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Hazel never thought the best gift she would ever receive would be a book. And yet, that’s exactly what it was. It was Christmas eve morning at Camp Jupiter. Hazel had already gotten gifts that month since she was born only a week before, and really she wasn’t big on Christmas. But the decorations everywhere at camp Jupiter were hard to ignore, and there was snow everywhere outside. It’s weird really, she was the type to get excited about things. But something about Christmas made her sad.
She never really had a good Christmas, or in other words someone to enjoy it with. Her mother was always too busy with selling her cursed precious metals and running her fortune telling business to really celebrate it with her. Honestly, Hazel wouldn’t be surprised if she just didn’t want to spend it with her.
Hazel wore all her warmest clothes, and went outside to start the day. She went to the Mess hall to go eat breakfast. Frank spotted her and waved at her. She waved back, and walked to sit next to him. He had the biggest smile on his face, and a child-like light in his eyes. “Aren’t you excited for Christmas.” Frank exclaimed. “I can’t believe it’s tomorrow.” “Oh it’s tomorrow?” Hazel had asked. There was something almost sad in her voice. Frank seemed to have noticed. “You okay?” he asked worriedly. “Yeah. It’s just, I’ve never really celebrated Christmas.” “My mom was always busy.” Hazel said, smiling sadly. “Too busy for Christmas?” asked Frank in bewilderment. Hazel only frowned. “Well then, tomorrow is going to be your first and best Christmas I promise you that.” Frank declared. “You really don’t have to Frank. It’s okay.” “Ah, no it really isn’t. Never celebrating Christmas is definitely not okay.” “You will have the best Christmas, you’ll see.
***
The next morning Hazel was woken by a knock on her door. “Merry Christmas to my favorite person!” Frank shouted in a sing-songy voice. “Slept well?” Frank asked. “Yeah.” Hazel replied. “Good because I have a lot planned for today.” “Okay, but can I get dressed first?” “Sure.
When Hazel was ready, Frank grabbed her wrist and took her to the Cafe in New Rome. He got them a table. “So, first-off on the list, we have hot cocoa with marshmallows.” “Is that seriously a Christmas tradition, hot chocolate?” “Yes, and there needs to be marshmallows.” “I’ll also order ginger-bread cookies, so you can have a taste of Christmas.” Frank said, walking to the counter to order. He came back with two hot cocoas and two gingerbread cookies. Hazel smiled up at him. She took a bite of the cookie. It was really really good in Hazel’s opinion. “So?” asked Frank. “It tastes kinda spicy which would be weird in a cookie, but it works.” replied Hazel. “Yeah, that’s the magic of gingerbread.” Frank said. “Now hurry up and eat because we have a day of amazing Christmas activities prepared.” “Okay, okay” laughed Hazel.
The next thing they did was build a snowman. Hazel was looking for sticks when she got hit by something cold. She turned to see Frank creating a snowball in his hand. “Frank!” Hazel said in more shock than anything. “What?” Frank asked innocently. “Did you just hit me with snow?” “Yeah, it’s called a snowball, and it’s tradition to have a snowball fight when playing in snow. He hit her with another. “Oh game on," said Hazel with so much determination.” She scooped up snow in her gloved arms and created a snowball. She threw it at Frank, but he dodged it. Hazel scooped more snow, and created a new one. This time it hit its target. They went on for what seemed like so much time, and none at all. She was laughing with so much joy. Was this what she was missing? The snowman was long forgotten. Eventually she started to get called. And they went inside.
“Ooh, Mistletoe. You know the rules.” Livinia said. Frank and Hazel both looked up, and there was in fact mistletoe. Frank smirked, “Well?” Hazel rolled her eyes at him fondly. “You act as if this is the first time we ever kissed. “It may not be the first time we kissed, but it’s the first time we ever kissed under the mistletoe. I promised to give you the Christmas experience.” Hazel laughed and kissed him.
***
That evening was spent watching Christmas movies. “I may not be an expert on Christmas, but I don’t think Frozen counts as a Christmas movie.” Hazel said once they were halfway through. “Yeah, but it’s still the best Christmas movie out there besides the grinch in my opinion.” “And plus you’ve never watched it. Which is a crime by the way.” “Well, it’s nice. Olaf is really funny.” “Right!” replied Frank. Then Frank paused the movie. “Wait here, I got you something.” Frank returned with a red book in his hand. “I didn’t really have time to wrap it, but here.” He gave the book to Hazel. She read the title. Yankee Girl. “I know how hard it must have been for you to get used to the 21st century, and to adjust to a time with no segregation. So I got you this book about a black girl who has to go to an all white school.” “And I know sometimes it’s hard for you to read with your dyslexia so you can take all the time you need, and you can ask for help from me anytime.” “Merry Christmas, Hazel.” Hazel looked at Frank with her eyes teary. She hugged him. “You were right.” Hazel said. “About?” “This was the best Christmas, thank you Frank.” Frank kissed her forehead. “You’re Welcome.” “Now, shall we finish Frozen?” Hazel smiled. “Yes. We shall.”