The sky was pale gray tinged with pink. The setting sun still pierced through the cover of clouds. It reflected off of the snow drifts the plows had formed, and began the process of melting the children's snowmen. The young ones did not worry, since the fresh snow coming that night would ensure their creations' survival. The shops were lined with alternating green and red lights, which shone through the coating of ice that clung determinedly to them. The light shining through the icicles cast the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors. The sun's weak glow was fading all the more, and a few stars now pierced the velvety black sky above. In mere minutes, the bright orange orb had dipped below the horizon for the night. There was no moon to see by, and the entire street was lit by lampposts and Christmas decorations.
A young hedgehog ambled through the dreamy scene, positive he had been flung into the perfect Christmas card. Normally, he let his cobalt fur keep him warm, but the winter cold forced him to wear a heavy jacket, complete with a red scarf. With the lack of sunlight, Jack Frost leapt out to play, nipping at his ears and tail. He shivered and buried his hands deep within his pockets, but not due to the chill. A grin stretched from ear-to-ear as the reality of the Season set in. Soon, everyone would be shopping for gifts and setting up their trees, if it had not been done already. Mistletoe would be purchased and hung in convenient doorways, while garland would be carefully strung along stairwells and porches. A few cheap, plastic glowing snowmen were set out by the eager decorators, but the true fanatics would be beginning their light shows in mere days. It was heavenly.
The hedgehog took a deep breath, slowly inhaling the scents of the darkened street. The bakery was finishing their last round of Christmas-colored donuts, which would be cooled overnight and ready for the eager shoppers the next morning. The warm scents of spiced apple cider, hot chocolate and rich coffee drifted along with the wind, all carried from stores that were blocks away. Of course, the crisp aroma of greenery was caught up amongst the rest, no doubt the most predominant scent.
It was the perfect evening, and nothing could make it any better. Nothing except being at home, listening to the crackling fire and quiet Christmas tunes, passed down for generations and sung by young choirs. With a smile, the hedgehog took off to do just that. Nothing had ever stopped him from doing so; the tradition he had started years ago. All he did was walk through a small town, although the town varied from year to year, and remind himself what day it was: December First. It was not a very meaningful day to most, but to him, it meant that Christmas was coming, and with it a peace that surpassed all understanding.
A/N: It's December first! At least, it is in my time zone. So here is the first of a series of 25 one-shots that will be updated daily, up until Christmas. They will all be short and sweet, and very few will be interconnected. Enjoy the Advent Calendar of Sonic Stories!
~Wolf~