Hello, trolls lovers and fans out there! I know that I've been offline lately, but then I've been thinking: since it's almost Christmas, I thought that I would write my first ever Christmas themed tale.

Now, just to remind you, this takes after Blue Angel Born from Love, and don't worry, that story's in progress. Life has been keeping me busy.

I want to thank Reby Montana for her ideas and inspirations for this story and please, be sure to give a shout out for her because her ideas are just as great as mine. Maybe even better sometimes.

Anyway, without further ado, here's chapter 1!

Disclaimer: I don't own Trolls.

Enjoy!

Merry Holiday Tales

Chapter 1: The Costumed Christmas Party

A beautiful event has finally arrived on our favorite troll village. It was Christmas once again, well, Christmas Eve actually. It's a joyous occasion which warms every heart and fill their souls with joy, laughter, hope, and love, especially when spending time with family and friends...And that's where our lovable trolls are doing now.

On this Christmas Eve, the night was snowing hard, covering the ground with a shimmering blanket of snow. The Troll Tree was covered in icicles, snowy branches, and colorful lights and lanterns. In fact, all the pods and mushrooms around it are decorated for the celebration. There were snowtrolls outside, probably made by some Trollings, ornaments hung onto some pods, and gifts already wrapped and placed under their trees. All the pods and homes are ready for this holiday. Except for one thing: Where are all the trolls?

Well, we won't find them here or there. There's only one place we haven't checked and that, my friends, is where everyone is.

Laughter, cheers, and music can be heard in the most unexpected place we ever look: Branch's underground bunker. Inside the bunker, there was the biggest Christmas bash anyone has ever seen. There were decorations, tinsel, holly, and mistletoe, if you know where to look. The tables were filled with cookies, treats, gingerbread, fruitcake, pudding, and countless mugs of hot chocolate and a bowl of marshmallows for anyone who wants some. A giant Christmas tree stood in the center, already decorated with colorful ornaments which some represented our dear Snack Pack members and popcorn strings, lanterns, and a giant star on top.

But the most interesting thing about this party were the guests themselves. Every troll we know and their friends, except the Bergens since they're too big to fit inside, were inside having the time of their lives. And they were all wearing costumes: Disney themed costumes.

"Merry Christmas, one and all!" Branch declared happily with Poppy besides him. Branch's costume was actually the Beast's ballroom outfit, which consists of a golden vest over a white dress shirt with a white kerchief, black dress pants trimmed with gold, and a navy blue ballroom tail coat trimmed with gold. Poppy's was Belle's formal, yellow, ball gown with most of her hair tied in a bun.

"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Poppy happily said.

Everyone clapped and cheered, returning their "Merry Christmas" replies and went back to their fun.

"I got to hand it to you, Branch, you've really pulled this off," Poppy said, gesturing to the party.

"Yep, and as a bonus, that crosses out of my Bunker List: item number 25: host a Christmas bash," Branch added. "But I mostly did it to not only celebrate this holiday with everyone, but also, to make up for all the parties I've missed since becoming grey."

"Oh, Branch," Poppy smiled before hugging him which he happily returned. "This is just as beautiful as when you told me about your Gift giver job. You did good, before and now, and the party is awesome."

They looked on to the guests and all their costumed friends. DJ Suki, dressed as Pocahontas (in her winter form), was DJaying on her Wooferbug while Guy Diamond, dressed as John Smith in his shining armor, was happily singing on stage. His song was a way to spread happiness due to the holiday and also, for his close bond with the DJ.

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree

I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby

They saw Cooper, dressed as Kuzco's llama form, busily picking a bunch of gingerbread cookies on a plate. They were so many that it could feed a Bergen.

On the dance floor, Biggie gently danced with Chenille, both dressed as Aladdin and Jasmine respectively, while Satin watches on kindly. Satin decided to dressed as Princess Aurora, in her pink dress, mind you. She knows that her sister and Biggie have become quite close over time.

