Reindeer House pt.24

Christmas Eve arrived with great fanfare.

The deer were up only slightly earlier than usual, bustling about the kitchen to “help” Mrs. Claus prepare for the traditional Christmas brunch — though in truth, most of their contributions involved enthusiastic taste-testing.

Hash browns, egg slice, pigs in blankets, and savoury scones were lovingly prepared, the air thick with the warm, comforting smells of butter and spice. Donaa and Buritsen were tasked with mixing the Christmas punch for later; Buritsen giggled manically as he poured far too much juice into the bowl, while Donaa calmly held his wrists steady and adjusted the measurements with quiet precision.

At the other end of the hall, Rudorufu directed the table setting — which, while it sounded simple, was anything but. The table was enormous, long enough to seat every reindeer comfortably alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bikkusen took charge of the final touches, polishing cutlery until it gleamed and arranging decorations with the practiced eye of a professional stylist. Candles, greenery, and carefully folded napkins transformed the space into something straight out of a Christmas catalogue.

“Rufu, Rufu!! Look at this!!” Kyuupiddo scampered over, holding up an overflowing plate triumphantly. “They’re perfect!! Little pigglies!!”

“Don't drop them,” Rudorufu sighed, adjusting a place card. “…But yes. They are very well bacon-wrapped.”

One by one, the rest of the deer emerged from the kitchen, arms full of dishes and chatter, until Mrs. Claus appeared last, smiling fondly at the lively scene before her. The table was full, the food was ready, and everyone was finally seated — some more patiently than others.

“Ittadakimasuuuu!! Let’s eat!!” Kyuupiddo declared, already halfway through his first serving.

Laughter filled the hall as plates were passed and cups clinked together, the nervous energy of the coming night giving way to warmth, comfort, and shared excitement. For a brief, perfect moment, there was no training, no schedules, no expectations — just good food, good company, and the quiet magic of Christmas Eve settling gently over the Reindeer House.

Tonight would be busy.

But for now? This was exactly where they were meant to be.

To be continued...