Regina entered the living room where Henry was stationed in front of their extensive DVD collection. Ever since he was old enough to decide, it was tradition for him to choose the Christmas Eve movie. This was the first year for them to really share their traditions with Emma. She hoped it was to be the first of many years to come. While he was occupied she approached her liquor cabinet and poured Emma a generous serving of her apple cider and a more reasonable portion for herself. With a wave of her hand a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon appeared for Henry. Drinks arranged, Regina made herself comfortable on the couch to wait for the others to join her. She watched as Henry made his selection and slid the disc into the machine.

"What did you choose, kid?" Emma asked as she lowered herself next to Regina and gratefully accepted her drink.

"You'll see." He replied as he pressed the play button then burrowed into his blanket cocoon he already made and proceed to enjoy his magical hot cocoa.

It wasn't long before they were all engrossed in the journey that a Christmas train was making to the north pole and a little boy who received a bell that would ring as long as he truly believed in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas. Regina peeked at Emma every so often and smiled at the child like wonder that was written across the Sheriff's face.

As the credits began to roll Emma quickly wiped a few errant tears away in the hopes that the people around her would be none the wiser to the effect the movie had on her. Regina pretended not to notice.

"So, kid, would the bell still ring for you?"

"Of course! Heart of the Truest Believer, remember? I'm pretty sure stuff like that is in my contract."

"Right, how could I forget." She ruffled his hair as she collected their empty glasses and took them into the kitchen.

"I'm going to head upstairs. Merry Christmas, Mom." He leaned down an hugged Regina. She couldn't help, but wonder when his arms had gotten so long.

"Merry Christmas, Henry, sleep well." She watched as he repeated the process with Emma and made his exit for the night. Emma returned to her seat beside Regina. The cider was beginning to kick in and she could feel her eyes becoming heavy.

"I hate that your apple cider is so damn irresistible," Her thought was cut off by a yawn that she just couldn't hide. "...it always makes me sleepy."

"Feel free to make yourself at home, dear, you are more than welcome to stay here tonight."

"Really?" Emma bit her lip, wanting nothing more than for the invitation to be sincere.

"Really." Regina patted the other woman's knee. "Besides my apple cider does pack quite the punch. It just wouldn't do for the Sheriff to drive home under the influence." Emma nodded in agreement as she had a brief flashback to her first night in Storybrooke and an unfortunate encounter with a sign.

A comfortable silence fell over them as they both soaked in the warmth from the fire crackling in the fireplace. Regina noticed Emma was starting to lose the battle with sleep. She stood and retrieved the blanket from the back of the couch and encouraged the other woman to lay down.

"How about you, Emma, would the bell still ring for you?"

Emma thought about the question as she made herself comfortable on the couch and felt the soft blanket settle around her. "I hope it would, but I just don't know." She answer sleepily.

Emma snuggled down and started to succumb to the pull of sleep. Regina brushed a few strands of hair off the beautiful face before her. "Night, R'Gina" Pink lips mumbled.

"Goodnight, Emma." Regina flicked the light off and made her way upstairs to get her operation underway.

As she passed Henry's room she opened the door enough to peek in to check if the boy was breathing. She thought she would have broken that particular habit after Henry grew past infancy, but as she stood in his door way watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, she knew she was kidding herself. Gods know what she was going to do when he went to college. Maybe she could enchant a mirror and sneak it into his dorm room. She shook her head and closed his door. "That is a whole other operation, Regina, concentrate on the one at hand." She admonished herself as she made her way into her bedroom.

The red numbers on her bedside clock showed it was just past 10. That gave her more than enough time to conjure the things she would need. With a clear picture in her head she waved her hands and there on the bed a beautiful Santa suit appeared. The red fabric was soft to the touch and contrasted nicely with the white fur trim. The buttons were made of gold and each one was caste with an image of a reindeer. Both the belt and boots were made from fine leather that had been buffed to a shine. Even the fake beard was soft. Regina hummed softly as she carefully hung each piece up. With a few hours to spare she decided to get a little sleep before surprising Emma. Even as she snuggled down into her warm covers and began to fall asleep, her smile never left her face.