On the couch was Smidge, taking a breather from the fun while warming herself by the fireplace. She chose to be Mulan for her bravery and strength, resembling her in many ways. Moments later, the kind, gentle critternarian, Milton, who was dressed as the hunchback Quasimodo, came in with two cups of hot cocoa. He kindly offered one to her which she accepted before joining her by her side. Since getting to truly know the other, those two were becoming closer than ever, despite being total opposites, but they didn't care. Their hearts are quite the same.

Fuzzbert was playing his kazoo inside his Stitch costume while keeping in rhythm with the music beat.

Even the reformed Creek attended the celebration since they let bygones be bygones. His chosen costume consisted of the royal outfit of Hans of the Southern Isles. He currently was chatting with a group of trolls, laughing along after hearing some funny tales and jokes.

Practically, everyone is here, including Cloud Guy whom was dressed as the Genie. He pranced around, tossing some holly leaves around the area. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Ha-ha! There must be much, much more holly!"

"Tis the season to be- Wait. what's this? This is too much holly," Sky Toronto, in his Merlin the Wizard costume, said while removing some leaves from his plate and table. He was suddenly bumped by the running trollings running past him, making him drop his plate. "Slow down, lads!"

The two trolls chuckled at the scene. It warms their hearts to see everyone enjoying the party, and yet, for a moment, Branch looked lost in his thoughts for a moment. Poppy quickly took notice of that and became concerned. "So, you like the party, don't you? I understand if it's not your style, Branch, but-"

"No, no, no, no, no. I do, I do! I really love this party and that everyone is here with us," Branch kindly assured her. He then walked by the crowd and into a quiet area to talk. "It's just that...well, even though we've invited everyone in the village, there are still some trolls I wish that they were here with us. The ones who will...never come at all."

Poppy immediately realized of whom the teal troll were referring to: his family. His father Wood, his mother Primrose, and his Grandma Rosiepuff. All whom were lost to him years ago when he was young on Trollstice, though different occasions. Even after telling their tale to her, their absence still left a hole in his heart, but it's not as empty as before since they became a couple. "I'm sorry, Branch. I understand how you feel. I miss my mom, too, but they are still with us, even if we can't see them. Let's not get ourselves sad now, especially on the longest night of the year. It's the time for family and love."

"Yeah," Branch inhaled, keeping his emotions in check. "You're right, Poppy. You know, you really sound like a queen when you give advice like that."

She giggled. "I don't do it as a queen. I do it as a friend, a close friend. But for you, I'll do anything."

"As I do for you," Branch agreed.

Poppy grinned until she looked up. With a teasing smile, she said, "Look. We're under a mistletoe. You know what that means, don't you, Branch?"

"That I do," Branch nodded. "Normally, anyone would do it to keep the tradition, but in my case, it's mostly for the other obvious reason," he added with a smirk on his face. "I want to."

"Yes, you do," Poppy agreed.

Poppy raised her head, her cheek facing to Branch, waiting for the expected kiss. Branch closed in, his lips forming a kiss to plant on her cheek. A moment which should have been wondrous...if not for an inconvenient interruption.

"Hey, Branch!"

The two trolls stopped short. They turned to see Cooper, his mouth filled with the uneaten cookies he gathered. "We need a restock on the cookie pile!"

Branch sighed. The perfect moment for him was gone...until next time. "Sorry, Poppy. I better tend to the guests, especially hungry ones."

"I understand. Go on then," Poppy insisted, her voice filled with slight disappointment.

"Thanks. And until we get our moment back again, and we will, here's a small token." Branch then gave her a small peck on her cheek. It wasn't what he wanted, but it's better than nothing. He smiled before he left to get more cookies for the table.

Poppy beamed at the teal troll while holding her cheek where the kiss landed. She enjoyed his bright colors, she adored his kind heart, and she loves his smile and everything about him. If wishes do come true, all she wants for Christmas is him.

