A/N I wrote this for Secret Santa, and I've decided to share it here as well.
There's a light dusting of snow as Ludwig's train pulled into the station. He adjusted his hat, straightened his coat, and grabbed hold of his suitcases.
Someone was meant to meet him at the station, and his eyes roamed for familiar white feathers, althrough he grumbled good heartedly as his eyes keep catching on white piles of snow rather than a family member.
"Uncle Ludwig! Uncle Ludwig!" A child in red yelled, waving wildly enough to knock his red hat into his eyes. The little duckling was waving cheerfully at everyone, from his position in Lulubelle's arms. Ludwig was sure he hadn't actually seen him.
Ludwig chuckled, landing on the platform with a swish of his coat.
The twins, both in sailor suits, stood either side of Hortense, her red hair tied back and tucked under her hat, a few wild locks escaping. Della seemed more interested in the hushed conversation she was having with Gladstone than watching out for him, but Donald was peering down the carriages.
Ludwig approached, weaving through the crowd, trying to keep an eye on his family, but sure enough he lost sight of them, until a young Duckling tackled him. "Uncle Ludwig! You came!"
He chuckled again, "Frohe Weihnachten Donald. Are you going to give an old duck some help?"
Donald pulled back a bit, looking up. "Do you need help?" The young duck looked concerned.
Ludwig hid his grin, and gave his nephew a playful serious look, "I've lost your Mutter," he whispered loudly, "think you could find her?"
Donald bounced in place, "She's over here!" Seizing Ludwig's coat, since his hands were occupied with luggage, and tried dragging his uncle along.
"Ma! Ma! I found him!" Donald yelled.
"Donald." Hortense sighed, "It is good to see you Ludwig."
"Ludwig!" Lulubelle pounced forward, seizing him up in a hug and squeezing. Fethry squeaked, and patted him on the face.
"Meine Familie! It is gut to be seeing you all. Die Kinder have all been growing so big!" Ludwig said. "I have something special for them."
"You brought us presents?" Della asked. Suddenly he had a ducklings attached to his coat, gazing up with hopeful eyes. "Is it a plane? I want a plane."
"Now Della." Hortense said, pulling her daughter away. "We do not demand presents."
Ludwig laughed again. "Let us hurry to the homestead, and you can open your presents. I will be wanting to see them in action!" He declared.
Della grinned, bouncing as she grabbed hold of both the boys, dragging them off towards the exit. Gladstone tossed back a look, "help!" He mouthed.
The family farm was warm and bright. The decorations were mostly hand made and heartfelt.
Ludwig was crushed in a dozen hugs as soon as he got through the front door.