Katheryn POV
Merry Christmas readers and I hope you have a great one
Once again it's Christmas and it feels like no time has passed it's strange how life can be like that sometimes. It can pass by fast, slow, or somewhere in between. Our lives have been great and knowing our lives will keep on being great. There will be hardships but we can pawdle them. For we have each other along with our family and friends. Nick and I had a grand time at the Gala despite bigots trying to ruin it for us. It was nice that Idris and Meria had our backs. Knowing that they enjoyed their night as well. I got many wonderful photographs of that night. Afterward, Nick and I made sure that we had great eggnog. Karma will bite back at that bartender but the good news is a lot of money was made this year and that always great news for charities that truly help out. Not fake ones that just pocket the majority to the CEO's and leaving a small amount to help others. I can never understand how a charity does that. They suppose to help others not themselves. That's something I could never do for I wouldn't be selfish like that. Or at least I hope so many in a few of my lives I'm selfish and not selfless. I wonder how my life would be if I was. Those such thoughts are for another for it's the wonderful time of Christmas.
Like we were looking forward to we are spending our late Christmas morning at a group home. It's one of the many homes in Zootopia and this one for predators. There are a few foxes in this home and we can't wait to foster again. We want to help out as many kits as we can. Every kit deserves the chance at a good life with care and love. Spending time at the home has been going well and having a lot of fun. Knowing that we're giving a lot of kits a great Christmas. That's a great feeling and we can't wait to have our own. Knowing that we're going to a great one along with Kaia and Mackenzie who are following our ideal having their first Christmas as wives together. Nick and I know that they're going to have a great Christmas. Looking to see that Nad is heading over to me and she's an eight-year-old fishing cat.
"Mrs. Forester, does Santa Claws make technology?" Nad asked, "A classmate told me he was getting a phone from him."
"No Santa is a toymaker and Mrs. Claws is a tailor." I say "Parents give Santa credit for they don't want their kits crying a Christmas."
"Oh that makes sense," Nad said, "thank you, Mrs. Forester."
"You're welcome," I say
Watching Nad walk away with a happy look on her face. I always hated that kits got expensive gifts from Santa and poor kits get clothes. That makes them feel that Santa Claws see them as less and that's not true. Santa gives out gifts equally for he's a caring mammal. That's what Grandmother Forester told me when I was sad one Christmas. That's what Nick and I will tell our kits. Rather if they believe in Santa or not. Speaking of him our outfits still fit tremendous and of course, I have trouble gaining weight. I'm lucky to be in a healthy range. I do have a big appetite at times and I always surprise others. I can't wait for tonight it's going to be a big dinner and a wonderful one. Like always Nick and I had our Grandmother Forster spaghetti. Aspen enjoyed it and she does like spaghetti. Saying it was the best spaghetti that she ever had. Someday I'll have to make her lasagna for she does love that. Sadly I'm the only close family and friends that love it. Nick will eat it just for me and that's so sweet for him to do so. Speaking of Nick I know he's around somewhere. Knowing that he has to paw out the artwork that he created as a gift for later I found it to be Soren. For that's what he wanted for Christmas and we were surprised to find he was in the group home. Soren was last minute to join the group house and it truly was.
Our date at the gala was a blast even when bigots tried to ruin it. Idris and Meria having our backs was so lovely. It would have been bad if it wasn't for them. We also got our money back from the bartender. Of course, it wasn't out of the kindest of his heart or a changed one. No matter we got it back. We decided to buy more Christmas stuff for the kits at the group home. We already got the special gifts that they will get. Just like we did last year and that was so great.
"We're going to bring Christmas joy to them," I say
"For every kit deserves that," Nick said
Currently, we're sitting in the living room and watching the news after another workday. We watch the news for a bit just to know the news. Just in case we need to know something. Those we don't worry much sense Zotopia one of the safest cities you can live in. I was an adult when I was targeted by criminals so they could commit a crime. Such a task that hasn't happened to me again. I sure hope it doesn't happen again to me and everyone I care about. Of course, we watch the Zootopia News network. In Bunnyburrow we would watch Bunnyburrow News Station. A substation of ZNN and there are other towns as well. Fabienne Growley and Peter Moosebridge are the news archers. Mrs. Growley is older than us but younger than our parents and she's a snow leopard. While her co archer Mr. Moosebridge obviously a moose and the same age as her. They get along very well and making watching the news worth it.
