CHAPTER 5: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS AT ANMER HALL

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December 2012

As the winter chill settled over Norfolk, Anmer Hall transformed into a cozy haven filled with the warmth of family love and the spirit of the holiday season. This year was especially magical as it marked the royal family's first Christmas with Princess Matilda Victoria Eleanor.

Catherine stood in the kitchen, her hands dusted with flour as she prepared holiday treats. The scent of gingerbread cookies wafted through the air, and she smiled to herself, imagining the joy on Matilda's face when she tasted her first Christmas cookie.

"William, could you please help me find the cookie cutters?" Catherine called out, her voice filled with excitement. "I think I saw them in the pantry earlier!"

"Coming right up!" William replied, appearing in the doorway with a cheeky grin. He held a handful of cookie cutters shaped like stars and Christmas trees. "These will be perfect for our little princess. I hope she likes to get her hands dirty."

"Oh, she will," Catherine chuckled, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "I can already see her little fingers covered in icing."

In the living room, Matilda was playing with a set of colorful building blocks, her chubby fingers diligently stacking them one on top of the other. William knelt beside her, encouraging her as she concentrated on her task.

"Look at you, sweetheart! You're a little architect," he praised, watching as she successfully built a small tower before gleefully knocking it down.

"Dada! Dada!" Matilda squealed, her laughter echoing in the room as she watched the blocks scatter across the floor.

Later that day, the family gathered around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The tree sparkled with lights and ornaments collected over the years, and at its base lay a pile of gifts wrapped in colorful paper. Matilda's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sights.

"Do you think she knows what's going on?" William asked, glancing at Catherine with a grin.

"Not yet, but she'll have fun tearing the wrapping paper off," Catherine replied, her heart swelling with joy. "This is just the beginning of many Christmases to come."

On Christmas Eve, the family settled down for a cozy evening together. With a blanket draped over their laps, they watched classic holiday movies, the room filled with laughter and the crackling of the fireplace. Matilda snuggled between her parents, her eyes heavy with sleep but still sparkling with curiosity.

"Should we read her a Christmas story?" William suggested softly, glancing at the bookshelf where a beautifully illustrated copy of "The Night Before Christmas" sat.

"Absolutely! It's a tradition I want to start with her," Catherine said, smiling as she reached for the book.

As William began reading, Matilda's eyelids fluttered, struggling to stay awake. The rhythmic sound of her father's voice filled the room, weaving a magical tapestry of Christmas cheer.

On Christmas morning, Matilda awoke to the joyful sounds of her parents bustling about in the kitchen. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, letting out a small yawn before sitting up in her crib.

"Good morning, princess!" William exclaimed, peering into her room with a smile. "Are you ready for your first Christmas?"

"Yay!" Matilda shouted, clapping her hands as Catherine entered with a tray of breakfast.

"Let's go see what Santa brought you!" Catherine said, her voice bubbling with excitement.

The family gathered around the tree, where Matilda's gifts awaited her. William and Catherine guided her to the pile, and with a little nudge from her parents, she began to unwrap her presents. The sound of crinkling paper filled the air, and Matilda's delighted squeals made their hearts swell.

"Look at this!" William exclaimed as Matilda uncovered a plush teddy bear. "You've got a new friend!"

Catherine beamed at the sight of her daughter's delight. "We'll have to name it, won't we? How about 'Teddy'?"

Matilda hugged the bear tightly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Teddy!" she repeated, her smile brightening the room.

As the day unfolded, the family enjoyed a festive lunch filled with delicious food and laughter. The dining room was adorned with seasonal decorations, and the warmth of the fireplace created a cozy atmosphere.

"Let's make a toast," William said, raising his glass. "To family, love, and new traditions!"

Catherine clinked her glass with his, looking lovingly at Matilda. "And to our beautiful girl, who makes every moment special."

As the afternoon turned to evening, Matilda grew tired but happy, her teddy bear clutched in her arms. The family sat together, reflecting on the joy of their first Christmas as a family of three. Each moment was a treasure, weaving together the memories that would last a lifetime.

 Each moment was a treasure, weaving together the memories that would last a lifetime

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