Walking along the snow covered path, Queen Trixie tried to get in the holiday spirit. Christmas was quickly approaching, but she couldn't understand why she wasn't excited.

By the first of December, she was usually playing holiday music as the house was decorated with pine garlands, snowmen, candles and all the images that represented the season. But for some reason, she just couldn't get in the mood.

The decorating of the castle was underway by the staff, who were making sure everything was the same as it had been for years. The people in the village were bustling in anticipation for the wide variety of festivities that came with this time of year.

Trixie moved to one of the stone benches on the covered porch and sat down. Staring out into the falling night, she wanted to feet that excitement, especially since it was the first Christmas since her marriage to her husband, Jim.

The two of them were married in July, on the anniversary of the day they met. They agreed that was the perfect date to officially start their lives together as husband and wife. A month later she was crowned Queen Beatrix and he King James.

They immediately took over the royal duties as King William and Queen Penelope stepped down. The former rules stayed nearby in the early days of their daughter's reign to make sure the transition went smoothly. As with any change, there were always hiccups, but things were finally in place.

William and Penelope had headed off just after Thanksgiving to get some shopping done in France before all the festivities began in their country.

"There you are," Jim said, coming out onto the porch.

She gave him a small smile as he closed the door. He moved over to the bench and settled beside her. Trixie instinctively shifted closer as Jim put his arm around her shoulder.

"You all right?" Jim asked, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

"I just needed some air," Trixie answered.

"You've been awfully quiet these last few days," Jim commented.

"We have a lot of responsibility on our shoulders," Trixie admitted.

"And we'll tackle each issue that comes our way together, Trix. You are not doing this alone."

"I know," Trixie said with a sigh.

Jim pulled her closer. "Come on, let's go inside before you get a cold."

"I'll be there in a minute," Trixie said.

"All right."

Jim released his hold on her and went back inside.

Alone again, Trixie closed her eyes and let out a breath. She wasn't into the holidays, but she knew she needed to at least act like she was happy for this special time of year. Trixie knew Jim's worry would just increase. He loved her so much and wanted her to be happy.

As the days went by, Trixie focused on the final plans for Christmas Day, when the children from the orphanage would come to the castle. All of the gifts had been purchased and were being wrapped. Luckily, many store owners donated to the event to help the children have a better holiday.

Members of the staff were set up in the ballroom wrapping and labeling all the gifts for those who would be attending. It had been fun coming up with some practical items such as clothes for each one, as well as some items that were just for fun.

Trixie was checking off the last of the purchased items from her list when Jim entered the ballroom.

"How is everything coming?" Jim asked as he looked at the mounds of gifts stacked along the walls.

"I think we'll be ready for the children," Trixie said.

"That's great." He turned to face her. "Do you think you could come with me for a little bit?"

"Sure, Jim."

He took the clipboard out of her hand and set it on the nearest table. He slid his hand into hers before leading her out of the room. He handed her a jacket from the closet and they went outside.

"Where are we going?" Trixie asked as they approached the dark blue car.

"We're going for a ride," Jim said as he opened the passenger door and helped her inside.

She watched him quickly move around the front and get behind the wheel. Trixie saw the grin on his face and decided to just go with the flow, even though her curiosity was on the rise. Trixie took hold of Jim's free hand as he drove along. She knew if she questioned him, he still wouldn't tell her.

The scenery flew by as a light snow fell. It wasn't sticking to the ground, but it created a striking sight.

When the car turned off the main road, Trixie saw they were pulling into a tree farm.

"Jim?" she asked, turning to face her husband.

Jim's smile grew bigger as the car came to a stop. He turned the engine off before turning in the seat to face her.

"I hope you don't mind, but I think it's time we found our first Christmas tree," Jim said.

"Jim?"

"I know there will be the tree in the ballroom for the party and the one in the family room that we'll share with William and Penelope, but this is our first Christmas as a married couple and I thought we should have our own in our suite."

Love washed over her at the thoughtful idea. Trixie leaned forward and gave Jim a kiss. "This is amazing. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Jim said. "Let me grab your boots and we'll begin searching."

"I see you're prepared."

"Always, when I'm with you," Jim said with a mischievous grin that made Trixie laugh.

It didn't take long before they were walking through the trees hand in hand, examining each one for that perfect tree. Many were beautiful, but none so far seemed to jump out at them.

