The Greatest of Gifts
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who
It was late one night and Rose was sound asleep in her room in the TARDIS when a loud crash woke her up. Startled, she got up, grabbed her robe and went to the find the source of the noise. As she walked, she thought of the Doctor and wondered why he'd been acting strange during the last few days. He'd been acting like he was up to something, but she hadn't asked why. Now it seemed that she might just find out what it was he was doing. It took her a while, but eventually she found a room that had the door half-open and she went inside.
When she went in the room, she didn't expect to see the sight before her. To her surprise, she saw the Doctor was on the floor of the room, tangled in a mess of tinsel, ornaments, a Christmas tree, a box and other decorations.
It took all Rose had not to laugh at the sight of him. He was muttering something in Gallifreyen that she didn't understand and he didn't seem to notice her until he yanked some of the tinsel and other Christmas stuff off his eyes.
When he did finally see her, he looked like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have.
"Rose! Wha-what're you doing up? I thought you were asleep."
"I was. But I heard something and I came to see what it was," she said. "What on earth are you doing?"
"Me? I-I-I'm not doing anything, I…" he stopped when Rose gave him a look. He sighed. "It's Christmas Eve. I was planning to do something special for you and get you something as a surprise. But I was carrying a box and I didn't see the tree and now everything's ruined."
So, that waswhy he'd been acting strange the last few days. Rose was touched, but the Doctor looked distraught and Rose's heart went out to him. "Oh, Doctor," said Rose. She knelt down and gently got him out from under the mess. "It's not ruined. It can still be special. Come on. Let's fix this up."
There is more to this time of year
Than sleigh bells and holly
Mistletoes and snow
Those things will come and go
He looked a little better as they fixed up the tree and put up the decorations all around the room. Before long, there was laughter and the humming of Christmas tunes as they worked. They were enjoying themselves greatly and found the whole thing rather good fun.
Don't look inside a stocking As long as there's
Don't look under the tree
The one thing we're looking for
Is something we can't see
Far more precious than silver
And more splendid than gold
Is something to treasure
But is something we can't hold
I truly believe
That hope is the greatest of the gifts
We'll receive
Rose was glad to see the Doctor smiling as they put ornaments on the tree. She was touched that he'd wanted to do all this for her, but she wanted to tell him that she already had the greatest gift he could've given her.
Everything he'd already done for her—taking her with him on travels through time and space—everything they had ever shared together…all of it was something special. What they had was even more valuable. It was something that could never be bought, something that was more precious than all of the treasures in all of the galaxies.
As long as there's
As we all pray together
It's the time to rejoice
And though we may look different
We are singing with one voice
I truly believe
That hope is the greatest of the gifts
We'll receive
She thought of past Christmases when she was growing up in her mum's flat in London. Every year had brought something special and different. It always gave her a moment to reflect on the greatest and most cherished events that had happened that year.
This year, she was just happy to be with the Doctor and was glad to have his hand in hers whenever they went off on another adventure. There is more
To this time of year
Than sleigh bells and holly
Mistletoes and snow
Those things will come and go
Come and go
There were little things in her life that now seemed just that, little. She had more than she ever knew. All she could've ever truly wanted or needed, she already had. She had family, friends, the life she had always wanted and someone special to share it with it. What more could she ever ask for?
Eventually, she and the Doctor stopped and stood beside each other to admire their work. The tree and light glowed brightly in the darkness and looked stunningly beautiful. As long as there is Christmas
I truly do believe that
Hope is the greatest of the gifts
We will receive
"It's beautiful," said Rose.
"Yes, you are," said the Doctor.
Rose smiled as she slipped her hand into his and leaned against him. "Thank you, Doctor, for everything. This really means a lot to me."
"Anything for you," he said, smiling. "And right now, it's one in the morning, which makes it Christmas Day. I believe I owe you a present. What would you like?" As long as there's Christmas
I truly believe
That hope is the greatest of the gifts
We'll receive
"I've got everything I could ever want," she said. "What about you?"
"I feel the same," he said, smiling.
She smiled again as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her close. They then shared a very passionate kiss and never wanted to let go.
They didn't need anything else. They had the best gifts of all—they had each other.
So there always will be a time
When the world is filled with peace and love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, folks!