Note: This was written for my very best friend for the holidays.
The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, soft firelight bathing the couple sitting wrapped in a red-and-green plaid blanket on the floor. The only other illumination came from red, gold, and green candles scattered throughout the room. Fresh boughs of deep green pine adorned the mantel above the fireplace with red and gold balls set snug between the needles.
Behind the couple, a tree stood proudly in front of the main windows. Garlands of red berries wound through the branches and around now-dormant clear-bulbed lights. Red and gold ornaments hung artfully among the needles.
"Merry Christmas, Daniel."
"Merry Christmas, Jack."