They moved to another row and headed back in the direction they had come. Ahead Trixie saw a tree that held promise. As they stepped up to it, she stopped and scrutinized it more closely. It looked to be the right size for their suite and the branches were full.  She walked around, finding no bare spots.

She looked at Jim. "Well?"

"I think it looks perfect. Do you?"

Trixie smiled. "It's the one."

"I'll get one of the workers to cut it down for us," Jim said.

As he walked away, Trixie began envisioning how the tree would look decorated. She was glad Jim had planned this.

The next day Jim brought several boxes to their room so they could start trimming the tree. One box held the lights, garland and a star. Once those items were in place, Jim pushed one of the boxes toward her. Trixie was a little confused.

"Just open it," Jim said, settling on the couch in their suite.

Trixie kneeled on the floor and opened the flaps. The contents were covered with newspapers. Pushing the loose sheets of the way, she saw a lot of the items were individually wrapped.

She picked up the first one, unwrapping the paper. She gasped in surprise and her gaze shifted from the item in her hand to Jim. "Where did you get these?"

Jim moved and settled on the floor beside her as his hand touched the angel that had Trixie's name. It had hung every year on the tree at Crabapple Farm.

"I talked to Moms about how I could make this the best Christmas for us and she sent some of the ornaments you made and all the ornaments you were given over the years so that we could put them on our tree," Jim explained.

Trixie looked down at the angel as she thought about the thoughtfulness that Jim had shown. She knew he did this so that she'd have the best Christmas ever.

"Are you mad?" Jim asked.

Trixie lifted her head, tears in her eyes. She set the angel down and threw her arms around him as the tears fell freely.

"I'm not mad," Trixie cried as she felt Jim hold her close. "This is the best thing ever."

"You've just seemed not to be in the holiday spirit  and I hoped that some of that sparkle would return to your eyes."

"I'm sorry," Trixie said, resting her head on Jim's shoulder.

"You have nothing to be sorry about." Jim kissed the top of her head. "I know you're missing Sleepyside. I am too. While we've spent the last six holidays here, I still miss everything that happens at Crabapple Farm and Manor House. It just doesn't feel like Christmas."

Trixie lifted her head and looked at Jim.

"But maybe with these items from our younger days, it'll help us make it a Christmas we can enjoy," Jim continued.

Trixie placed her hands against Jim's cheeks. "You are the most amazing husband  in the world." She leaned in and captured his lips with her own. "Thank you so much for doing this."

Jim reached up and brushed the curls back from her face. "I would do anything for you, Trixie. I love you."

"I love you, too."

They kissed again.

When they broke apart, Trixie said, "We better get these ornaments unwrapped because our tree needs them."

"Sounds like a plan." Jim gave her a quick kiss and they began getting all the ornaments out.

With everything unwrapped, they quickly hung them on the branches. Stepping back, they examined their handiwork. Jim stood behind Trixie with his arms wrapped around her. The lights twinkled, the colors dancing off the ornaments.

"It's beautiful," Trixie said.

"It sure is," Jim said. "I think this is the best tree I've ever seen."

"Me too."

A few days later Trixie made her way to the orphanage to talk to the director. They had been given a count of the number of children, broken down into boys and girls, ages, their likes and dislikes and some items each one wished for, especially the older children. Trixie knew she could have called to finalize the information, but she enjoyed stopping by in person. She knew her visit was a highlight for the children. They greeted he enthusiastically and she loved seeing the happiness on their faces.

Trixie stepped inside and walked to the office door. She stepped inside and saw the director, Gregg Allen sitting behind his desk which was piled high with file folders.

"Good morning, Gregg."

"Your majesty," Gregg said, bowing his head in respect. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"How are things going?" Trixie asked, sliding her jacket off and draping it over her arm.

"It's good," Gregg admitted as he stood up. He made his way around the desk. "We're trying to keep some semblance of calm, but the children have hit hyper for Christmas."

"It is an exciting time," Trixie admitted. "They do their best to be even better behaved hoping Santa will bring them the best presents for being good."

"They have been working hard at that," Gregg said. "So, what can I do for you today?"

"I just wanted to finalize the numbers for Christmas," Trixie said.

"Nothing has changed," Gregg admitted. "I wish it had and more children had homes this holiday season."

"You wish that every year," Trixie said.

"It's a hope that one day this place won't be needed," Gregg said. "But until that time comes, I will keep working hard to find each child a loving home."

