𝒜 𝐿𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓈 𝑀𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝟤

Within thirty minutes, guests began to trickle in. Smiles on our faces, we greeted each of them by name, offering hugs or a handshake. I got especially excited when my best friend from school, Piper, arrived. However, I remained on the lookout, hoping to glimpse Uncle Drosselmeyer's tall form.

"Clara, he's gonna be here soon, for crying out loud, so stop staring out the stinking window!" Fritz whined when he noticed me peeking out the window for the hundredth time.

"I know, Fritz. I'm just dying to see what he brings this year. Plus, he's usually pretty punctual. I don't think he'd be late...but oh well."

The doorbell ringing interrupted our conversation.

I flew to the door. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. How lovely to see you! Do come in! Mama and Papa are in the living room."

"Thank you, Clara. My, how you've grown! And you too, Fritz! You're nearly as tall as your sister!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed.

I merely blushed. Fritz beamed at the attention. Mrs. Smith seemed like she was ready to hold a whole conversation at the doorstep. Thankfully, Mama prevented her by escorting the Smiths to the living room, much to my relief.

More guests arrived, including Opa Dieterich and Oma Therese, Papa's parents. It was always a delight seeing them.

Still no Uncle Drosselmeyer, I thought. Mama said he was coming.

By now, at least an hour had passed, and the sun had sunk beneath the horizon. Our Christmas lights began to turn on, spreading some holiday cheer through their twinkling bulbs. Most of the guests had arrived, and Mama and Papa were more than ready to begin the festivities.

"Clara, Fritz, it's time for the party to begin," Papa called. "Come into the living room, now."

"Coming!" we both called back.

We scuttled toward the living room, thrilled to experience the festivities of another annual party. Cheery Christmas music was playing in the background, and a few of the adults and older kids had paired up for some impromptu dances.

Papa stepped to the front of the room. "Elliana, could you please pause the music?"

Mama did so.

"Thank you, dear," he continued. "Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the twelfth annual Stahlbaum Christmas party! I am so glad to see you all again. It feels like so much longer than three years has passed. Health restrictions kept us apart, but now we may gather once again. We will now set aside some time for dancing. Everyone, choose a partner, and let the festivities begin!"

The adults and older kids began partnering up. This was a classic Stahlbaum Christmas party tradition. I loved watching all the happy couples dance across the room and yearned for the day I'd finally be able to join in.

My wishes soon were granted. Smiling, Papa strode up to me and asked me if I would like to be his partner.

"Oh, Papa, I'd love to be your partner," I giggled.

He then offered me his arm and we began to waltz away to Tchaikovsky's "December" alongside the other adults. I felt so free, so happy. I felt like I was someone else than just plain old Clara Stahlbaum. All too soon, the dance had ended, and I was back to being just Clara.

The next song, "Here We Come A-wassailing", was solely for us children. We laughed as we took partners and pranced around in the room in a lighthearted line dance. Even some of the older teenagers joined in.

Another song was about to come on when suddenly a tall, slender, masculine figure dressed all in black swept into the room, swishing his long coat dramatically. His hat was tipped over his eyes, yet I had a hunch I knew the man.

Could it be Uncle Drosselmeyer? He's always loved a dramatic entrance.

The man removed his hat to reveal a good-natured smile and dark blue eyes, although one was covered by a black eyepatch.

"Uncle Drosselmeyer!" I exclaimed as I tackle-hugged him. Fritz was right behind me. "I knew you'd come! What took you so long?"

My godfather was my favorite of all the adults I knew who weren't family. He listened to me.

"Why, hello, Clara, Fritz! How lovely to see you two again. I've missed your visits to my home and shop."

"Sorry," Fritz apologized. "We've been busy with school."

Uncle Drosselmeyer nodded understandingly. "You will have to tell me all about it later. For now, let the merriment continue! I must retrieve some surprises for the children. I am quite sure every child in this room has been waiting expectantly to see what I have brought."