Author's Note/Disclaimer:

And, it's here again… Christmas. It seems it was just a few weeks ago it was Christmas 2016. Oh, how time flies. Well, I'm not procrastinating this year, and this'll be out before Christmas this year. This'll be a short little Christmas story, so short chapters. Any lyrics used not in the public domain belong to their respective owners. I claim no rights to anything other than my OCs and the plot. Enjoy!

Bonus: Every chapter, including the title are named after a famous Christmas song.

Chapter 1 – It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year:

In the winter, it's cold—well, at least for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Everyone knows it's cold. But the best part of the cold is the snow. In Zootopia, only in Savannah Central, Tundra Town, the Meadowlands, and Temperate Terrace do they let it snow naturally when it does. The others can't have snow or it wouldn't work for those living there.

But the number one thing in the winter is Christmas. Everyone looks forward to it. It's the time of year when mammals say "Merry Christmas!" to each other as they pass on the sidewalk. It's the time when there are Bell-Ringers at the door of every shopping center, ringing their bells, asking for your spare change so a homeless mammal will have a warm meal. It's the time of year when sweethearts get cozy by the fire and sip hot cocoa.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

…

I sat staring at the wall.

There wasn't anything else to look at—other than Miss Lapis, of course. Her sweater was so repulsive, I couldn't stand it.

"Nicole? Will you answer the question?" asked Miss Lapis.

Of course, of all the people in class, she chose me. I wasn't even listening!

"Um, 42?" I said. Everyone started laughing. I had a feeling I answered wrong.

"No. The answer is King Herod," Miss Lapis said, writing "King Herod" on the board.

My eyes drifted back towards the wall, not wanting to look at the hideous sweater the bunny had on. I just hoped school would be canceled because of the snow that was forecasted to fall tonight. Miss Lapis had worn that ugly Christmas sweater for three days straight. It really makes me want to throw up.

The sweater is at least as old, if not older, than me for obvious reasons. It is red, with basic Christmassy designs around the top and bottom, but the middle has a ship's life preserver with the words, "All aboard the S.S. WildeHopps!"

Like I said, repulsive. I mean, it's nice that she supported my parents before they got married, but now that they are, it's not necessary. Plus, it was repulsive back then, too.

Suddenly, the bell rang, startling me.

"Don't forget your homework, students," Miss Lapis said as everyone gathered their things and leave.

I tapped Tia on the shoulder. "Do you find that sweater as ugly as I do?" I asked.

"Yeah. Why?" Tia responded.

"No reason."

"Nicole, could you stay for a minute?" Miss Lapis asked before I exited the door.

I hoped beyond hope it wasn't about my answer. "Yes, Miss Lapis?"

"As you know, the school is doing a Christmas concert for the annual charity auction in a few weeks."

I knew about that. The sign-up sheet had been fairly empty since it was put up in the hall a month ago. "Yes, I know."

"I heard you sing a Gazelle cover a while back. I thought maybe you could sing a solo on one of the songs?"

I was astonished that Miss Lapis had watched my video of me playing guitar and singing to Try Everything on Furbook. "I think I will do that."

"Can I count on you?"

"Yes. I'll be there."

"Thank you. Practice will start tomorrow after school."

"No problem. Always willing to help for charity."

I walked out of the class and joined up with my friends.

"What was that about?" asked Brandon.

"I… think I just signed up to sing a solo at the Christmas concert." I actually wasn't paying attention to what I signed up for.

"What?" Tia asked. "You hate singing in front of anyone other than us!"

"I know! What am I going to do?" I covered my face with my paws. I then felt a warm arm go behind my back and squeeze me a bit. I looked up and saw Todd.

"You can do it, Nicole. I know you can. You're a strong young vixen," Todd said, then planted a small peck on my head.

"Thank you," I said. I then stood up as straight as I could. "I will do it! I want Zootopia to see the next Gazelle perform for the first time!"

"That's the spirit!" Brandon said. "All of the five thousand mammals in the building will see the next Gazelle!"

"What?" I asked.

"Not to mention the millions more who will watch the concert on TV, of course," Brandon continued.

"I can't do this!" I said, then bolted out the school doors and started running home.

"Nicole!" Todd yelled after me, but I ignored him. I won't—can't do this. The entire nation watching me? I don't think I'll ever be able to do that!