Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold or any of the characters. Hey Arnold is the property of Nickelodeon and Craig Bartlett.
Henry's Christmas
Little Henry Shortman and his family prepare to spend the Holidays and take part on traditions as they await the arrival of Santa Claus.
Hillwood
December of 2027
It was a beautiful winters day in the town known as Hillwood and the town was getting ready for Christmas. Everyone in town was getting into the spirit of things as they awaited for the special visit from Old Saint Nicholas.
Houses have been decorated with many festive displays and beautiful flights, holiday treats like cookies and cakes were being made, school was now out for the Holidays and kids were excited to play in the snow and send their wish lists to Santa, while others were still in the middle of decorating for the big day.
Including one certain family in this town.
This family is the Shortman family which consists of Mr. Arnold Shortman and his wife Helga, along with their three kids: 11 year old Andy, 7 year old Megan and their youngest child, 3 year old Henry Shortman, who was currently watching an old Christmas special with his older siblings, one from when his dad was a kid called "Pop Daddy's Christmas".
"I guess this is okay but Pop Daddy seems to be hamming it up here..."Seven year old Megan commented.
"This was made almost 30 years ago, ya know..."Eleven year old Andy replied as they went back to eating popcorn and watching.
"After this, I wanna see "Wally Jr's Christmas movie", you guys promised..."3 year old Henry said to his older siblings.
Andy and Megan rolled their eyes.
"Fine...we'll put your movie on after this...I gotta go gift-wrap my present for Kia, anyway..."He muttered.
"And I have to finish writing my Christmas cards..."Megan said, since she didn't want to watch such a baby-ish show.
Henry smiled as the siblings continued to watch the movie until a commercial came. There, Henry decided to strike up conversation with his siblings.
"You know, today when I was at the playground, some kid asked if Santa even has time to give presents to all kids...I said that it's not unrealistic to think since he has a team of magical elves on his side, along with reindeer that can fly without wings or any form of propulsion..."Henry said, getting his brother's attention.
"But with his attitude, he for sure wouldn't get any..."Henry added while Megan sent him a look.
"What else did he say?..."Megan asked.
"That they deserve presents..."Henry replied before taking a handful of popcorn. "If he's really only concerned about the presents during Christmas despite other joys like hot cocoa and fun carols and being nice to others, then it's obvious that he's on the naughty list..."Little Henry said before eating it.
His brother and sister sent a look at that.
"He's pretty astute for a 3 year old..."His older brother thought.
"He's reading books too old for him again..."Megan thought in annoyance before speaking up.
"Well, I know that I'm am getting presents..."She said boastfully, making Andy roll his eyes at that.
Megan noticed this and got annoyed.
"Hmpt, I know for sure I wasn't very naughty..."Megan said in her usual haughty way.
"Why are you so concerned about not being seen as naughty this time of year?..."Henry questioned.
"I'm not, you wouldn't get it..."Megan said, making her brother frown.
"Do you think I wouldn't understand because I'm younger? You're not that much older than me..."Henry replied.
"Easy, little brother. She's just being... herself..."Andy replied, patting him on the head.
Before Megan could demand what he meant by that, someone called for them.
"Kids, can you come here?..."Their father, Arnold, was heard from the living room.
"Coming, Dad..."Andy said as he got up and went there.
His siblings followed, wondering what their father wanted.
In the living room
The Shortman siblings soon arrived to the living room and saw their parents around the tree.
"Here's the Christmas tree..."Helga said proudly, happy that they managed to get it.
"It looks awesome, Mom..."Andy said.
"Nice tree, Mommy..."Henry said.
"Thank you, my angels...now come on, we gotta start decorating it..."Helga said as Arnold brought out the box with the tree decorations.
"But mom, we were watching a movie...can't we do it later?..."Megan whined.
"Not "buts" young lady, decorating the tree is a family tradition...you guys can watch your movie later..."Helga said, not budging.