"More of the Picketpocket members were arrested on the winter solstice and the leader a few days after escaping from ZPD. While arresting him ZPD discovered fellow members' kits together locked in a room. They were drugged and left to die. The leader wasn't charged but ZPD will search for the criminal who committed the crime." Fabienne said
"Being abandoned near Christmas would be so horrible," Nick said
"It truly would and it's so sick as well," I say
Abandoning your kit is one thing and the Icenhowler's wanted to do that to us. But that would have ruined their good image. Drugging your kits is even worse and how could a parent do that? I know the Icenhowler's wanted but never set out to do. I feel so bad that one kit or many were abandoned right before Christmas.
Soren was one of the kits abandoned by his father and his father was the only one in his life. Soren's mother died shortly after he was born and they moved to Zootopia shortly before he was born. Soren's father fell on hard times and they ended up on the streets. Mr. Woods grew to love being a criminal, not his son. Those now he's going to be in prison for a long time. While Soren's life has changed and he turned bitter. Which is understandable after what happened to him and his father abandoned right before Christmas Eve. Or Christmas Evie to our newest friend since Evie was born on Christmas Eve. We wished her a happy birthday and sent her gifts. Knowing that she will enjoy them and we will enjoy there's.
Hearing another kit walking over to me and I see that it's Nate and he's a sweet tiger. He's wearing a Christmas shirt and red pants. Knowing that he has been enjoying his Christmas. He also loved his special gift and we're glad for that.
"Do you want to make a gingerbread house?" Nate asked
"I would love too," I say
Nate smiles and we head over to the kitchen and making gingerbread houses are fun. That's what Nick enjoys a lot and is good at it. He can make great gingerbread houses while I focus on normal ones. Everything is set up for making gingerbread houses and he gets on the stool.
"So how do we do this?" I ask
"You make one and I another. Then we can add it to the village." Nate
"What a grand idea," I say
Nate smiles and we get to work. Placing the cardboard where my gingerbread house will be. I start on the floor. Using icing to stick them together and then built the walls next. Carefully placing the walls on and I always had trouble making them stay up. That would stress me out but I still did them for finishing them was worth it.
"Do adults get presents from Santa Claws?" Nate asked
"Only those who truly believe," I say "Nick and I truly believe so we get presents."
"Why do adults stop believing in Santa Claws?"
"Many lose their kithood wonder of the world," I say
"Because it can be a bad place," Nate said
"Yes it can but the world needs good and bad." I say "I love your hose looks better than more"
Nate smiles and he focuses back on his house which does look good. Christmas is a joyful time or that's how it should be. Right now is a joyful one so we're going to keep it that way. I wonder never tell a kit that Santa isn't real for how would we know? Just because we can't see him doesn't mean he's fictional. My walls stay up and then I work on the roof. Gumi drops will be the room and they will be a pattern. Using the sour gummy ones and they're red and green. Seeing Nate having fun with his. For the door, I use a chocolate bar and one of the smaller ones. For the sidewalk, I use cookies and chocolate coins for windows. Finally using chocolate Christmas trees as pine trees.
"That's so nice," Nate said
"Yours is as well," I say
Taking out my camera and I take a photograph. Also, I take a photograph of his, and Nate light up and I know he thinks it's cool. Having a photograph right away is so cool. He thanks me and we place ours with the others. Nate walks off to enjoy his time. I walk around and I discover that Nick and Soren are out. Nick looks at me and I know that look and I smile at him. He's wearing what many would call an ugly sweater and I don't see them that way. After this, we'll wear our so-called ugly sweaters.
"Hello Soren nice to see you," I say
"Hello Katheryn and you look pretty," Soren said
"Thank you," I say, "have you been enjoying your Christmas?"
"I am and I feel a whole lot better." Soren said, "I got a neat kit chemistry set."
That's great to hear and every kit should have a happy Christmas. I did not get chemistry well. Like with many classes that were a pass or fail for me. I always tried my hardest and that my teachers liked that. Trying your hardest what matters most or that's how I think.
"That's so cool and I can't wait to see our gifts," I say
Knowing that they're going to be great just like how last year they were great. We'll discover that soon and we'll be heading off in a bit. We have been having a great time here. Nick on his phone and I know what that means. We were going to take in a kit after the holidays but a little early doesn't hurt. We walk around and say goodbye to the others. Heading outside the home and once again we're borrowing a car. Nick helps Soren with his stuff and we can make a quick stop. We were going to do that anyway and he heads to the back seat where food is safely stored. Nothing too fancy but it still will be a good meal.
