"Christmas... is not an external event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart."

—Freya Stark

Preface

With people writing Christmas-themed stories recently, I decided to write one of my own. The opening chapter ties into my series with an important day in our lead characters' married life. Little do they realize that the day eventually turns out to be very significant for them.

In my alternate universe (AU), Ahsoka doesn't know her exact birth date in the Star Wars galaxy. So, she chose January 1 for her Earth birthday strictly out of convenience.

Acknowledgments

Very special thanks to The Walt Disney Company for Star Wars characters and concepts.

Ahsoka woke up before the alarm was set to go off. She could only hope her husband would appreciate her Christmas surprise. A short time later, her husband confirmed her hopes.

"That certainly was unexpected," he said as he caressed one of Ahsoka's head-tails.

"You deserved something special. That's what today is about, right?" Ahsoka asked. She hoped that she understood the day's meaning.

"There's more to it than that, but you seem to have the gift-giving part down pat."

Ahsoka gave her husband a slight grin. As she nuzzled closer to him, she took to care to avoid poking him with the tips of her montrals.

"We probably should get dressed. I'd like to exchange gifts before I go to Mass. You are welcome to come, too, you know," he told her.

"Thanks, but I think I'd feel too out-of-place there. Not to mention that I don't fully understand your beliefs, let alone practice them," she replied.

"That's fine. I am sensing a bit of uneasiness from you, though," he said as continued to dress himself.

"I'm sorry, but I'm still trying to get used to being married. Where I come from, I'd probably be ostracized because attachments are a path to the Dark Side."

"You haven't tried killing me yet," her husband stated as he chuckled. He then handed her a tan top to wear.

"Hey! That's not funny!" Ahsoka protested as she finished buttoning up the top.

"Seriously, Soka, you have no worries. The only person I know who turned to the Dark Side here was totally single. Maybe she should have married someone instead," he replied dryly.

"Point taken," Ahsoka commented in an unimpressed tone as she finished buckling her long boots.

"At least they're perfect for the winter," he replied teasingly. It wasn't a secret that she wore boots near-daily. Ahsoka rolled her eyes before attaching her belt, sash, and sabers.

After going down stairs, it was Ahsoka's turn to be surprised. Her husband stole a quick kiss at the foot of the stairs. She looked up at the ceiling. Sure enough, that odd looking plastic version of some Earth plant was above them. Knowing she couldn't ignore local tradition, she returned the kiss.

After breakfast, the couple exchanged gifts. They both agreed that for their first Christmas, they would only exchange one item each.

Ahsoka took her gift. She carefully tore open the wrapping and opened a small box. She found a chain with some odd-shaped pattern attached to it.

"What's this?" she asked curiously.

"Turn it to the side. You might recognize it that way," her husband replied.

Ahsoka slowly turned it and quickly recognized the shape.

"It's the letter aurek!"

"It took some research on Knight Ashley's part, but she somehow downloaded your alphabet. Now, you have your first initial in your familiar writing. It wasn't easy to get this made for you, but it was well worth it," he told her as he reached behind her and fastened the chain around her neck.

She kissed his cheek before replying, "Thank you so much!"

He then sat down. His gift appeared to be a bit larger. He quickly unwrapped it and opened the box, revealing some sort of pouch.

"A former padawan of yours told me you like to keep two – or even three – lightsabers on your person. If you want, I could sew it into your Jedi robes. That way, you'll always have what you need," Ahsoka explained with a smile.

"You can sew?" he asked in astonishment.

"I'm full of surprises."

"Well, I am impressed with your determination to find something useful. I guess Master Cara pays more attention to detail than I thought. Thanks, Ahsoka. It's time for me to go. See you in about an hour," he said as he hugged her.

"Merry Christmas, honey."

Her husband smiled as he replied, "Merry Christmas."

Later, Ahsoka and her husband finished their Christmas dinner and talked some more about the day.

"I sewed your pocket into your robe," Ahsoka told her husband.

"I'll have to test it out tomorrow," he replied enthusiastically.

"Honey, don't you use belt clips for your lightsabers?"

"I do, but sometimes, it helps to have a spare saber on hand … just in case."

"Of course."

"You know, I don't think I've ever asked you this before: did you ever celebrate anything like this in your home galaxy?"

"No. We were expected to keep our material possessions to a bare minimum. It was part of our 'no attachments rule'," Ahsoka answered softly.

"Oh, I see. That explains why this is still a bit surreal for you."

Ahsoka nodded. "I have a question for you now. Isn't today supposed to be celebrated with family?" she asked a bit uncertainly.

He took a deep breath. "Yes. But I'm sure you remember how my parents reacted to you. I think it's safe to say they do not want to see us, unfortunately," he conceded.

Ahsoka recalled his parents' dislike of her. While she felt their concerns about the age difference between her husband and herself was reasonable, she didn't think her own lack of spirituality was the big deal they made it to be. She was most shocked, though, at their anti-species attitude and hateful comments towards her. Oddly, she smiled thinking about her husband's standing up for her. She only wished his parents hadn't decided to apparently disown the both of them.

"You have other family, don't you? Couldn't we see them?" she asked.

"Yes. But, seeing how my parents have likely told them about us, I have no guarantee they would welcome or accept us. I'm not going to have anyone else in my family say rude things about you," he replied emphatically.

"It's just a shame we can't celebrate today with family, that's all."

He nodded. "Let's get the dishes done. That way, I can share more of my fonder Christmas memories and traditions," he suggested.

"Alright," Ahsoka replied.

Later that evening, Ahsoka and her husband changed for the night.

"I'm not used to a quiet day like this," Ahsoka admitted.

"Sometimes, quiet is good. It gives us a change to regroup for the week between now and new years. Besides, I'm looking forward to your first birthday as a couple next week," he told her.

Ahsoka smiled and took her husband's hand. She smiled as her long, thin fingers entwined with his.

"Thank you for tonight," she whispered before climbing into bed.

He joined her and surprised her by kissing her hand.

"And thank you, too," he whispered back before wrapping his arm around her for the night.

Chapter Commentary: These events take place between chapter nine and ten of To Survive Betrayal.