Megan sighed but nodded as soon the Shortman family began decorating the tree together.
They stringed the colorful Christmas lights around it, placed the ornaments and festive decorations, as well as the cranberries and popcorn as well. Once they were done, it looked really nice.
"It's almost done...we still gotta place the Star on top..."Arnold said.
"Here it is, Daddy..."Little Henry said as he held the Christmas star. "Can I put it on the tree this year, pwease?..."He asked with big, green eyes shining in excitement.
Arnold and Helga pretended to think about it before nodding.
"Well...since Megan did it last year and Andy did it the year before...I guess you can do it this year..."Arnold said and Henry smiled.
"YAY!..."Henry exclaimed in glee.
"Uh...you guys don't mind, do you?..."Helga asked, wanting to be sure her other kids weren't feeling left out.
Thankfully, they just shrugged.
"It's okay...he really wants to..."Andy said with a shrug.
"Plus, I don't care that much..."Megan said, not really minding.
Arnold smiled as he lift Henry up and his youngest son soon place the Star at the top of the tree.
"I did it..."Henry said, happily.
"Yes, you did..."Helga said as she took him in her arms and kissed his forehead. "Now, let's see how this looks lit up..."She said.
"Arnold, turn on the juice..."She said and her husband nodded.
Arnold connected the lights and soon the Christmas tree light in many bright and beautiful colors, amazing Henry and his family.
"It's pretty..."Henry said and his family agreed with him.
"Yes, it is..."Helga said as she held her youngest in her arms.
"You said it, bro..."Andy said, amazed by it.
"Yeah..."Megan said with a nod, admiring the beauty of the tree.
The family soon went back to watching their Christmas specials and afterwards, continued to get ready for the wonderful Holiday that is only days away.
A few days later
Christmas Eve
After days of wish lists, Christmas shopping, caroling, snowball fights, donating to the less fortunate, sledding and many other Holiday activities and traditions, it was now December 24.
It was Christmas eve and the children had just arrived home with their parents from their usual Holiday traditions such as donating to the local homeless shelter and caroling around the neighborhood. They were also eager for the arrival of good old Saint Nick.
The mother, Helga, was also in the middle of preparing yet another Holiday tradition for her family.
"Here's some hot cocoa and gingerbread men..."Helga said as she brought the treats to her kids.
"Thanks, Mom..."Andy said as he took one.
"Thanks, Mom..."Megan said as she took some as well.
Helga smiled but noticed that one of her kids hasn't arrived yet.
"Have you two seen Henry?..."She asked.
Her eldest children gestured to the next room before going back to their snacks. Helga went into the direction of the den and saw that her youngest son was busy coloring.
"Henry-kins..."Helga called but her little boy is still drawing.
"Henry..."Helga repeated but her son still didn't answer.
She had a feeling she knew why, so she decided to paraphrase something she used to say to her husband at times like this.
"Hey, Henry!..."Helga called out, finally getting her boy's attention.
"Oh...Hi, Mommy..."Henry said, smiling innocently.
"What are you doing?..."She asked.
"Coloring..."Henry answered simply before showing off his picture. "I spent the last half hour in deciding what it would be, then determined the proper color scheme for it..."He said, showing it to his mother.
It was a drawing of a reindeer, albeit somewhat crudely drawn but also very cute and child-like.
Helga smiled and ruffled his hair a bit.
"It's very nice sweetie, now come on... I just made some cookies and cocoa and your brother and sister are already there..."Helga said and Henry smiled widely.
"Oh boy, cookies...cocoa!..."Henry shouted as he ran to the direction of the sweets.
"No running in the house!..."Helga shouted in a stern maternal voice but her youngest had already arrived to the other room.
Helga sighed and had a patient smile on her face.
"They grow up so fast... sometimes mentally..."She thought as she went to join her kids.
She soon went back to the living room and saw her kids enjoying their sweets. However, someone caught Helga's attention.
