Disclaimer: I don't own Downton Abbey
Rating: K+
Santa Claus is coming to Downton
December 2nd - 1902
The Christmas tree was the biggest she'd ever seen. The candles flickered and the baubles shone and Sybil's eyes widened with amazement. She had been sitting in front of the Christmas tree for the best part of half an hour and never once had she taken her eyes away from the most magical thing she had ever seen in all her five years. It had been put up the day before and her Mama had allowed her and her sisters to help decorate it.
She took in the tree and smiled to herself when her eyes found the big blue bauble that Mr Carson had let her hang. It was near the very top and Sybil had had to be hoisted up onto Mr Carson's shoulders so that she could reach. She especially loved the bright blue bauble as she had been allowed to pick it out from the shop. Mary had gone for an elegant gold and red bauble with lovely swirls that she had hung next to hers. It was pretty, but too fancy for Sybil. Edith had picked one too. It was small and in the shape of a diamond. It had a pinkish colour to it and Sybil actually quite liked it. Of course the two baubles, even to five year old Sybil, represented the two oldest girls very well. Her bauble was big and shiny and quite honestly the best bauble on the whole tree. It matched her bright eyes which were currently staring at it in wonder.
The air was chilly where she sat but she didn't notice, or at least
care, as she watched the twinkling lights in wonder.
"Sybil? Darling?"
She didn't look away or move as her Mother came down the stairs, wrapping her nightgown tight around her body. She saw the child and gave a half smile.
"Now darling you should be in the nursery asleep, it's late." She said.
Sybil tore her eyes away from the Christmas tree.
"I know but I..."
Cora picked her up and swung her on her hip. She stroked her daughter's dark hair lovingly.
"The tree will still be here in the morning." She said.
"Do you think Father Christmas will leave our presents under the tree Mama?" She asked.
Cora nodded.
"He definitely will."
"Mary and Edith's too?"
"Mary and Edith's too darling."
"I do hope he likes our tree."
"I have no doubt he will."
"Good."
The woman smiled kissing Sybil gently on the head.
"Come on, up to bed little girl."
Sybil nodded then yawned as she snuggled in close to her Mother.
"Goodbye Christmas tree, I'll see you tomorrow."
She then closed her eyes, rested her head on her Mother's shoulder and let herself be carried to bed. She smiled to herself as the memory of the tree that she had helped decorate and her special bauble drifted into her head, sure to stay with her in her dreams tonight.