Callie sits in the seat by the window overlooking the park. It's one of her favourite things about their New York apartment. It's almost four o'clock and the sun is going down, leaving a dusky pink hue over the city below. The ground is a bright white where the snow settled earlier this afternoon, but it doesn't stop the city's dwellers from rushing around to get their last minute gifts.

Their tree stands majestically in the corner, coloured lights twinkling and decorations hanging haphazardly. They had been more interested in dancing to Christmas songs than worrying about a perfectly balanced tree, and that's exactly how she likes it. It's the perfect representation of her family.

The apartment is quiet. She used to love it that way, but the last few months have reminded her how much better life is when she's surrounded by noise and chaos.

Her daughter chooses that moment to come crashing out of her bedroom.

"Mama!" she calls out. "Found it!"

Sofia rushes up to Callie and thrusts the DVD in her face. "Can we watch it now? Please?!"

"Sure," Callie answers. They have watched The Muppet Christmas Carol every Christmas Eve since Sofia was two years' old, a tradition that they almost couldn't enjoy this year when they realised the DVD had been buried deep in one of the many boxes that filled the apartment.

As Sofia sets up the movie to play, Callie moves to the sofa and pulls a blanket over her legs. She holds one end out and Sofia curls up beside her. As Kermit's face appears on the screen, Callie snatches the remote from the young girl's hand and pauses the image.

"You know, I think we've forgotten something," she says, twisting her mouth playfully.

Sofia grins up at her and nods.

"MOMMY!"

Callie winces at the assault on her ear.

"You're never going to be packed by the 28th at this rate," Arizona grumbles as she emerges from Sofia's bedroom.

"We still have a few more days," Callie says nonchalantly. "Come and watch the movie."

Arizona stands in the doorway and smiles at the two pairs of identical eyes beaming up at her. Callie holds out the other end of the blanket and gestures for her to join them. She complies easily, accepting the arm that Callie slings over her shoulders and snuggling in close.

"As happy as I am that you're coming home, I'm gonna miss this apartment," Arizona muses.

"We could have extended the lease, kept it as a holiday home."

Arizona looks across at her and shakes her head. "No. I don't want you to have an excuse to leave Seattle ever again."

Callie smiles. She leans in and their lips meet in a tender kiss.

"Mommies!" Sofia whines. "Can we watch the movie now, pleeaase?"

"Yes, Miss Bossy Pants," Callie teases, hitting play on the remote.

Beside her, Arizona rests her head on her shoulder. Underneath the blankets, Callie's hand rests on her thigh and she squeezes it gently. They all fall silent as the movie plays. As Kermit sings about magic in the air, she can't help but agree. It was going to be the best Christmas they'd ever had.