It was Arnold, who had walked in to talk to the kids...only to notice something and smirk.
"Oh, Helga..."Arnold said in a coy voice.
"What?..."Helga asked, being just as coy but wondering what is up.
"Do you see what I see?..."Arnold said as he pointed up.
Helga noticed that she was standing under the mistletoe and smirked as she recalled a certain tradition involving it.
"Oh...looks like someone put some mistletoe here..."Helga said in a teasing way.
"And you know what that means...don't you?..."Arnold said, just as teasing.
"Doi..."Helga said before she and her husband shared a kiss under the mistletoe.
Andy rolled his eyes at his parents PDA but didn't hesitate to cover Henry's eyes...he didn't bother with Megan since they were both used to this.
"Hey..."Henry said, wondering why his brother covered his eyes.
"Believe me, little bro...you don't wanna see this..."Andy said, still a little uncomfortable whenever he sees his parents kiss.
It was a little more bearable than when he was little but it's not exactly a sight he enjoys seeing. Megan saw this and just rolled her eyes.
"Boys..."She muttered while their parents kept smooching under the mistletoe.
After a long time, they stopped and the Shortman siblings soon took part of another Holiday tradition.
Leaving cookies out for Santa.
"You don't think he'll have an allergy to these, do you?..."Henry asked as he helped Andy bring in the cookies while Megan brought the milk.
"If he did, then I'm pretty sure that Santa would have left us a note last year..."Andy said.
"Plus, he'd have to have a good doctor if he's been alive for so long..."Megan commented as the treats were place.
Once that was done, their parents turned to them.
"It looks great, you three..."Arnold commented, only to notice the time. "And I think it's time to go to bed..."He said and his kids pouted.
"Daddy, can't we stay up a little longer?..."Megan whined but her mother spoke next.
"Sorry Meggie-kins, but it's bed time..."Helga reminded.
"Besides, the sooner you three are asleep, the sooner Santa will come..."Arnold said, causing his daughter to sigh.
"Okay..."Megan said as she went to her room to get ready for bed.
"Oh boy, Santa is coming..."Henry said in excitement.
"I know..."Andy said with a chuckle while their father approached them.
"Come on boys, time for bed..."Arnold reminded and his sons nodded.
"Alright, Dad..."Andy said as he went to get ready for bed too.
Arnold smiled before he then went to Henry and picked him up.
"So, ready for tomorrow, my little guy?..."Arnold asked his youngest, who smiled.
"Yeah, I'm ready for it and I'm ready for slumber too..."Henry said happily, smiling cutely.
"That's the Christmas spirit..."Arnold said with a smile while his wife came back downstairs.
"Don't even think of getting up before morning to sneak a peak at the presents..."Helga reminded, speaking in a faux-stern voice. "I already told your brother and sister that more than once..."She added.
"Just as stubborn as their mother..."Arnold quipped while his wife sent him a look before she turned to her youngest child.
"Okay, Mommy. I promise..."Henry said sweetly while his mother kissed him on the forehead.
"Good, now time for bed..."Helga said before elbowing her husband playfully for that quip he made, which he didn't mind since it was barely a tap.
The parents soon took him upstairs to get ready for bed and soon tucked him and his older siblings in bed, ready for tomorrow.
The Next Morning
Christmas
It was Christmas morning and the Shortman siblings wasted no time in waking up their parents in excitement before rushing downstairs to the Christmas tree, where their presents were.
"There they are! I call dibs on... all of them!..." Megan said in eagerness.
"That's not how that works and you know it..." Andy said, not wanting his sister to hog all of them.
"Besides, Santa would write out names on the gifts, and we'd know since he always does it..." Henry pointed out, as he knew that Old Saint Nicholas always addresses their gifts...in a handwriting similar to his father's for some reason.
"Calm down, my little Christmas angels. Let me finish my coffee..."Helga, still dressed in her robe, said after she yawned, having been woken up early by her excited children.