"With your determination, I'm certain that will happen," Trixie said.

"It's good you're here because I wanted to show you something."

"What is it?" Trixie asked.

Gregg smiled. "Follow me."

They walked down the hall to the large community room. Gregg pushed the door open, ushering Trixie inside. She stopped in her tracks at the sight before her.

Many of the older children, girls and boys, were sitting around two tables stitching different colored fabric squares together. On a separate table there were long rows of different colored squares.

"They wanted to do something special because the townsfolk have been so generous to them, so they are making quilts to be given to the senior living complex," Gregg explained.

Trixie moved closer to the table, her hands running over the fabric. She looked closely at the seams and saw they were perfect. The children were being painstakingly careful to create something so special.

She turned to Gregg. "These are beautiful and its such a thoughtful idea."

"We have been blessed by the generosity of you and your parents. Some of the children have been recipients for years. They wanted to do something for others."

"It is so nice that they are paying it forward," Trixie said.

"They have good role models and I'm certain they will continue these actions as they get older," Gregg said.

"It's something that becomes a part of you, always wanting to help others," Trixie said, thinking back to all she and the other Bob-Whites had accomplished over the years. "It's great they are leaning this so young."

"I was impressed that they came to us wanting to do something for others," Gregg said. "They have such initiative that I know they will all reach their dreams."

"With this dedication, they are setting the foundation to be successful," Trixie said.

"Exactly," Gregg said.

It was the night of the tree lighting and Trixie was gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She had dressed in a pair of white pants with a blue sweater that brought out her eyes.

"You look perfect," Jim said, stepping into the room wearing a pair of black pants and a green shirt.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Trixie asked, turning to face him. She glanced down at her pants. "Maybe I should change."

Jim stepped closer and quickly pulled her into his arms. "You don't need to change. You look absolutely beautiful." He kissed her forehead. "This is the tree lighting. We're not hosting the ball tonight."

"I'm sorry. I'm just really nervous." She looked up into Jim's eyes. "This is it. This is our first act as King and Queen." Fear filled her blue orbs. "What if we mess it up?"

"Trixie, you need to calm down," Jim said, his hands shifting to her shoulders. "I know you're worried about this, but it's going to be fine. All we have to do is flip a switch. We've been to the tree lighting and know how it goes. We can do this."

"I wish Penelope and William had been able to make it home," Trixie said.

"Me too," Jim said. "But we both knew a time would come where we would be on our own. This is our first chance to show that we can handle our royal duties. Penelope and William have been with us the for the past six years, preparing us for this day. This is a traditional event that doesn't involve a lot from us. But we can do this. We're doing it together, all right?"

"All right," Trixie said.

"So, are you ready? We really need to get going."

Trixie nodded.

Arriving in town, the two of them climbed out of the limousine. Walking hand in hand, they made their way to the stage. They climbed the steps and turned to face the crowd that was waiting in anticipation. Trixie took a deep breath as she stepped up to the microphone. Jim slipped up beside her his hand holding hers.

"Thank you all for coming this evening to mark this special day in our country's history," Trixie said. "As has happened for more years than a lot of us can remember, the lighting of this community tree signifies the start of the holiday season."

Cheers came up from the crowd.

"Let's count it down," Trixie said.

Her right hand went to the switch with Jim's on top. They looked at one another and started the countdown.

"Three...two...one."

They pressed the switch and the tree danced to life with millions of twinkling lights. The booths and tents lining the park jumped to life as well, the crowd cheering in excitement.

Trixie looked at Jim with a smile. He said, "Perfect."

"Thank you," Trixie said, turning her hand over in his and giving it a squeeze.

"I'd do anything for you, Trixie."

"I feel the same way about you."

"Come on," Jim said, giving her hand a tug. "Let's go have some fun."

"All right."

They walked off the stage, greeting their subjects. Together the couple walked toward the booths. They each got a cup of hot chocolate and sipped the beverage as they looked at the other booths. It was truly a festive night and everyone was having a good time.

Trixie felt better that their task was over and they had made it through their first solo duty. It was a step in the right direction to continue a successful dynasty.

They purchased some sweet treats before Jim took hold of her hand and led her to the center of the square to dance. She nestled in close as he wrapped his arms around her. Trixie always felt at home in Jim's embrace.

The days following the tree lighting seemed to fly by. They went to the holiday theater production and participated in the annual caroling.