"Are you feeding the homeless?" Soren asked
"Yes we are," Nick said
Soren smiles and we'll always help those in need. Making sure that we're all buckled up before heading off. The first thing we do is drop off Soren stuff and gather what we need. Aspen is already with everyone else for she wanted to hang out with Aurora and Casey. Afterward, we head out to paw out their meals. Which will have Christmas sweets and goodies as well. A bit of money as well. Soren sticks by Nick and paws out meals to kits. I head over to an older Maned wolf and he's all alone. It's easy to tell why he's all alone and you can see it in his eyes. I head over to him and smile.
"Merry Christmas," I say
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome," I say
I walk away and head back to Nick and Soren. Seeing that he has a great smile and he kisses me. Looking at the Maned wolf again and most would avoid him. Saying that mammals like him don't deserve to be helped for they made their choice. After feeding the homeless we head over to our Christmas celebration.
The Norwood house is beautifully decorated for Christmas and they love Christmas. The fireplace is lit and stockings are hung with care. The tree is beautifully decorated as well and their grand gold star is on top of the tree. That has been in their family for hundreds of years and it reminds me of Grandmother Forester's wedding dress.
"Presents!"
We're all gathering around the fireplace and living room. Grandmother Forester and Mr. Silkwood are sitting in chairs. Of course, a kit would look forward to presents most of all. In the background Christmas music being played. It's nice opening presents while Christmas music being played. Also having a fire going rather it's real or on TV. Despite the hear I do love fireplaces and firepits.
"Like always youngest goes first," Meg said
Of course, the kits love that and I have my camera ready. Of course, I always have my camera at the ready. I may always take photographs myself but some are keepers in photographs and not the mind. Casey, Aurora, Aspen, and Soren are sitting together. It's nice seeing them getting along well. Soren has told them all about his Christmas. One by one each kit opens their gift from Santa Claws. Seeing that they're enjoying their gifts and I love seeing smiles on their faces. Reminds me of our youth and those were the days. Of course, Thomas gets Flame Wheels and he's so happy.
"A cute football player," Heather said
The Norwood's love football and the good one, not the terrible one. I'm not a major fan but I do like watching it. Always enjoying watching Kaia and Mackenzie matches. I always felt like I was their biggest fan and a point the Icenhowler's did for Kaia. More open their presents and I Mr. Silkwood smile. I know that he's so happy right now. Casey and Aurora will open their presents next and will happily do so together. Watching them rip up the wrapping paper and taking photographs.
"Hurrah more art supplies," they said
Taking the photograph and they're so happy. Such beautiful smiles are fun to see. Now it will be Aspen will open her present and she was so excited to see that Santa Claws visited her for he knew where she was. To a kit that would be cool. Watching her open it with such joy and still taking photographs. Her eyes light up when she sees her gift.
"A fox just like me," Aspen said
Aspen's eyes light up and I get wonderful photographs. Everyone should have stuff animals and characters like them. I always wanted an autistic character like me and a good one. I'm glad that Aspen has one now for that's so sweet to see. Next will be teenagers and adults rather if they believe or not. The elderly start first and then we can go next. One by one each enjoy their presents and soon it's our turn.
"Well, I'm going to open my gift the fastest," Nick said playfully
"Those are strong words for you," I say playfully
Nick looks over at me and gives me his smirk. Moments later we begin to open up our gift from Santa Claws. Nick tries to playfully stop me and that gives me a greater drive to open my present. Moments later we discover our present is Hades and Persephone stuff animals.
"Santa does know you," Aspen said
"Yes he does," I say
Nick and I smile at each other and we always look forward to being Hades and Persephone. Now it's time for our other gifts which we can open all at once or that would take too long. So I set up my cameras to get great angles of photographs. That only takes a few minutes to do and then everyone opens up their gifts. The sounds of paper being ripped sound nice and we kept them in a neat pile. Those who open let out a cheer as they get what they want. Seeing that my gifts are so wonderful. Nick smiles at the gift from Mr. Silkwood which is lovely artwork from the war and I got photographs from. They'll be treasure keepers for sure. Homemade gifts from Casey and Aurora like always. Overall, just lovely gifts. I love them all. A few minutes later I just have Aspen's and Nick's. Seeing that Aspen has saved my gift for her last and she opens it up. Seeing her eyes light up. I snap a great photograph.
"It's me as a lacrosse player," Aspen said, "thank you so much, Katheryn."
