Snow fell and gently covered the window sill of the treehouse. The frosted glass was cold to the touch as Dale rubbed it clear with his paw. He gazed at the white wonder of snow that calmly covered all of Central Park. He peered back at Chip and Gadget who were decorating the tree. He smiled.
"You know guys, we should do this more often." He remarked, stepping back from the window.
"We do this every year, Dale." Chip replied, continuing to place ornaments on the tree.
"Yeah, I know but maybe the gifts and stuff could be done more often," Dale said.
Chip looked at Dale. "You get gifts on your birthday and on Christmas day. How many more presents do you need in a year?" He questioned.
Dale shrugged. "I don't know. I just think it's fun. Opening up the gifts, seeing what surprises are inside." He said.
Gadget giggled. "Christmas will be here soon enough, Dale." She said,
"Yeah, you will have to wait just like everyone else to know what is under this tree." Chip replied.
Dale pouted and continued to untangle the lights. "Aw, you guys are no fun." He remarked.
Chip sniggered. "You always have been incapable of waiting to open your Christmas presents." He remarked.
Dale walked over to the Christmas tree and picked up an ornament. He placed it before beginning to say, "Well, it's so tempting. The thought of what could be in there makes it unbearable." He said.
Gadget turned. "Like Chip said, Dale. Christmas will be here soon enough." She stated.
Dale sighed in defeat. Monterey Jack entered the room in his usual chef attire. Zipper closely buzzed behind.
"Too-ra-loo, you mates sure have done an impressive job." Monterey Jack said.
"Thanks, Monty." Chip replied.
"Say, I thought you were supposed to be leaving for your parent's place by now?" Dale asked.
"Me Mum called me earlier and told me they'd meet me in Florida. I'll be heading down there in a couple of hours or so." Monterey Jack said.
"And what about you, Zipper?" Chip asked.
"I'm going to see my family soon." He buzzed.
Gadget sighed.
"What's the matter, Gadget?" Dale asked.
"I don't have any family to go and see. All of you guys will be gone while I'm here alone." Gadget said.
"Well, not entirely alone Gadget." Chip said.
"I thought you two were going to see your family?" She asked.
Dale walked over to Chip and placed his arm on his shoulder.
"You're looking at my family right here." Chip said, gesturing towards Dale.
"Oh, I didn't realize." Gadget said.
"You won't be alone since you'll have us for Christmas," Dale said.
"Well, we better do your presents Monterey, since you'll be leaving us soon. You as well Zipper." Chip said.
"Oh boy, presents!" Dale exclaimed excitedly.
"Settle down, Dale. We're just doing Monterey Jack and Zipper since they won't be here on Christmas day." Chip said.
"Aw," Dale said in defeat.
"Come on Dale, you can help me open mine." Monterey Jack said.
The Rangers opened up the gifts and soon enough, it was time for Monterey Jack and Zipper to leave. They said their goodbyes and both headed off into the snowy night to be with their families. The remainder of the Rangers stood in the doorway waving until a cold draft forced them to close the door.
Dale proceeded ahead to the kitchen while Gadget stopped and stared at the tree.
"Chip, who are all those presents for?" Gadget asked.
Chip glanced at the tree and turned to Gadget. "Most are for Dale." He said.
"Golly, that's a lot of gifts for Dale." She stated.
"I know, but this is the one time of the year when I like to do that sort of thing. Since this is your first Christmas with us as Rescue Rangers, you should know that I usually do this sort of thing on Christmas and his Birthday." Chip explained.
"But why? Surely a gift or two should be enough." She questioned.
"I love seeing that smile on his face on Christmas morning. That innocent glare in his eyes. Dale and I had a rough childhood growing up but our mom always tried her best to make the most out of Christmas and our birthdays. I just try to relive those faint memories with Dale." Chip said, glaring at the Christmas tree while reflecting on past Christmases.
"Aw, that's so sweet." Gadget said.
"Thanks." Chip said, as his smile faded.
"You guys coming?" Dale asked.
"Yeah, be right with you, Dale." Chip said.
The Rangers had dinner and then proceeded to bed. They were all tired from the long day of decorating, baking, and preparing for a day that only comes once a year that would arrive in two. Chip and Dale entered their shared room. The bunk beds were now gone and in their place stood two adjacent beds divided by a dresser between them. Dale's on the left and Chip on the right.
Dale yawned. "Do you think there will be any new cases tomorrow?" He asked.
Chip pulled his nightgown over his head. "No, I think the police station will be just as quiet as today." He answered.
Dale pulled the covers back and got into bed. "You never know, it may become busy." He said.
Chip yawned as he got into bed. "I know, Dale." He replied.
"Well, goodnight Chip," Dale said.
"Goodnight, Dale." Chip replied.
A few hours passed as Chip was now asleep, Dale got out of bed and snuck down to the Christmas tree. He kneed below the tree and grabbed a large gift with his name on it. He began to pull the ribbon.
"And just what do you think you're doing?" Chip questioned in a frustrated tone.
Dale turned to a crossed Chip, "Uh-I-Um, was just checking on the tree." He said.
"Uh-huh, sure you were. Let's go back to bed." Chip said.
"No, you can't make me!" Dale stated.
"Dale, you can't open your gifts before Christmas." Chip said.
"Why not? I'm not a kid anymore, I can do what I want." Dale said.
"Because, I-Err, Dale you will get up and go back to bed or I will personally remove all your gifts from under the tree!" Chip said, raising the tone of his voice.
"Fine, take away my presents. I'm leaving!" Dale shouted.
"Where do you think you're going?" Chip questioned.
Dale opened the door. "To go be with someone who cares about me!" He shouted, slamming the door.
Chip rushed over to the door and opened it. He looked down to see Dale with a light coat over his pajamas marching away in the snowstorm.
"Dale, get back here! It's not safe out there." Chip shouted.
"What's going on?" Gadget asked.
"Come on, we have to go get Dale! He'll hurt himself out there in this freezing cold." Chip said.