-Christmas had always been a strange time for Canada. He often would wake up in the middle of the leftover chaos that was his brother's Christmas party. Surrounded by sleepy hung over nations, Canada would always quietly wake up put Alfred's Christmas present under the tree and leave for home. Alfred would call him later and so would France and England. They always would sound hungover and tired. Canada never said a word to them on how he wished they would just come over to his place for Christmas or how Alfred's Christmas party seemed like escapism from his brother's issues than actual fun. After talking to his family, he usually just watch a sappy Christmas movie and go to bed and try to ignore the aching sad feeling he would get over holidays.
But this Christmas was different...
Firstly, he definitely wasn't woken up at Alfred's place. No he was woken up by a unusually excited Iceland.
"Canada come on its Christmas we gotta see what Finland and Norway did!!!" Iceland joyously crashed on top of Canada.
"Wha.. Ice?" Canada was shocked at how the Icelandic nation was acting.
Iceland stood and pulled Canada out of bed. "Its Christmas and last time I missed it because I was sick but there is no way we are missing it this year."
Canada flailed a bit getting back in balance. He saw Denmark poke his head in the door.
"Hey you two. You better hurry I think I hear them already outside." Denmark grinned.
Iceland cursed and grabbed Canada pulling him down the stairs after Denmark.
When the three got out side, Canada noticed it was still dark.
"Denmark I thought you said Finland and Norway where out here?" Canada asked.
Denmark threw his arms around Canada and Iceland. "They are. just listen."
"Yep hush." Sweden said his powerful presence came behind them.
Canada quieted and listened.
A soft call began to echo around them. Like the night, a voice carried a solemn tune. Canada slid closer to Denmark. The voice was met with another lighter one. And around them and in the sky creatures made of light galloped. Canada gasped as he saw reindeer, moose, foxes and bears made of blue green light surround them dancing to the melodies. Suddenly, the singing stopped and the magical images froze. The light feathered away but the creatures remained becoming statues of snow. Canada felt Denmark hug him tighter as they watched Finland and Norway come out of the woods laden with packages. Sweden walked out and helped carry some of the items. As They joined him, Canada didn't know what to say. The beautiful scene was just so much.
"That was the best show yet Norge!" Denmark exclaimed as he held the door for everyone to get inside.
"Thanks really It was Finland that planned it." Norway said.
Finland laughed. "Wouldn't of happened with our resident wizard though."
"I..oh well."
Canada took this moment to interrupt. "Was that Magic!?" He said excitingly looking up at Norway.
Norway hadn't expected Canada to be that excited. "Yes?"
"That was the most amazing thing ever." Canada grinned. "How did you do it.?"
Norway inwardly blushed. "It just takes this spell and a lot of planning oh and you got to sing. It helps the more people you have singing but um I can show you the spell book I got it from?"
"I didn't know There was a spell that would let you do things like that." Canada said letting Finland hand him a glass of hot chocolate.
"What didn't Engla.. never mind. Yes there are plenty of spells like that." Norway said.
Canada smiled as he sipped the hot beverage. Magic didn't seem as scary as he thought after seeing such a wonderful display. "Cool."
After playing black jack, while eating breakfast that Finland had made, the happy little family went to the living room to open the presents that Norway and Finland had carried in.
Denmark had practically squealed at the many legos that he had gotten while Norway rolled his eyes muttering about stepping on the little torture devices.
Iceland back to a calm demeanor said a quiet thank you for the sweaters and squishies.
Sweden actually smiled when Finland handed him an IKEA gift card.
Finland gave everyone hugs when he opened a pristine bottle of cooking wine and a cute mini sauna Christmas ornament.
They opened and opened until finally there were only five presents left. That was also when Canada noticed everyone was staring at him. He looked up confused.
"Canada normally for Christmas we do the secret Santa gift thing but this year we all wanted to get you something." Denmark started.
"So which one you want to open first?" Iceland finished.
Canada blinked. Wait those are for me.! He was shocked yet again. He had received a proper Christmas present since he was a kid. And yet there were five carefully wrapped one right in front of them. "Those are for me?"
"Yes they are for you." Norway swallowed hoping this had been a good idea.
Canada looked at the presents then back at Norway then at the presents then back at Norway. "Really?" He felt like he was going to cry.
"Yo save the tears till you open them bud." Denmark exclaimed.
Canada nodded overcome with emotions and grabbed one.
It was soft.
"Oh that's from me!" Finland said.
Upon opening Canada found a quilt. It was amazing. There little maple leaves all over and it was some red and white tassels.
Canada turned red as he hugged the blanket. "It is so nice thank you."
Finland smiled.
The next present was from Iceland. It was a pet rock.
"I have one. We can decorate them together if you want?" Iceland asked as he squirmed a bit when Canada hugged him.
"That would be fun." Canada said.
"Next one is mine!" Denmark plopped his right in front of Canada.
Canada opened and found a mini axe.
"You will always win a fight with one of these!" Denmark explained.
Canada carefully picked it up. "Thanks you might have to teach me how to use it though."
"Gladly." Denmark joyously handed Canada the next present. "That one is from Sweden."
Canada nodded. Inside the package was a bottle of clear liquid.
"It's syrup. I kn'w you like Syrup so I g't some of th' kind my people l'ke. It's fr'm birch trees." Sweden explained. "Ya d'n't put it on Pancakes, ya dr'nk it."
Wow that's so cool. Thanks Sweden." At that Canada grabbed the last present.
"Before you open I want to tell you something." Norway said
Canada nodded. Norway took his son's hands.
"I know this whole experience has been very stressful and confusing. And I know finding out about me and you was shocking but I just want you to know that a long time ago your mother gave me a gift. I want you to have it. I love you more that you even know Canada. She loved you too. I want you to know that. And I just hope we can really get to know each-other even though I have missed so much." Norway finished. It had taken him three days to figure out how to say that.
Canada sniffed. Not trusting his words he opened the little package.
It was a blue earring. The one Canada remembered seeing Norway wear in the memories he had witnessed.
"Nor...thank you." Canada couldn't hold it in anymore. The dam finally broke on his emotions. He started crying. "I...am..just so happy to..to know you...and.and." He felt Norway hug him. "I just...wish?"
"I know. Me too." Norway whispered had he held his child to his chest. "She loved you so much. I love you so much."
Canada sniffed. "What was she like?"
Norway breathed in quickly as he felt Denmark and Finland put reassuring hands on his back.
"She was so strong and gentle. When we first met..she nearly killed me, ahh the way she could walk through the forest without a sound. Her voice was like silk and she could calm even the angriest Of wolfs. She taught me how to be a better man a kinder one." Norway whispered. Finland didn't say a word as he saw half formed memories floating around them as Canada and Norway hugged. He did squeeze Norway's shoulder tighter. "I loved her. I really did." Norway finished letting Canada just keep hugging.
It took while but eventually they let go and Canada went around and hugged everyone thanking them.
The evening came and Finland pulled a fully cooked Christmas dinner out of seemingly thin air. They ate with joy.
Later that night was when Canada realized that Neither Alfred England or France had called. He was sad but also understood. He didn't want to talk about it either. That Christmas had been so different so much better than any he had ever had before.
Little did he know that two old empires were already one their way.