Later on, while Branch kept himself busy in refilling some refreshments and socializing some guests, Poppy strolled around the crowd, feeling content with the smiling faces of everyone in the room. It wasn't long until she caught sight of the recent member of the troll village: Archer Pastry, the former party crasher. He stood by the corner, currently taking small sips of his hot cocoa while glancing around. He looked quite exquisite with his costume on which resembles of the pirate Jack Sparrow.

Poppy found it amusing that Archer reminded her of how Branch used to be in the past. Even if they didn't admit it, those two are like two sides of a coin: different yet similar. Since it's against her nature to let someone be left out, she casually walked towards him. "Archer?"

Archer heard his name being called and was surprised to see the Queen beside him. "Poppy? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. Why are you here by yourself? The party's going on without you and you don't even have to crash it now," Poppy said.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I am having fun...in my own way," he replied with a nervous chuckle.

However, she didn't buy his bluff and gently continued. "Okay, what's really bothering you?"

"Nothing!" He hunched his shoulders, but after seeing her serious face, he loosened his tense shoulders and sighed. "Okay. There's nothing wrong with your party, Poppy. I assure you that it is entertaining. It's just that...well, this is probably the first party I've ever been to since living here. And this Christmas...It's actually my first one and I don't even know how to celebrate it."

"What? Your first Christmas? But didn't you celebrate it back home?"

"Poppy, we're called the Party Crashers for a reason. Any party we've been to never really lasted long," Archer sadly stated. The life of a Party Crasher wasn't a fun one, especially when it lacked the support, care, and even love from other people unlike the trolls. "I don't know. What's so special about this Christmas? What is it exactly?"

"Oh, Archer, you must know at least something about Christmas. Stockings by the fire, a tree full of lights and ornaments, tinsel, presents..." Poppy went on adding each stuff she'd seen before during this holiday.

"Presents?" Archer thought that sounded nice.

"Yes, everyone gets a present on Christmas," Poppy said with a smile.

"Even me?"

"Of course," Poppy nodded.

"So, what do you think I'll get?" Archers wondered.

"I don't know, Archer. You might get anything since everybody just getting to know you and wouldn't know exactly what you want," She admitted in being clueless about it. "And even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you for it would ruin the surprise."

"Oh," Archer looked down. "Well, what about you? What would you want for Christmas?"

"Well, I would like anything I get from my friends. But I always asked for the usual thing."

"And what's that?" Archer curiously asked.

"It's a surprise, my friend. Gotta wait for tomorrow," Poppy playfully replied. Archer scoffed, not liking to not know her surprise, but he guessed that waiting for one more day wouldn't hurt. "Besides, it's not only about the presents. There are so many things Christmas brings us that we should be grateful for."

"Like what?"

"Well, all this happiness and sharing is one thing and everyone having fun together is another. There are many things, Archer, and I'll gladly teach you, but maybe it's better that, for now, you experience it for yourself," Poppy said.

"I guess," Archer admitted. "It's just gonna take some time to get used to it."

Poppy chuckled. "Oh, Archer, you have no idea how similar you are to Branch, at least, when he was before. Highly insecure, anti social, and no parties or fun."

"Really?" He was interested to hear that fact. "I didn't expect him that way."

"Yeah, but at least, he's willing to make changes and move on for the good of everyone and himself," Poppy said, glancing at Branch whom managed to give a few cookies to some young ones which he was thanked for in hugs. Branch has come a long way from the lonely, grey troll into the colorful, fun-loving troll he is today. "And I know you will too. Say, how do you feel about a few cookies with that hot cocoa?"

Archer looked down on his cocoa and then towards the table. He admitted that the sweets did looked irresistible. "I think it's okay. Maybe just one or two."

"Great," she said, slightly tugging his arm and leading the way. "Come on!"

It would seem that not a frown will appear tonight and this might be one of the best Christmases these lovable trolls and their friends will have this year.

Hope you like it!

The chosen song "All I Want for Christmas is You" is sung by Mariah Carey.

Please leave reviews!

Neomoon585