Aspen loves lacrosse and wants to be a lacrosse player. We have seen her play and she's good. I gave Mr. Stone the photograph of the best one I took and he's trustable and created a beautiful wood artwork. Of course, I made sure it was okay with her mother. Aspen runs over to me and gives me the biggest hug ever. Her hugs are so nice and I do love them.
"You're welcome and now for your gift," I say
We break away a few moments later and I collect her gift. Which has the best wrapping style and I always bad wrapped presents. The Icenhowler's hate that and theirs was wrapped perfectly. To me, that screams they put a lot of heart into wrapping presents and Aspen sure did. I open it up and discover a beautiful pawmade yellow floral necklace and I love it so much. I put it on moments later and I hug her.
"It's perfect and I love it," I say "I will wear it every day."
"I work so hard it and hurrah," Aspen said happily
I do like necklaces but rarely wear them for floral crowns are my thing. But this beautiful necklace I will wear every day. Aspen has a big smile and heads back to her friends. Now we just our gifts left and I can see Nick ready to claw his present out. I smile at him and I open up my gift which is still badly wrapped. But that's what I love most. Seeing it's a beautiful sunflowers and I painting inspired by Starry Night. That's my favorite painting of all time.
"Thank you Artem and I love it," I say
"I knew you would for I love you so much Shutterbug," Nick said
Nick smiles and then opens his present quickly. Seeing that his eyes light up like a kit on Christmas Day. He can be a huge dork that I love so much. Snapping a photograph and we're going to have a lot this year.
"A 3D printer and pen!" Nick said "Thank you Shutterbug and I love them. How did you know?"
"I read your mind," I say playfully "I love you so much Artem,"
We all laugh hard and we all know Nick begged for one like a little kit. Of course, in a playfully dorky matter like himself. Knowing he would get one for his birthday or Christmas. Recently wanted to do some 3D artwork. Nick heads over to me and kisses me. We have some mistletoe kisses already.
"Kitchen duty first then family and friends actives," Marissa said
It's going to be a later dinner but it's worth it for being later. Moments later there's a knock on the door and that takes everyone by surprise. Of course, it's not bad but a good surprise. No one else was going to come for we're all here. Knocks can be recognized and Grandmother Forester opens the door. We see that Kaia and Mackenzie are at the door.
"What a wonderful surprise," Marissa said, "did you two change your minds?"
"We wanted to sing and show a last-minute but so wonderful Christmas surprise," Kaia said
Them singing isn't for they have a good singing voices. Those their surprise well surprising since they already gave out their gifts. Moments later everyone gathers around and they sing Have A Merry Christmas together. They're in tune and so beautiful. I snap photographs and more treasure keepers. We clap for them and both smile so grand.
"We would love you all to meet our newest Norward Forester member," they say together "Holly Kimberly Norwood."
Kaia and Mackenzie show us a beautiful arctic pup and think all babies cute. It's easy to tell that little Holly a December baby and this would be her first Christmas. Holly wearing a Santa Claws hat and a cute Christmas outfit. This truly is a wonderful surprise. Kimberly is Grandmother Norwood and she's so wonderful. Kaia told me I can have Marissa as a name for our future daughter. Everyone carefully holds her and kits speak to her. She's part of our family even if she's adopted. For blood doesn't define a family. I snap photographs and Nick does as when I hold little Holly. She's so beautiful with her white fur and has light silver eyes.
"Hello Holly I'm your loving auntie and you're going to have so many photographs by your talented photographer auntie."
I smile and it's official I'm an aunt now those I always felt like one. I hold her a few minutes before pawing her back to Kaia and Mackenzie. They head over to the tree and Nick paws me my camera. I head over to the perfect angle and get ready. As tradition Holly with the help of Kaia and Mackenzie hangs her first Christmas ornament which is so beautiful. I snap the perfect photograph and this has been a truly wonderful Christmas.
Author note, this my gift to you readers, and I hope you enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing it and got it done within a few days to go. A simple and sweet story. Showing off Nick and Katheryn's caring side. Also so more family love and gifts to enjoy. Too many to list imagine what they enjoyed. I don't own Have A Merry Christmas together and imagine their singing voices. Starry Night is my favorite painting of all time Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist then Leonardo Da Vinci. Holly is the newest family member and of course, more will come to their lovely families. Until next time which will be the first chapter of this storyline. Nothing too major since there are a few more mini-stories to come I just want to set the grounds for the story at the perfect time.