Two days before Christmas, William and Penelope returned to the palace. They joined Trixie and Jim in the family room.

"How was your trip?" Trixie asked following greetings as they took a seat.

"It was wonderful," Penelope said. "We were able to accomplish a lot while we were gone. We were just worried when the weather kept us from getting back sooner to partake in the annual festivities."

"It's all right," Trixie said as Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "It happens. But at least you are here now since Christmas is in a couple days."

"We were going to do whatever was needed to return," William said. "We look forward to Christmas here as much as the children."

"Being able to share that joy when we have so much feels so right," Penelope said.

"Our generosity is an example to others who have decided to pay it forward," Trixie said.

"Trixie?" Penelope asked.

"A few days before the tree lighting I went to the orphanage to finalize the numbers for the party," Trixie said. "While I was there, Gregg showed me a project the children were working on."

"A project?" William asked.

Trixie nodded. "The older children who have been there for a long time appreciate what we do for them and felt they wanted to do something in return. So they approached Gregg and began making quilts for the residents of the senior living complex."

"They are making quilts?" William asked.

"They are," Trixie said. "I saw the boys and girls stitching the square together. They had a lot of strips ready. They will look amazing when they finish."

"That is so thoughtful of them," Penelope said.

"They've learned by example," Jim said. "They have been the recipients of kindness and want to do the same for others. It is a great thing."

"It is," William said. "I'm certain that whatever dream they pursue they will be successful."

"And that's all because of what you started two decades ago to help those who didn't have a home on Christmas," Trixie said.

"We did nothing special," Penelope said, although the color rose in her cheeks.

"I think the children would argue with you," Jim said.

"You started this tradition that they children adore and we are lucky to continue it," Trixie said. "I just hope our efforts have the same impact."

"I'm sure they will," William said.

As they had done in previous years, they all went to the Christmas Eve service and enjoyed the evening. When the sun rose on Christmas morning, they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before opening their own gifts, feeling the anticipation building for when the children arrived.

They cleaned up the wrapping paper and got changed once all the gifts were opened.

Trixie was nervous as the time got closer for the children to descend on the palace. This was her first official planned event that was solely her responsibility. She wanted everything to be perfect.

She went into the ballroom and started mentally checking that everything was ready. The tree twinkled brightly with mounds of gifts under the branches and spilling out across the marble floor. The throne was set up at the far end for when Santa arrived to talk to each child. The table of drinks and sweet treats was ready along the wall closest to the doors.

"It'll be fine," a voice said.

She spun around to see Penelope standing there.

"I just want it to be perfect," Trixie said, glancing around one more time.

"I'm certain it will be," Penelope said, stepping forward and wrapper her arm around Trixie's shoulder. "The children are looking forward to a day where their wishes come true. Even if one thing is out of place, they won't know because they will be focused on the gifts and party like they should."

"You're right," Trixie said.

The doorbell rang and they exchanged a look as smiles filled both of their faces. They quickly turned to return to the hallway. They looked at the door to see William about to open it.

"Where's Jim?" Trixie asked.

"I'm right here," Jim said coming down the stairs. He stepped right over to Trixie, his arm going around her shoulders. "Let the festivities begin."

William opened the double doors and 30 children hurried inside with the staff members.

"Merry Christmas," was called out among everyone as the children looked about excitedly.

"This way," Trixie said, ushering them toward the ballroom. "Let's get your coats off so we can have some fun."

The youngsters shed their winter garments and tossed them into a pile in the corner of the ballroom. They stared at the mounds of gifts in the room, their eyes opened wide and mouths hanging open in amazement.

"Come on, kids," Jim said. "Let's go get something to eat."

Trixie picked up one of the little girls who was trying to keep up with the bigger ones. The little black haired girl curled into Trixie, her head resting on Trixie's shoulder.

The queen pulled her close as they got in line to get some food. After filling a plate for Allie, who had told Trixie her name, they settled at a table and were quickly surrounded by more people.

As they ate, the excitement was growing. The adults watched as the young eyes shifted to the hallway, wondering what could be hidden in the multi-colored packages in the other room and how soon they could find out.

Trixie glanced around the room and caught Jim's gaze. She smiled and nodded her head as she knew most of the children were finished eating.

Jim stood up and put his hand in the air. The children went silent and stared at him.

"If you are all done eating, I think there might be some presents in the ballroom with your names on them," Jim said.

"Really?" Allie asked.

