After an eventful day in Arendelle, involving ice skating competitions with the villagers; delivering gifts to the orphanage with Sven and Pabbie, who had dressed up as the Julenisse for the children; and listening to the heart-warming speech presented by Elsa, Anna finally sat down with her sister, Kristoff and Olaf to enjoy their Christmas meal. Whilst Sven was presented with a bucket full of carrots, apples and sugar cubes in his stable, Olaf sat content at the table with a lemon sorbet, and he wondered aloud why he had been told to never eat yellow snow for his entire existence when it was so delicious.

Anna loaded her plate with roasted pork belly, potatoes, thick sausages, two helpings of meatballs and covered her meal in lashings of gravy. This was followed by cookies and gingerbread men that Anna and Kristoff had baked earlier that day and a large portion of marzipan coated in chocolate.

With their bellies full, they moved to the lounge area. Beside the lit fireplace and array of luxurious armchairs, there sat a grand Christmas tree, decorated with colourful lights, glistening baubles and streams of ribbon.

Concluding that the day had been perfect, Anna gave Kristoff's hand a loving squeeze. He looked down at their entwined fingers and carefully rubbed his thumb around the centre of her palm. Bashful, he looked at her, his eyes full of sincerity. His voice was barely a whisper, "Anna, I-"

"Present time!" Olaf sang, followed by an elated giggle that bubbled from his throat. As he waddled off to the tree to pick up the wrapped parcels, Kristoff simply closed his mouth, finishing his interrupted statement with a smile. Although disappointed that their intimate moment had abruptly finished, Anna was eagerly anticipating Kristoff's expression when he opened his gift from her.

"This is for you, Elsa," said Olaf, extending the twig he had for an arm to the Queen to present her gift. "This is for you, Anna," he repeated, doing the same arm movement to give the present to the other sister. "And Kristoff," he concluded, "You get a warm hug!"

"Wow, thanks, Olaf." There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he accepted the hug.

Beaming with self-pride Olaf plopped himself down on the floor. He stared fixated at Elsa and Anna. "Go on," he whispered loudly. "Open them."

"You've used a lot of string, Olaf," Elsa pointed out, tugging hard at the knots.

"I like string," answered Olaf simply. "I used string for arms one day but I couldn't pick anything up. Do you like string, Elsa?"

"Well, string is useful."

"Do you, Anna?"

Before she could answer, she forcefully opened the box and pulled out what was inside. "String," she said with bemusement. Looking over at Elsa she saw that she had received the exact same.

"Kristoff uses rope, so that's why he got a hug instead."

The ice cutter chuckled. "I appreciate the thought, buddy."

"It's a lovely gift. Thank you, Olaf." Elsa put the string to one side.

Thanking the snowman also, Anna picked up a squashy present from under the tree. "This one is from me and Kristoff."

As the evening continued, there was more laughter and fun. Whilst Olaf ran around in his knitted wear, shaking an intricately designed snow globe, Kristoff admired his new set of tools and leather boots. Elsa started to read one of many books she had received and shared chocolate truffles with her sister, who was stroking the glittering dress Elsa had made her which came with matching shoes.

Eventually Kristoff cleared his throat to get Anna's attention. When she turned to him he said, "There's still my gift to you."

In her palm he placed a small plain box. No paper or ribbon - a simple box that weighed very little. Anna's heart raced; the moment had come. She could feel her sister's intense watch on her and part of her wished she could have opened the gift with just Kristoff beside her.

As she carefully opened the box, Olaf slowly gasped and put his hand over his mouth - not necessarily understanding the reason for suspense, but wanting to partake nonetheless.

Already she was mentally planning their betrothal: the dress, the guests, the music, and, of course, the cake. Hands shaking, the item inside was revealed: a pair of delicate ear rings rested in the cushioned box, beholding two green gems that had been skilfully cut to enhance the sparkle of the hand crafted jewellery.

Despite their beauty, the disappointment was undeniable in her face.

"I found emeralds in a mine by a large lake quite far from here. They're not of great quality, which might explain why nobody has bothered to mine them yet. But..." His voice started to falter when Anna let a tear slip to her cheek. "But I know green suits you and I remember you saying..." He furrowed his brow and rubbed his forehead. "What's wrong, Anna?"

"Nothing," she responded, hastily wiping the tear away from her cheek. "They're beautiful."

"So why are you crying?"

"I'm not," Anna lied, forcing a laugh.

"Olaf," Elsa said. "Would you help me bring Sven his present?"

The snowman stared back at her, dumbfounded. "But we already did that."

"It's another one, involving magic! Come, let's go." She held at a hand to him.

Taking it, Olaf rose to his feet and plodded one foot after, following Elsa's lead.

As they walked away he briefly turned back to Anna. "The journey and time he took to give you that present is as special as any other gift of love you could have hoped for."

Anna bit her lip and Olaf skipped along at Anna's side.

Once she was alone with Kristoff, she turned to meet his gaze.

She smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For..." She laughed shakily. "Being a fool." Absently smoothing the box with her fingers, she saw the realisation had hit Kristoff.

"Ah," he muttered, scratching his head uncomfortably. "You thought I was...proposing."

Anna nodded meekly.

"You know, I didn't think when I got the box." He awkwardly cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for getting your hopes up about reddings and wings..." He shook his head. "I mean...weddings and rings."

Eyes dried, Anna fitted the jewellery in her earlobes. "They really are beautiful. Thank you, Kristoff."

They embraced amorously for a while, cherishing the peaceful moment they could share after the eventful day.

"And when that time does come," Kristoff said, "I want it to be a surprise."

Anna tried to suppress a euphoric grin.

"What are you smiling about?"

She stroked his blonde locks affectionately. "You said when."