A/N: Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la la la! It's that time of year again and this year, I'm going to be publishing a one-shot every day until the twenty-fifth! Here's the first one! I hope you like it!

1. Lily and James, first Christmas with Harry

Summary: James isn't himself and Lily starts to worry.

Taking care of a five month old baby was not easy. Harry was no exception, but Lily had not expected it to be so much work. Of course, it would be much easier if he didn't take after James. The five month old was already crawling around and finding ways to make trouble. Lily was sure that the cat hated him. James, however, thought it was hilarious.

"Harry!" Lily shouted when she heard the squalling from the other room. She was seriously thinking about rehoming their kitty.

"Relax, Lily," James called as she walked into the room to find Harry hugging the cat so tightly that he might cut off his air supply. "He's just having a bit of fun."

Rolling her eyes, Lily marched forward and removed the cat from Harry's grasp. Gratefully, the cat scampered off to find a hiding place, no doubt. Turning to glare at Harry, she found a smile on the baby's face; it was one that she couldn't resist. When she bent down, she scooped the baby up into her arms and kissed his cheeks.

"You're the most spoiled baby in the world," she cooed. The evening went well after that. Lily finished dinner and the rest of the Marauders stopped by, which seemed to cheer James. Still, Lily couldn't help, but feel that something was wrong with her husband. No matter who came over or how many times he caused Harry to laugh, that twinkle in his eyes didn't return. If she was honest with herself, it hadn't been there for a long time. So when the two climbed into bed that night, Lily decided to do something about it.

"James?" she whispered into the dark.

"Hmm?" was his reply.

"Are you ok?" she asked. There was shifting behind her and then James' arm slid around her waist pulling her back into his front.

"I'm fine, love," he told her. "Why do you ask?"

"You're not acting like yourself," she sighed, turning to face him, even though she could barely make out his face in the dark.

"What do you mean?" James inquired.

"You're not happy," she burst out. "And it gets worse everyday. Even Harry can't make you smile like you used to anymore. I'm worried James. I know you don't like being cooped up, but it's Christmas and I just thought that if you can't be happy this time of year then when can you be happy?" Tears stung her eyes. "I don't what to do this anymore. I've tried to make you happy, but I can't do that, it seems. I'm sorry if you feel tied to us. I'm sorry if you feel like you can't help the Order like you think you should."

"Shh," James muttered, stroking her hair. "I don't want to hear you say that again, ok? You and Harry are one of the few things that make me happy. It's just that. . .I hate being cooped up here! How is anyone supposed to live like this? I look out the window and I see people walking up and down the street without a worry in the world and then there's me. I'm stuck here and I hate it. I hate living like some old hermit!

"But you. . . .you and Harry make my day. You both remind me that sometimes you have to do what's best for your loved ones instead of yourself. That's what I'm trying to do. I may not like it, but I'm trying. I know I've been moody and a bit down lately, but if you can give me a bit more time, I might be able to get myself out of this funk. Alright?"

Lily nodded mutely as she pressed her face into James' chest. He smelled like pine trees and lemons. That night, Lily fell into a peaceful sleep in her husband's arms.

The next morning Christmas was upon them. Lily awoke to an empty bed and immediately hopped out of it. She wasn't sure where James was, but she knew that he was bond to be around here somewhere. After their conversation last night, Lily was sure that they would find a way to make it through this war and finally be a normal family. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she spotted her husband and her son by the Christmas tree peeping at the presents.

"I hope that you weren't intending to open those without me," Lily drawled. James jumped while Harry turned and smiled at her.

"Of course not, dear," James replied, with a smile. "We were just having a peek was all. No harm done. Right, Harry?"

Harry just babbled in reply. Picking up the little boy, James rested him on his hip. Lily smiled at her boys.

The family of three ate breakfast and listened to Christmas songs over the wireless that day as they waited for their friends to arrive. Lily even got James to dance with her around the kitchen. Around five, Sirius and Marlene came through the door, both smelling of smoke and wrapped in leather, but smiling nonetheless.

"Remus and Doe won't be able to make it," Sirius explained wearily. "Remus didn't get back in time and Dorcas was called away on a last minute mission. So it's just us."

Harry reached out for Sirius, his fists clenching and unclenching. Sirius made a face at Harry and picked him then threw him in the air and caught him.

"Why do you always get to hog the baby?" Marlene demanded to know.

"It's not my fault he likes me best," Sirius replied, shrugging. Lily and James shared a look. There was a long time argument among their friends about who Harry liked best. So far it hadn't been settled, mainly because everyone believed that they were his favorite.

"Supper's ready when you're done arguing," Lily reminded Sirius and Marlene. That drew their attention and everyone gathered in the dining room. After supper there was present opening and laughter all around. Lily was sorry to see her friends go when the time came. After they were gone, Lily made her way back up the stairs, knowing James would be in their room after putting Harry down.

When she entered the room, she found him pulling his shirt off with his back to her. Wrapping her arms around him, she rested her chin on his shoulder.

"Did you have a good Christmas?" she asked.

"A wonderful Christmas," he replied, turning to kiss her. "The best yet. I love you, Lily."

"I love you, too, James."