The Lives Of Mario And Friends

30. Secret Santa Spree

It was a calm, chilly morning in Toad Town. The first snowfall had fallen just the night before, and everyone enjoyed the peace that the morning breeze seemed to bring. But a certain plumber duo had overslept, forgetting that there was an important event.

Hey, listen! Hey, listen! the Navitron, Mario's winged alarm clock, droned.

"Ugh..." Mario rubbed his eyes. When his vision cleared, he noticed a date circled on his calendar. Then he glanced at the time.

"Holy shroomsweeps!" Mario jumped up. "We're late! Weegee!" He looked to the other side of the room. As usual, the younger brother was snoring and drooling with his bum in the air.

Mario then had an idea. He grabbed a Fire Flower from a pot on the windowsill. He charged up the Fire Flower's energy, and a burst of fire seared Luigi's tighty whities.

"OW!" Luigi immediately woke up. "What was that for?"

"We're late!" Mario said, nudging his brother. "The Princess asked us to be at the castle by 8:15 and it's 10:15 right now!"

"Well what are you waiting for then?" Luigi smirked. "Let's go already!"

After that, the two dressed up and rushed to the castle.

"Ohmygodprincessimsosorrywerelatewhatisitnow?" Mario exclaimed rapidly.

Princess Peach laughed. "Oh, nothing."

"Great, that's a relief."

"Oh, but you did miss breakfast!"

"Okay, WHAT?" Mario yelped.

"A meal is a special ritual that the Mario Bros. must always be a part of!" Luigi said. He then noticed a servant Toad carrying a tray of food. Luigi quickly grabbed a slice of toast, some bacon strips, and a sunny-side-up egg, cramming them into his mouth all at once.

"Anyways, you're just in time for the real event." Princess Peach gestured to the massive Christmas tree that rose from the floor of the central atrium. There were colorful ornaments with very diverse patterns and designs hanging from the branches. Twinkling lights gave the whole room a peaceful glow. And crowning the top of the tree was a beautiful golden star adorned with shimmering crystal.

"What... Christmas decorating?" Luigi questioned with his mouth full.

"No." Peach led them to the massive tree, laden with boxes, packages, bottles, storage jars, bags, and all sorts of presents. Mario and Luigi then saw their friends all hanging out in the pile of presents.

"Anyways," Peach continued, "We're playing... Secret Santa!"

"Yes!" Daisy exclaimed. "I knew this would be it!"

"Presents?" Yoshi perked up.

"Haha, I won the bet!" Toadette smirked. She turned to Toad. "50 coins please!

"Braggart, hmph!" Toad grumbled as he pulled out his wallet. "The way she put it, it really seemed like she was talking about Musical Chairs!"

"AHEM," Peach glared at the two. "Anyways, since I'm participating, Rosalina will host the game."

Suddenly, a burst of light appeared. It was Rosalina. She glided down the staircase and settled in the middle of the group, the friends forming a circle.

"Now, all of you will pick from the cards I will hold out in my hand," Rosalina began. "Each card will include a name and some tips on the person's interests so that you can figure out what to give."

Luigi went first. As soon as he saw the name written on the card, he knew exactly what to get for that person. It would take quite a large chunk out of his wallet, but it was the least he could do after the person helped him out of so many problems.