"Yeah, just hang tight..."Arnold said, smiling at his happy children who went waiting.
Once Helga finished the cup, she turned to her family.
"All good..."She said, already feeling the caffeine kick in.
"Alright, open up..." Arnold said as he took out his phone and started recording as the kids took part in the tradition of opening their presents.
The kids soon began tearing open these presents, excited for what they might get.
Andy was the first to open his and see what he got.
"Cool, I got that jacket I wanted..."Andy said as he eyed his gift while his father recorded his reaction as he opened more of his gifts, including a new shirt, some video games and some new action figure.
Next was Megan, who was eagerly opening her first present and saw that it was a shoe box.
"Aww... I got..." Megan, realizing she's sounding ungrateful, changed her tone. "A pair of shoes! Great..."She said, hiding her feelings with a fake smile.
Her mother noticed her expression and just smirked.
"Why don't you see what kind of shoes you got, Angel?..."Helga said in a coy tone, already predicting what is about to happen.
Megan checked and soon saw the box's brand name and gasped.
"No way, you got me the new Nancy Spumoni snow boots! The deluxe ones with custom initials in gold letters?!..."Megan exclaimed in excitement since they were the hottest trend this season.
"I thought they were sold out?!..."Megan exclaimed.
"You forget, your Daddy here is good friends with the Spumoni family..."Helga reminded.
"I just asked them for a favor and lucky for me, they had one left..."Arnold said with a shrug before his daughter engulfed him in a hug.
"Oh thank you, Daddy! You're the best!..."Megan said as she kissed his cheek.
Andy rolled his eyes at her dramatic reaction to some designer snow boots while Henry was curious as he noticed that his father was turning blue now.
"Meggie-pie...can't breath..."Arnold let out as his daughter kept squeezing him.
Megan just giggled and kissed his cheek again before letting him go and the father took a much needed breath.
She then went back to opening her own gifts, which consisted of a bunch of dolls, stuffed animals, clothes and even a new set of charts, since she still likes to do her business ventures with her friends.
All the while, Henry opened his own gifts which consisted on a bunch of toys and new clothes, and the little boy was happy. He soon arrived to the last present that was addressed to him and saw the writing on it.
"From Santa..."Henry said curiously.
"Go on, Sweetie..."Helga encouraged.
Henry wasted no time in tearing off the wrapping paper and in less than a minute, he saw what it was.
He smiled widely when he held the gift in his hand.
"Alright! I got "Mickey Kaline's guide to baseball", volume one!..." Henry went, as it was a book written by the famous, retired baseball player for young baseball fans.
"Only you would want a book for Christmas..." Megan muttered but was silenced when her mother sent her a stern look.
"Merry Christmas, Henry..."Andy said before picking up his own gifts.
"I guess Santa knew what you wanted..."Arnold said while Henry smiled.
"Yeah, odd he writes his E's the same way you do..."Henry said as he open the book and began reading the first page.
His parents smiled, Henry was only 3 years old and in pre-school but is very smart for his age...even if he hasn't figured it out.
"He's still little, after all..." Arnold thought as his wife stood up and addressed their kids.
"Now that we've all opened our gifts, I'm gonna have Christmas Breakfast now and later, we're going to go visit your grandparents, cousins and then your godparents to give them their gifts... plus, we still have the Christmas party at the Boarding house to look forward to..."Helga reminded.
"Yay!..."The Shortman siblings all went, racing to the kitchen.
Henry smiled as he and his family continued to enjoy their Christmas morning together, with plans to visit the rest of their family and friends later, enjoying more traditions and fun together.
Yes, it was a wonderful Christmas and many more would be just as fun, and just as memorable. He just knew it.
The End
A/N(1): Special thanks to NeoMark for helping me with this holiday fic. You are the best, Neo :)
A/N(2): I hope you enjoyed my special, early Christmas gift to you all.
:) Happy Holidays, everyone :)