Ariel's First Christmas
The morning air was crisp and cool as a soft blanket of frost covered the palace gardens. Inside the dining hall, a golden glow from the fire danced on the walls as Ariel and her husband Prince Eric finished breakfast together. Ariel, still marveling at the human world after so recently becoming a part of it, gazed at Eric, her fork resting lightly against her plate.
"This toast is wonderful," she said with a cheerful smile. "You humans certainly know how to make breakfast interesting."
Eric chuckled, reaching for his coffee. "You're getting the hang of it quickly. At this rate, you'll be teaching me things about the surface world soon."
Their laughter echoed warmly through the hall until it was interrupted by a commotion from outside. Ariel turned her head curiously. In the great hall beyond the dining room, Carlotta, the palace housekeeper, was carefully placing ornaments on a towering fir tree. Ariel blinked in surprise, her red hair catching the light as she tilted her head.
"What is that?" she asked Eric, her turquoise eyes wide with wonder.
Eric followed her gaze and smiled. "That's a Christmas tree. We're decorating it for Christmas."
"Christmas?" Ariel repeated, her voice lilting with curiosity. "What's Christmas?"
Setting down his cup, Eric leaned forward, excited to share this part of his world. "It's a holiday. Every winter, we celebrate Christmas to bring people together, to share joy, and to remember the spirit of giving."
Ariel's brows furrowed slightly, her head still tilted. "Spirit of giving? Like... offering someone a shiny thing for their collection?" Her tone was hopeful, and Eric couldn't help but laugh again.
"Well, sort of. It's about giving gifts to show love and appreciation. But it's also about being with family and friends, sharing meals, singing songs, and creating happy memories."
Intrigued, Ariel stood from her chair and clasped Eric's hands. "Can you show me more? I want to understand this holiday better!"
Eric grinned. "Of course. Come with me."
Eric led Ariel through the palace halls, explaining the significance of stockings hung over the fireplace and the garlands that twined around banisters. Ariel's amazement grew with every step. "Everything is so beautiful!" she exclaimed, running her fingers over a golden ribbon. "And people do this every year?"
"Every year," Eric confirmed.
Their journey continued into the town, where the streets were alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. Vendors sold spiced cider and roasted chestnuts, children skated on a frozen pond, and carolers sang in joyful harmony.
Ariel paused every few feet to marvel at something new. She crouched to examine a basket of gingerbread cookies shaped like stars, then gasped when she saw wreaths adorned with berries and candles in shop windows. She even picked up a snow globe, shaking it and watching the tiny flakes swirl around.
"It's like a treasure trove!" she said excitedly, cradling the globe in her hands. "But instead of keeping it all to yourself, you share it with others."
"That's the idea," Eric said, smiling at her enthusiasm.
As they walked, Ariel's mind raced with ideas. "If Christmas is about giving, I want to find the perfect gifts for everyone I care about!" She clasped her hands, imagining what she could give her father, King Triton. A shining ornament? A pearl necklace? Perhaps a human invention he'd find fascinating. Her sisters would love music boxes or combs, while Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle might enjoy something whimsical from the human world.
"And what about you?" she said, turning to Eric. "What should I give you?"
Eric laughed. "Ariel, you don't have to give me anything. Your excitement is enough."
But Ariel was determined. She began gathering inspiration, pointing out different items as ideas formed in her mind. She imagined a grand celebration by the shore where both her human friends and her undersea family could come together to celebrate this magical holiday.
On Christmas morning, Ariel and Eric stood hand in hand by the shoreline. The tide lapped gently against the sand as an intricate feast awaited on long tables. Ariel's sisters arrived, their shimmering tails catching the light, while King Triton hovered nearby, his trident sparkling like a star. Flounder and Sebastian swam close, curious about the festivities, while Scuttle swooped down with a cheerful squawk.
Ariel wore a radiant smile as she exchanged gifts, her joy infectious. She gave her father a glass sculpture of a trident, her sisters delicate seashell bracelets, and her ocean friends small human trinkets she had lovingly selected. In turn, she received thoughtful gifts, but it was the gathering itself that made her heart swell with happiness.
Eric leaned close and whispered, "I think you've captured the true spirit of Christmas, Ariel."
She beamed up at him, her hand tightening in his. "It's more wonderful than I could have imagined."
As the festivities continued, Ariel's excitement reached new heights. She could hardly sit still as the gift exchange began, her eyes shining brighter than the lights on the Christmas tree. When Eric handed her a carefully wrapped present, she tore into it eagerly, revealing a delicate, hand-carved wooden jewellery box. Intricately detailed, it depicted scenes of ocean waves and leaping dolphins.
"It's beautiful!" she gasped, running her fingers over the smooth surface. "Did you choose this just for me?"
Eric smiled, pleased by her delight. "I thought it might remind you of home."
"It does," she said, her voice soft with emotion. "Thank you, Eric."
But there was more. Inside the box was a collection of small trinkets—hairpins, a shiny locket, and even a little music box that played a soft, lilting tune. Each item fascinated Ariel as she turned them over in her hands, marveling at their craftsmanship.
"I love every single one!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Eric. "I don't know how I'll ever thank you."
Eric chuckled. "You already have. But I think you might have something for me, too?"
Ariel lit up, suddenly remembering her gift. She dashed over to a small bag and retrieved a parcel she had wrapped herself. "It's not much," she said, biting her lip, "but I made it just for you."
Eric unwrapped it carefully, revealing a beautifully embroidered scarf in deep navy blue, the edges stitched with a pattern of seashells and waves. He touched it, impressed by the detail. "You made this?"
Ariel nodded, her cheeks pink with pride. "Carlotta showed me how. I wanted you to have something warm for when it's cold. And... something that reminds you of me."
Eric wrapped the scarf around his neck and smiled. "It's perfect. I'll wear it every day."
The moment was soon filled with laughter and music as Ariel's sisters and the other guests began singing Christmas carols. Ariel tugged Eric to his feet. "Dance with me!" she urged, her red hair shimmering like firelight.
They twirled around the tree, Ariel's laughter ringing out as Eric spun her in wide circles. The others joined in the singing, creating a joyous chorus that echoed through the palace. Ariel felt warmth radiate from every corner of the room, filling her heart to bursting.
As the night wound down, Eric carried a drowsy Ariel to their room. She snuggled into his arms, her eyes half-closed but still glimmering with wonder. "I think Christmas is my favorite holiday now," she murmured. "It's so... magical."
Eric kissed her forehead and held her close. "I'm glad you loved it."
And as snow fell gently outside their window, Ariel drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with light, laughter, and the joy of her first Christmas—a holiday she would cherish forever.