This is basically a Christmas short to celebrate the season that alludes to other stories that I may do in the future, along w/ a sneak peek of the next oneshot which will be about V.V. babysitting Lelouch, Nunnally, and Rolo. Don't worry too much about continuity and timeline for this short.

Charles lied in bed, prepared for a good night's sleep. The tyranny those under his rule were subjected to were far from his mind. He was a busy man with much to do. His schedule was so full, he couldn't remember the last time he'd spent Christmas morning with any of his wives or children. Perhaps it was back when he had Marianne. He didn't want to dwell on that too much.

He had just fallen asleep when a sound awoke him. It was the sound of chains. He rose slowly to see three people standing before his bed. But there was something off about them.

"Who are you people?! How did you get in here?"

There was one wrapped in chains that looked suspiciously like his older twin brother V.V. They rattled with every movement he made.

"I am the ghost of Christmas Past. Christmas used to be such a happy time for you, Charles. But now you don't even think about the holiday. What happened to spending it with the ones you love?"

The apparition that appeared as his late wife Marianne stepped forward. "I am the ghost of Christmas Present. My dear, I know we both have our ambitions. I am so proud of you for working so hard, but your other families are suffering because of it. Going to them will not diminish your love for me in the least."

"I am the ghost of Christmas Future", said a young man that he didn't immediately recognize but realized he looked like what his son Lelouch might appear as a young man. He hadn't seen the boy since Marianne's "death" but he'd recognize those eyes anywhere.

"Let me guess", Charles frowned. "You're going to try and convince me to spend Christmas with my families too? Shouldn't you have all come at different times and shown me visions?"

"That is too much of an effort for someone like you", Future explained.

Past smiled. "We decided this would be more quick and efficient. You can be a reasonable man, at times."

"Reasonable enough to know this must be a stress related dream. You can't possibly be real." Charles wouldn't heed their words for one moment. They were just hallucinations, after all.

Present sighed and clasped her hands together. "You know I don't like threatening you Charles. But if you're not up tomorrow morning exchanging gifts with the others, I'll possess my old Knightmare and crash any meeting you try to go to."

Charles blew them off and went back to sleep and tried to forget their words but the promise of his most beloved taking control of a giant robot and storming through one of his offices got to him. At first light he awoke and the whole day, he visited each and everyone of his families. It was the first time that he thought perhaps he shouldn't have married so many women.

Meanwhile, everyone was celebrating the season in their own way. Lelouch and Nunnally exchanged gifts with Suzaku as a guest. C.C. caught Lelouch under the mistletoe several times. They would go to the clubhouse later for a Christmas party with the student council. Euphie presented her girlfriend Nina with a Hanukkah gift for the last day of the holiday.

Kallen had a more formal time with her father and step mother, giving her own mom a gift right after and heading to the student council party. Villetta pretended it was completely coincidental that she had gotten Jeremiah a gift today. That night the Black Knights came together to drink and be merry and even Zero made an appearance.

Somehow is cup emptied without him removing his mask but a few of them had the feeling it had something to do with C.C. always hanging around him and the ever growing blush on her cheeks. To all, it was a nice day of friends, family, and threats from ghosts.

Here's a sneak peek at our next oneshot, as requested by Vitalus

"They don't have any allergies, so don't worry about that."

"I know."

"And don't forget to read a bedtime story to the twins."

"Alright."

"And also-"

"He understands, he's their uncle Marianne." Charles put a hand on his wife's shoulder. Tonight was date night and both adults were very eager to go out on the town. But Marianne was reasonably worried. It had taken some time to find a regular babysitter who could take proper care of their three children. But this evening they were not available.

Luckily, Charles' brother was in town and more than happy to watch his niece and nephews. Lelouch was a delicate child but very clever. Nunnally and Rolo were loyal to their brother and pretty good at scheming themselves, but V.V. had no doubts that he could take care of them. Marianne gave each of her children a kiss goodbye.

"Now Lelouch, you behave for you uncle", she reminded.

"Yes, mother." Lelouch was certain he could take care of himself and his siblings without adult supervision but his parents wouldn't have it.

"We mean it", Charles said firmly.

"You two don't have to worry about anything", V.V. assured them.