Trixie nodded. "Santa stopped here last night and left presents for all of you."

"Yay!!" Allie yelled and everyone laughed.

Trixie smiled and looked at Jim. "I think we're ready."

"Then let's go."

Jim led the way back to the ballroom. The children crowded around him. They went into the room, settling on the floor amongst the gifts.

Trixie joined them with Allie on her lap. A few other little ones got as close as they could.

"We will call out your names to come get your gift," Jim said. "We won't want anyone getting hurt if everyone rushes."

Before Jim could pick up a present, jingle bells could be heard in the distance. The children started looking around wildly, trying to find where the sound was coming from. Suddenly, the man in red came from behind the throne and cheers of excitement filled the room.

"Ho, ho, ho!" Santa called out as he moved toward the children. "Merry Christmas."

"Santa!" the young ones yelled.

"I hope everyone has been good this year," Santa said. "My elves have been busy keeping tabs on all of you. And from what I've heard, you have all been some of the best behaved children around."

"Yay!" the children cheered.

"Now, I have a special gift for each of you so I'm going to call you all up one at a time for a chance to sit on my lap to tell me what you wish for."

As tradition, Santa gave each child a couple private moments to talk. They were then presented with a special gift. One they all had a turn, Santa said goodbye and disappeared through the door.

Jim began handing out the rest of the gifts with Trixie's help, getting heartfelt "thank yous" from each child. The piles under the tree dwindled, but the mounds of wrapping paper grew.

Trixie felt satisfied that they had provided joy on this day for these children. They were happy, not worrying about being in an orphanage waiting to be adopted. They were having the best day of their young lives.

As they collected the paper so the children had room to play with their toys, Trixie saw the smile on each face. She was glad she had played a part in that.

Allie grabbed Trixie's hand as she passed by. "I need help with my puzzle."

"Let me put this away and I will help you, okay?"

"Okay."

Trixie finished her task before settling on the floor with Allie to work on the giant sized puzzle pieces. Allie didn't need much help, but Trixie handed her the pieces as she worked.

The staff brought out dessert of pastries, cookies, brownies and some ice cream.

As the day progressed, Trixie moved about to all the children, giving theme some attention as they played with their gifts.

"Your majesties," Gregg said and the children grew quiet.

Trixie did not miss the excited look that crossed some of their faces. She knew this was a change from past years; there was a little sadness that they had to go back to the orphanage.

"If you would be so kind as to all come sit up here," Gregg said.

The four royals exchanged a look. Trixie started to stand. Jim reached a hand out and helped her to her feet. Together they walked toward the front, meeting Penelope and William. They turned to face the children.

"Your majesties, I present Jonathan."

A young man about fifteen with short blonde hair stood up and moved to stand beside Gregg. He bowed slightly before speaking.

"Your majesties," Jonathan began. "On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for this wonderful Christmas. Each year we have been blessed by your generosity, opening up the palace to invite us to celebrate the season. You give us what every other child gets on this day, making it even more memorable.

"We know you spend countless hours working hard to make it just right," Jonathan continued. "Just looking around, we know this doesn't happen overnight."

Trixie squeezed Jim's hand as she felt the tears building.

"Every year you give us so much and we wanted to give you something in return," Jonathan finished.

The older children stood up and gathered around Jonathan as Gregg stepped over to the royal family.

"You might want to sit down," Gregg said.

They turned to see four chairs had been set up behind them. They sat down, their eyes never leaving the children.

Jonathan nodded and they began singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

Trixie stared in awe at the perfect harmony. They were singing from the heart and that meant the world to her. When the song was done, they applauded and Trixie wiped an unshed tear from her eye.

They immediately went into another song, "I'm Getting Nuttin' for Christmas," before singing more of the classics, such as " White Christmas," "Up on the Housetop," "Silver Bells," "Jingle Bells," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Deck the Halls," and more.

Trixie watched them in amazement. Their voices were perfect and she felt touched at their gift. She knew nothing could ever top this.

As Jonathan began the next tune, Trixie grasped Jim's hand, her favorite song reaching her ears.

