AN: First of all, I am completely flabbergasted by the response I've gotten from this story – I remember I was hoping for 2 or 3 reviews at the very most, so thank you all so much who read and reviewed! Secondly, I wrote a completely unrelated sequel :D *Ducks to avoid any and all incoming arrows* I won't give anything away, so just... enjoy, even though I'm sure you'll see this one coming.
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"Alright, got it!" Frodo helped Pippin down from the stack of books he had been precariously balancing on. Pippin inspected his handiwork. "I think that's the last of the decorations."
"Just about," Frodo agreed. "We could still hang these up, though. Sam, do we have time?"
"I think so, the coast is clear for now." Sam was stationed by the slightly open door, watching for any movement in the hallway. He turned nervously back to his friends. "Do you think this is such a good idea? We are in Lord Elrond's study after all, and he likely won't be happy when he sees. . ."
"Oh, Sam, stop worrying!" Pippin adjusted the strands of ribbons. "Elrond needs to cheer up a bit, and what better way than to -"
"They're in the hallway, walking this way!" Sam hurried away from the door and took his place next to Frodo. "Pippin, get ready! Merry, are you okay?"
"Yep!" came Merry's muffled reply. Pippin stood next to Sam. The hobbits grinned in anticipation as the door of Elrond's study opened, and Elrond, Gandalf, the rest of the Fellowship, and countless Elves poured in. They gasped in surprise as they took in the sight.
The room had been completely transformed. A large (by hobbit standards) Christmas tree stood in the center, dripping with ornaments. The walls were adorned with ribbons and paper snowflakes, and mountains of gifts were piled at the base of the tree.
"Sam, Frodo, Pippin, this is amazing!" Aragorn looked around in wonder.
"I couldn't have done better," Gandalf declared.
Even Elrond looked enchanted. "I almost have trouble believing that this is my study." The hobbits beamed.
After the crowd at last finished complimenting the hobbits' work, everyone's eyes settled on one present in particular. It was much larger than any of the others, and was tied with an enormous green bow. Gimli gestured toward it. "Who is that for?" he asked.
The hobbits' smiles grew even wider. "It's for all of you!" Pippin grabbed one end of the ribbon. "Ready?" The hobbits nodded, and Pippin gave the ribbon a sharp tug. The bow came undone, and the box lid sprang off to reveal the head of a familiar Brandybuck. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" The four hobbits then began to sing.
"We wish you a MERRY Christmas,
We wish you a MERRY Christmas,
We wish you a MERRY Christmas,
And a Happy New Year!"
Every time they sang the word "Merry," they pointed at the hobbit in the box, who was grinning manically. The crowd laughed and broke into delighted applause.
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AN: Thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a very "Merry" Christmas!