Disclaimer: The Hobbit, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of J. R. R. Tolkien's estate, and Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and WingNut Films.

A Hobbit Advent Calendar

Mistletoe

Elladan and Elrohir's antics during the banquet – gleefully holding sprigs of mistletoe over unsuspecting guests' heads resulting in much mortification and awkwardness – were wearing on their father. After the very embarrassed, quick peck they got from Legolas and Tauriel, Lord Elrond took the twins to task (there was only so much his placating skills and nerves could take in two hours, thank you very much!).

In despairing tones they accused him of ruining everything. In a more calm and dignified voice, his attempts at pointing out how their behavior was strongly lacking were cut short by Elladan who gasped sharply and gaped like a fish. His brother and father followed his pointing finger to where Arwen and Legolas were sharing a kiss, no mistletoe anywhere in sight.

Elrohir whispered under his breath, "Finally!"

Oh! Elrond thought, comprehension dawning.

Gingerbread

Both Thranduil's "downcast-ness" and bad headache (whether due to the afternoon's draining council meeting or the unexpected blizzard causing the elves to stay an extra day at least, he could not tell) were forgotten when Legolas answered the knocking at the his father's door. The scent of something sweet crept into the air along with an exultant cry of, "Elf friend!" followed by the pitter-patter of little boots racing into the room. A rare smile touched the elven king's face as he obligingly lifted five-year-old Thorin onto his lap who snuggled into him happily and offered a piece of gingerbread to his favorite elf, bringing back memories of long-ago Yuletides to the king as he graciously accepted.

Mulled Wine

"Cheers," Bilbo said, gently clinking his wine glass with Gandalf's.

"Cheers," the wizard echoed the sentiment and drank half of the beverage in one gulp. Warmth, spice, and sweetness ran through his mouth and down his throat. Aye, it had been too long since he last accepted his friend's invitation to visit during Yule, enjoy some of his mull wine, watch the snowfall, and admire the pine tree covered in lights and decorations.

Snowfall

The hobbit had finally ceased his excited dancing and skipping about, now simply standing in the middle of the clearing, head tilted back as he watched the snow fall, his cheeks pink and eyes sparkling. From the opening of the cave where the company had set up camp, Bofur marveled at Bilbo's joy which had not diminished since the snowflakes started falling an hour ago. Halflings were truly fascinating little creatures.

Tradition

Bilbo hesitated stepping away from the door of the scribe's cell when he heard the dwarf try to hold back a wet sniffle; it was dark, cold, and Ori was alone, separated from his big brothers. Pity flowing through him, the hobbit sat down, leaning his back against the door.

"Do you have a favorite Yuletide tradition?" he asked.

All he received at first was a sharp gasp of surprise before Ori admitted that listening to the legends concerning the very first dwarven Yuletide was his favorite, his voice growing stronger and less frightened as he told Bilbo the legend.

Author's Note: "Gingerbread" is based on Elf Friend Mine.