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star a star dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear
Do you hear what I hear  (the other children echoed)
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear
Do you hear what I hear  (the other children echoed)
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
Do you know what I know  (the other children echoed)
In your palace warm, mighty king
Do you know what I know
Do you know what I know  (the other children echoed)
A child, a child, shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
Listen to what I say
Listen to what I say  (the other children echoed)
Pray for peace, people everywhere,
Listen to what I say
Listen to what I say  (the other children echoed)
A child, a child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

As Jonathan allowed the final note to fade, Trixie let the tears fall. She had never heard a voice so perfect. Sure, she had heard this song millions of times before, but never with such purity, such fullness. It was perfect.

There was silence for a moment and then Jonathan said quickly. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to upset you, your majesty. I'm terribly sorry I picked the wrong song."

"You didn't," Trixie said tearfully, as she struggled to brush the tears away.

"These are happy tears," Jim said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Trixie managed to stop crying and looked at Jonathan with a smile.

"That was beautiful," Trixie said. "That's the best interpretation I've ever heard."

"Really?" Jonathan asked.

"Really," Trixie said. "That was the perfectly perfect Christmas present."

Trixie saw the color rising on Jonathan's cheeks as he looked at the floor, feeling slightly embarrassed from the praise.

"You have given us the most precious gift," Penelope said. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," the children chorused.

"I think it's time for some sweet treats," William said as he stood up. "Let's go."

As William and Penelope left the ballroom with the children, Trixie saw Gregg had stayed back and was talking softly to Jonathan.

She stood up with Jim and they walked over to the two hand in hand. Jonathan looked up hesitantly at them.

"You have an amazing talent," Trixie said. "I've never heard a voice so beautiful."

"Thank you, your majesty."

"Is music something you want to pursue?" Jim asked.

"Music is my passion, but I know that it's very difficult to break into," Jonathan said. "I think I want to get a business degree, but still enjoy music."

"That's a great plan," Trixie said. "I'm certain you will reach all of your dreams."

"Thank you, your majesty," Jonathan said.

"Come on, let's go get some dessert before its all gone," Jim said

Gregg and Jonathan walked ahead of them. Trixie stepped close to Jim, who wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Trixie slid hers around his waist, ready to join the children to continue the celebration.

That evening after the children left, full of food and excited about their presents, Trixie went into the family room. She stood in front of the tree, watching the lights dance. She thought back over the events of the day, feeling everything had come together just as she wanted. The children had stuffed themselves silly, trying everything they had been offered. They had also appreciated each gift they received.

Trixie felt happy with what they had accomplished. They were blessed and it felt right to do something so special for others. She knew their example of generosity had left an impact on the children who would pass it forward.

While material items were welcomed, it was acts of kindness that made a lasting memory. Trixie knew she would cherish the songs they had sung on that day. It was heartfelt and she loved it.

"Here," Jim said coming into the room carrying two mugs. He offered one to her. "It's some tea. I thought it would help you unwind from today."

She smiled at him. "Thank you."

"This was a perfect day," Jim said, sliding in close, his free hand wrapping around her waist. "Everything was perfect. You planned an amazing Christmas for all of the children. I know you were worried, but everything fell into place."

"I was worried," Trixie admitted. "But seeing the joy on all of their faces, it didn't matter if there as a mess or food was spilled. That wasn't important. The children for a little while forgot they lived in an orphanage. They were like every other child, opening presents, that were brought by Santa out of love."

"Exactly," Jim said. "Seeing their faces as the paper was torn away was perfect."

"I'm really glad we got to do this," Trixie said.

"Me too," Jim said, setting his mug down. "And I have one final present for you."

"Jim?" Trixie asked, looking at him with curiosity.

Jim moved over to the table beside the tree and picked up a disc she had not seen. Jim went over to the entertainment center and slid the disc into the media player. He took the remote and stepped back beside her. With the touch of a few buttons, the television came on.

The screen came to life, showing frozen images from the party. Trixie took in each moment, seeing the excitement on the faces, a happiness that was sometimes missing.

The screen went black for a moment and then showed the children's gift to them, finishing with Jonathan's song. As the screened faded one last time, Trixie turned to her husband, giving him a strong hug.

"Thank you so much," Trixie said.

"You are welcome," Jim said, returning the embrace as she looked up at him. "I know that we will be doing more things for the community and making millions of decision that will affect our people, so I thought that having this event captured for eternity, it would remind you that you are capable to handle anything that comes your way. We are in this together. If things become hard, we can look back on this day to remember that we can accomplish anything."

Trixie leaned up and gave Jim as kiss. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Jim said. "Merry Christmas, Queen Trixie."

"Merry Christmas, King Jim."

They kissed again.