It was almost Christmas in Earthland. While not celebrated by all people, it definitely was celebrated amongst the great citizens in the city of Magnolia.

It was a snowy night like many during the month of December. Cold and fierce winds raged across the plains and city.

Belserion Manor

8:39 PM

In the living room sat the entire Belserion Family. They wore their themed pajamas, eating the baked goods their mother had made for them while sipping hot cocoa.

The family laughed as they told about their hilarious encounters during their quests.

The firepit was lit. Wood crackled as it burned, making the entire room warm and cozy.

Wendy snuggled up to her mama. Irene happily embraced her youngest daughter.

As Natsu told his part of the story of how he lost his clothes, Wendy turned her head back to look at Irene.

"Mommy?" said Wendy with a puzzled look.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Where does Santa live?"

Irene smiled and pinched Wendy's soft cheek.

"Well you see, Santa lives at the North Pole where he and his elves make toys for kids who are nice. Just like you."

Wendy's eyes sparkled with joy.

"Like me!?"

Irene's heart melted at the sight of her adorable daughter's reaction.

"Yep! Cute well behaved children like you get presents from Santa."

Wendy frowned a bit as she went into thought.

"Mommy? What about the naughty kids? What do they get?"

"Oh, they get a lump of coal in their stocking."

Wendy's eyes widened in fascination. She was learning so many new things about Christmas.

Sitting on the opposite couch from Irene and Wendy were Erza and her two younger brothers, Sting and Rogue.

The trio was busy laughing as Gajeel told his side of the story about Natsu ending up naked in the middle of the village they were saving.

Erza leaned back and smiled as she sipped her hot cocoa.

These are the moments that Erza truly cherished the most. The time and memories she creates with her family. It's something Erza will always protect.

She smiled.

I wonder what Jellal is doing?

Irene's lap has certainly become more occupied in these last five minutes.

Now she had one child and three kittens sitting on her.

Frosch, Lector, and Happy had overheard Irene talking about Santa and rushed over to listen.

"I saw Santa once!" claimed Happy.

Irene raised her eyebrow as she listened.

"Me too!" nodded Lector frantically.

Wendy's eyes sparkled in amazement.

"Really?! What did he look like? Is it true he has a big belly?" asked Wendy.

Happy rubbed his chin in thought as tried to remember.

"Actually, Santa had long red hair."

Uh oh…don't tell me Happy saw me last year!

"Wait? I remember now too! Santa did have long red hair!"

Wendy gasped! She thought Santa was a jolly old man with white hair and a big beard.

"Maybe it was a fake Santa?!"

Lector, Frosch, and Wendy's eyes went wide with fear. An imposter Santa?! Now that was scary!

Happy shook his head.

"No, no. It was Santa because he was chubby."

Irene did a comedic shock face.

Chubby?! What?! I'm not…Why you little….

"Hehe! Santa's big belly. Did he eat all the cookies?" asked Wendy giggling.

"Yeah!" replied Lector laughing. "I saw him eat all the cookies in one bite!"

"Cookies!" said Frosch with excitement. " Frosch likes cookies!"

Irene felt her forehead tick in annoyance. She plastered on her fake sweet smile.

"I think it's bedtime for kittens and children."

Happy and Lector frowned.

"But it's not late yet?"

Irene got up and carried all four in her arms as she walked out of the living room and upstairs to her own room.

After tucking all three into bed, she kissed each goodnight and walked towards the door to leave.

With her hand on the doorknob, she bid them goodnight.

"Night, mommy!" smiled Wendy.

"Good night, mom!" said Happy. "Night, mama!"

"Frosch says goodnight!"

"Goodnight my babies." cooed Irene. "Now go to bed."

She gently shut the door, leaving the four alone.

After waiting two minutes to assure Irene had gone downstairs, Happy pulled back the blanket and ushered the other three into a small group circle.

"On the night before Christmas, we should stay up so we can catch Santa!"

The group nodded in excitement. And so the four spent an hour discussing their plans to catch Santa.

By the time Irene had returned, they had all fallen asleep with big smiles. Excited and ready for Christmas Eve.