Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. Anne of Ingleside belongs to L. M. Montgomery.
Preparations for Christmas were underway at Ingleside. The presents had been bought and wrapped in the most colorful paper and ribbons for each child. Susan had been busily preparing the menu for Christmas dinner, and the house was thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom.
Anne helped Gilbert with arranging the gifts under the tree; it was alight with millions of tiny candles and ornaments which gave the room a cozy atmosphere. The fire was crackling merrily in the hearth, and the house was still and silent. After having eaten their fill of the delicious dinner Susan had cooked, the children went out to play in Rainbow Valley before being called in to get ready for bed. The youngest Blythe children, however, did not want playtime to end and insisted on staying up late. Eventually, however, each child was tucked in snugly and was sound asleep, dreaming of the glorious day ahead.
"What shall I do with this one, Gilbert?" Anne gesticulated to a small box wrapped in blue paper decorated with a white bow.
Gilbert walked over and took the parcel from her hand. He placed it behind a red one and turned to look at his wife with an adoring gaze reserved for her alone.
"What are you thinking about, Anne-girl?" he asked softly.
"I'm already imagining the children's faces when they wake up tomorrow. It fills me with joy when they open the gifts you give them. Remember last year when Shirley was so scared of you?"
"It took quite a lot of coaxing from Susan, but even then he wouldn't budge. This year will be different, though. He's three now. I think Rilla will enjoy it too. Plus," he added, "Aunt Mary Maria's not here."
"It's a relief. I couldn't bear seeing the children so miserable last year. It was as if the light of childhood was snuffed out by the darkness never to be rekindled again."
"I know, dearest, but let's not dwell on that now. Let's think about the magic tomorrow will bring for all of us."
As the inhabitants of Ingleside slept, a faint tinkling of elven bells could be heard as the wind blew through the trees. A steady snow had begun to fall and was now blanketing the world in a white shroud which soon turned Rainbow Valley into a majestic wonderland.
Jem awoke to see the sun filtering in through the curtains of the room he shared with Walter and Shirley. He hopped out of bed and looked out to see a vast winter landscape. Icicles gleamed silver in the morning sunlight as dawn began to permeate the heavens with her astounding colors. The trees appeared to look like ghosts whose bare branches stretched toward the air. All was quiet outside, for no robin or bluebird could be heard trilling their melody to welcome the new day.
After breakfast, wwhich had been a rather joyous affair, the children gathered in the sitting room where Gilbert soon appeared decked out in his festive attire.
"Ho, ho, ho!" he exclaimed in a deep voice which made the children giggle. "Merry Christmas, children. I have come from the North Pole to bring you all these lovely gifts."
He began to distribute the gifts to each expectant child. Jem received a box of toy soldiers, a ship in a bottle, and books pertaining to sailing. Walter had gotten a volume of Tennyson's poetry, an empty notebook, and a quill pen. The twins had both received knitted sweaters from Susan and dresses from Anne.
As Gilbert surmised, neither Shirley nor Rilla became scared upon seeing Santa Claus. The youngest children were both given teddy bears with button eyes, and Anne's heart melted when she saw their faces light up with joy.
After thanking Santa for their presents, the children then proceeded to don their winter garments and were soon playing in the snow, breathing in the cold winter air.
Anne and Gilbert were now the only ones left beside the tree. He bent down and offered the blue package to her.
She carefully unwrapped the paper to find a small box. Inside was a necklace with a white birch pendant with her name engraved in one of its branches.
Anne was unable to speak because the beautiful object took her breath away. Never before had she seen anything more magnificent, for not even her imagination could conjure up anything like what Gilbert had given her.
"Do you like it? I saw it in town and decided to get it as a Christmas present."
"Gilbert, it's wonderful. Thank you."
"Anything for you, my dear love."
Anne leaned her head against his shoulder and watched the firelight flickering its shadows across the wall.
"And this is my gift for you," she told him after a few minutes. It was a gray cravat which she had sewn for him.
"D-did you make this?"
"Yes."
"I've been meaning to get a new cravat. You know, in case we get invited to a fancy dinner or something."
"It's a simple cravat, dear. I think it'll go well with any of your suits. It doesn't matter if the occasion is a fancy dinner party or not."
"You're right."
"Shall we go teach the children the proper way to have a snowball fight?" Gilbert stood and offered his hand to Anne.
She assented and the pair went out to spend some time outdoors, engaged in an activity which soon became one of their favorites. It was a merry Christmas indeed filled with peace, happiness, and love.