was burning in the hearth. A cheerful tree twinkled in the corner near the window. The sofa and chairs were arranged to include everyone in conversation. Garlands and bows decorated the mantle and also ran up the banister. There were a variety of blankets tossed across the back of the sofa and the arms of various chairs.

Along the mantle there was also a stocking for each of her friends that she’d made and filled herself.

Yes. Everything looked festive and warm and fun!

It was the first time some of these friends were meeting each other, so it was important to her to make everyone feel welcome and included. She desperately hoped that they’d all get along.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Tildi glided over to the door and opened it smiling. Goldi, her best friend stood in the stoop also smiling and wrapped in a scarf so long you could barely see her face.

‘I’m so glad you’re the first to arrive!’ Tildi beamed hugging her friend and then collecting her coat and scarf.

‘I’m so glad to be here!’ Goldi countered. ‘It looks amazing!’

Tildi blushed. ‘Thank you! Now, can I get you something to drink? Hot chocolate? Eggnog?’

‘Hot chocolate would be great!’ Goldi said, following Tildi to the kitchen.

Tildi grabbed a mug shaped like a snowman and filled it with hot chocolate. She handed it to her friend, ‘Please help yourself to any accoutrements.’

Next to the large pot of hot chocolate were bowls with mini-marshmallows, small chocolate drops, salty pretzel bits, along with a can of whipped cream and also shakers of cinnamon and cocoa.

‘Wow! You’ve outdone yourself!’ Goldi exclaimed admiringly. Because, truly, there was no one who made people feel seen and appreciated like her friend, in her mind.

Knock! Knock!

‘Make yourself at home,’ Tildi invited as she went to greet the next guest. ‘Hello Gus!’ she said welcoming him inside and also taking his scarf and hat. Gus had no need for a coat as a yeti, although he was still quite a small yeti, so he didn’t struggle too much to fit into Tildi’s fairy sized house.

‘Thank you so much for having me!’ Gus grinned. ‘I’ve brought some gingerbread to share.’ He held out a box.

‘That’s so kind! Let’s find a plate for them. And while we’re in the kitchen we can get you something to drink.’

Gus followed Tildi into the kitchen where Goldi was sipping her hot chocolate and leaning against the counter.

‘Hiya Goldi!’ Gus greeted their friend. ‘How’s business at the tree farm?’

Knock! Knock!

‘Gus, help yourself to a drink. And I’ll be back!’ Tildi said.

Opening the door there were two faces that greeted her: Nev, another fairy, and Lucia, a dryad.

‘Come in! Welcome both of you!’ Tildi invited smiling.

‘I’m ever so glad to be here,’ Nev said, taking off his coat and hat and handing them to Tildi. ‘This is my first Christmas party this year! And my first one since moving to town!’ He paused to breathe and continued, ‘My, what a lovely home you have! It looks charming! Absolutely charming!’

Nev was a talker, especially when he was nervous. Lucia was the opposite. Very soft spoken, she only said things when she felt they needed to be said.

Instead, she smiled warmly at Tildi.

Nev was already wandering around the room admiring everything.

‘Welcome, Lucia. I am so glad you’re here,’ Tildi said. Then a little louder, ‘why don’t you both join me in the kitchen and we’ll get you something to drink.’

Tildi made introductions while serving up hot chocolates and egg nogs, and then came the final: Knock! Knock! Knock!

It was Ceylo. Also a dryad. ‘Welcome!’ said Tildi. ‘Come in! Everyone’s in the kitchen.’

And they made their way to join them. After one more round of introductions and with drinks in hand for everyone, Tildi suggested,’ Why don’t we all move into the next room. There’s more space. Help yourself to food! And make yourself comfortable.’