I awoke to the usual knock at the West Wing door. Lumière entered when bidden, ready to help me decide what to wear for the day.

"Did you and Cogsworth have anything to do with beggars when you were children?" I asked.

"The woods were always filled with them. We met more than we could count."

"And there was a boy and his sister, right?"

"Oh yes! We saw them a few times!"

I nodded. "Tell me. Are there still problems with beggars in my forest?"

Lumière shrugged. "You would have to ask the wolves."

I chuckled. "Let them hear you call them that, and your arm will be as scarred as mine."

He changed the subject. "What would the master like for breakfast?"

"Snow, please." Relishing his confused look, I added, "Just like your mother taught you to make it."

By the time I came to the breakfast table, Lumière had sent the Potts children to gather several bowls of snow, enough that everyone could have some. Lydia Potts, the small girl who had brought food to beggars and attempted to teach them how to read years ago, was now a young lady, nearly ready to marry. Her brother, Charles, was showing the beginning of facial hair.

"Lydia looks so much like her mother did at her age," I remarked aloud.

Cogsworth frowned. "How would you know that, sir? Mrs. Potts hasn't been young and beautiful since before we all were born!"

Mrs. Potts playfully smacked him on the arm in reproof.

The castle door opened, and my forest caretakers entered, shaking their coats and kicking the snow off their boots. I never have been able to understand how those men are able to stay in the bitter cold of the winter woodlands for hours at a time. Perhaps it's because their coats are made of wolf fur, which is said to be extremely warm, as well as waterproof. Having never worn a garment made from the creature of my phobia, I wouldn't know.

"Where are your bosses?" I queried.

"Louve said something about dashing through the snow in a one-horse open wagon," one of them replied. "Loup planned on going with her. Something about distributing game and firewood to the less fortunate of the village. As soon as they return, we have the rest of the day off. It's Christmas Eve, you know."

"I know." I took a bite of sweetened snow, surprised at the pleasantness of the delicate flavor. "I was wondering if you could teach me not to be afraid of the forest. It really is a beautiful place, and it's a real shame that I avoid it out of fear, especially now that I have you here to guard it."

As if on cue, they all began howling with laughter.

I sighed. "You still think I'm pathetic, don't you?"

"Almost as much as your wife!" a second man answered.

Belle stood akimbo. "That's it! I've had it! Every day since I've met you, I've been told how pathetic I am! Well, I'll have no more of this nonsense! Adam and I are going to learn how to defend ourselves and gain knowledge of the woodland!"

If she was expecting her response to be met with applause, she was sorely disappointed when the laughter continued.

"Thank you for making our day," one of the forest caretakers responded. "We needed it!"

I don't suppose there's any need for the Spirit of Christmas Present to make an appearance. After all, I do still have the magic mirror.

As for the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come, I don't think I want to know. Will Belle find a way to be reunited with her brothers and sisters? Will our forest workers finally meet their match and lose their lives? Will Lumière ever stop torturing Babette and just marry her already? Will our entire kingdom be destroyed by angry peasants? So many questions, and yet I'd be too afraid to seek answers.

For now, I believe I will simply enjoy my Christmas Eve in my favorite chair in front of the fire and sip some hot apple cider, prepared with cinnamon and citrus. Care for some?