"Just a little higher… No, just… wait, there!"
The angel fell in place on top of the tree, and after she made sure it was secured, Miss Martian flew down to the ground.
"Way to go, kiddo," Bombshell said, while she clapped. "It looks great, and just in time too!"
"I hope so!" Miss Martian said, as she turned to look at the tree. "I still don't understand this earth custom. I don't want to ruin your Chris-mass."
"I barely understand it myself," said Cassie, as she walked by. "Come on everyone, we've gotta finished before…"
The "doorbell" sounded.
"Too late, they're here!" said Miss Martian.
Across the room, Static opened the door. From the hallway came Dick holding a giant plate, followed by Kory, Cyborg, Wally and his family, Roy and Lian, and Donna.
"Sorry we're late. The turkey took longer than we thought," said Dick. "Even Kory's starbolts couldn't speed this thing up."
"That's ok, Mr. Batman, I'd rather have that than the rest of these turkeys!" Static said.
"Cool the puns…" Dick said, as he walked towards the dining room table.
The "doorbell" sounded again, and this time Blue Beetle answered.
Standing in the doorway was Rose Wilson, wearing a Santa Claus hat and carrying a giant black garbage bag.
"Hey everyone, look who didn't forget you for the holidays!" said Rose, as she walked around handing out small gifts to the Teen Titans. A plush puppy for Miss Martian, a snorkel for Aquagirl, a package of batteries for Static, and the plastic bag for Blue Beetle (she didn't want him to feel left out).
"Wow… It looks like you've found the holiday spirit," Cassie said, as she approached Rose.
"Yeah, I just wish my dad could be here… Well, as in "not killing the Titans" here…"
"We all have our problems, Rose…" Cassie said. "If I may, why didn't you get me a present?"
"You kidding? I saved the best for last!" said Rose, as she handed her the roll of duct tape.
A bell rang, followed by Cyborg's call for everyone to come to the table. An extra chair was set up for Rose, and they all sat down to eat as Beast Boy snuck into the kitchen. From the fridge, he took out a carton of eggnog, and snuck back into the recreation room.
"Well, here's to another Christmas!" Beast Boy said, as he chugged.
"Being a little shy, aren't we?" asked a familiar voice.
He turned to see Raven standing in the doorway, wearing her white uniform.
"Hey… yeah, uh, I just wanted some alone time…"
"Mind if I ask why? You usually love Christmas…"
Beast Boy put down the carton, and rested his head upon his hands.
"It's been one hell of a year… Seeing Tara again as a Black Lantern… I've been thinking… and I've been thinking of Galtry, Dayton and Rita, and the Doom Patrol and our old team and… other things… I don't feel like celebrating, that's all…"
"It's been a rough year…" Raven said.
"It's always rough, it just changes… I hate to whine, especially to you… I just don't know…"
"It'll get better," Raven said, with a faint smile.
Seeing her there with him, Beast Boy forced a smile.
"Yeah, let's just hope your brothers don't crash this party. The invites said external family only!"
"Hey look, it's a mistletoe!" Raven said, as she pointed to the top of the doorway.
"Merry Christmas," Beast Boy said, as they reached over and kissed.
