Aelita was from the second they stepped foot in the center. Between the lights strung on the trees, the green wreaths on the light posts, and candles in the windows of every shop, it was easily the most beautiful sights she'd ever laid eyes on. Odd noticed her reaction.

"Photo op?" He asked with a smirk.

"Photo op." Aelita took about four careless pictures before she saw the perfect scene. There on the corner, there was a small bakery with a lit tree in the window, a giant wreath on the door, and a layer of snow blanketing the awning. She raised her camera toward the small building and snapped the photo. Odd glanced at the shot over her shoulder.

"Wow! Who knew you were so good with a camera?" She blushed at his comment. "What do you say we go in there for a bite to eat?"

"I didn't bring any money."

"Don't worry about it." He led her into the shop.

The two lovebirds were blasted with the smell of cookie dough as soon as they walked in. The bells on the door jingled, getting the attention of the young girl behind the counter.

"What can I get 'cha?" The cheery brunette asked. She was dressed as an elf.

"Hey. Can we get four gingerbread cookies and two mugs of cocoa?" Odd ordered.

"Sure thing! Go on and take a seat. I'll bring `em right out!" She disappeared into the back room. Odd and Aelita sat down at the two-person booth by the window.

Within five minutes, they were chowing down on the biggest gingerbread cookies they'd ever seen and sipping hot cocoa from mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

"Hey, `Lita, you've got a cocoa-stache!" Odd informed his girlfriend, a sweet plan running through his head like visions of sugarplums.

"Oh, I do?" The clueless girl asked, reaching for a napkin. Odd placed his hand on hers before she could lift it.

"Here. I got it." Odd leaned over the table, and Aelita found herself leaning in as well. Their lips met and they held the kiss for a few seconds. When the couple parted, they looked each other in the eye and, both of them with a smirk on their face, said, "Best Christmas ever!"

When every last drop of cocoa had been sipped and nothing but a few crumbs remained on the plate, Odd went up to the girl behind the counter and handed her a $10 bill. She accepted it and gave him his change. He said a quick "happy holidays" and walked over to Aelita, slinging his arm around her shoulders, and they walked out the door.

"So, where should we go now?" Odd asked, turning to face Aelita.

"Hmmm…" She thought for a second. "Do you want to go walk in the park? I don't want you to spend any more money on me."

"Princess, I'd spend all the money in the world on you. But, yeah, that's a great idea." Odd replied, and they headed for the park.