From Book girl fan: 19: Brotherly affection at Christmastime.

Author's note: A very big thank you for all of the reviews. I know that I respond by PM but I felt that I should officially thank everyone; I have never received so many before and they have been very encouraging. Thank you!

I am not indifferent to Christmas, but I am not as sentimental as my Boswell. He is always cheerful at this time of year and he enjoys shopping for gifts and decorating a tree.

I have few acquaintances to purchase gifts for and I do not see the point in wasting time and energy putting up decorations only to have to take them down again. On the other hand, I do like to see my Watson happy. His old wounds trouble him terribly during the cold months and it pleases me to know that my presence can make a difference to the fellow.

Last Christmas, our first one spent together at Baker Street, was almost disasterous and so I planned to make rather more of an effort this year.

First I purchased one or two gifts for Watson and had them wrapped for the occasion in the shop. I then gave Mrs. Hudson all that remained of my money and instructed her to purchase the finest goose that she could. I am particularly fond of goose for Christmas dinner.

I did not speak to Watson of Christmas at all, deciding instead to appear indifferent. The fellow was busy anyway; he had made many friends during just the first year of our acquaintance and so he was out exchanging greetings and gifts with them all while I busied myself with experiments and such. I was too engrossed to notice the fellow's absence.

It was approaching dinnertime when my Boswell returned, limping heavily and shivering with cold.

"Merry Christmas Holmes," said he as he took to his armchair.

I snatched up a rug and swathed him in it. "And to you my dear friend," I responded with a smile. "Would you like a brandy or whisky?"

He shook his head and pulled the rug closer with a grateful smile. "Later perhaps; when we have eaten."

"You are hungry then?"

He nodded and sniffed. "I have not stopped Holmes. Between visiting friends and checking on patients before the Christmas holiday..."

I had forgotten that he would also be required to make house calls. "Make yourself comfortable old fellow," I advised him. "Dinner will be served in just a quarter of an hour. Are you quite sure that there is nothing that I can do for you?"

"You can sit down and talk with me," said he with a smile. "I have been thinking of little else while I was on my rounds."

It occurred to me that nothing could give me greater pleasure and I complied readily. We talked of this, that and nothing in particular until we were presented with our dinner. I poured the port and squeezed my dear friend's shoulder before taking my seat.

"Your good health Watson."

"Thank you Holmes. And yours."

We then set to in companionable silence. I have never felt so at home as I do while I am in my Boswell's company. The fellow is more of a brother to me than my own Mycroft.

Merry Christmas Watson.