Days Before Christmas Eve

The plane touched down with a gentle thud, and through the window, I could see how snow blanketed every corner of the airport. It was as if everything were wrapped in a perfectly woven white blanket. The cold was already seeping in, even inside the cabin, and when the doors opened, a freezing gust greeted us as if to remind us that we were officially in the depths of winter.

Olivia was the first to stand up, excited as always.

"This is incredible!" she exclaimed while looking out the window. "It's like being in a Christmas postcard. This inspires me. I think I could write an epic poem about it. What do you think?"

Lindsay rolled her eyes but smiled.

"Please, don't start reciting verses now. I'm too tired to process anything epic."

I chuckled under my breath as I grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment. Olivia always found a way to make any situation unique, even something as simple as getting off a plane.

When we reached the arrivals area, the festive atmosphere was unavoidable. Everything was adorned with Christmas lights, garlands, and enormous mistletoe arrangements hanging from the ceiling. But what truly caught our attention was Amelia, Lindsay's mom, standing next to a giant sign that read: "Welcome to Our Christmas Home."

Olivia stopped in her tracks, impressed.

"Are you serious? Did you make a sign just for us? This is… wow. This is Instagram-worthy."

Amelia smiled widely as she greeted us with warm hugs.

"Of course! I wanted to welcome you properly. Welcome to our little winter corner."

Lindsay and I exchanged a quick glance, both feeling slightly embarrassed by the spectacle.

"Mom, you didn't have to do that," Lindsay said, trying to hide her smile.

"Nonsense," Amelia replied, winking at Olivia. "Besides, your friend here has so much style. That bright red coat almost blinded me, but I love it."

Olivia placed a hand dramatically over her chest.

"Thank you, ma'am. You also have impeccable taste. This airport has never seen so much elegance until now."

Amelia burst into laughter, and Lindsay shook her head as we loaded our luggage into the car.

The ride from the airport was short but long enough for Olivia to marvel at every Christmas decoration she saw through the window. When we arrived at Lindsay's house, I was impressed. It was huge, with a snow-covered garden and Christmas lights illuminating every corner. In the entrance, a massive Christmas tree dominated the living room, decorated with gold and silver ornaments.

Lindsay's dad, Thomas, greeted us with a warm smile.

"Welcome, guys. I hope you're ready for a holiday full of snow and food."

"Ready for the food, definitely," Olivia responded, rubbing her hands together. "The snow, well, I'm still learning how to walk on it without looking like a penguin."

We all laughed, and Thomas guided us inside. While Olivia and Lindsay helped Amelia organize the rooms, Thomas gave me a pat on the shoulder.

"Sack, I know you live nearby, so you can go home and grab whatever you need. We'll see you later for dinner."

I nodded, grateful for the chance to spend some time alone. Though I enjoyed the group's company, I always appreciated these small moments of calm.

After stopping by my house to bring some clothes, I returned to Lindsay's just in time for dinner. Amelia had prepared something simple but delicious: hot soup, freshly baked bread, and hot chocolate with marshmallows. Olivia couldn't stop praising the food, saying it was "the best welcome possible."

Once dinner was over, we decided to take a walk around town. The snow was still falling gently, and the streets were lit with Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

"This is incredible," Olivia said as we walked. "It inspires me so much that I think my Christmas gifts this year are going to be epic. Something no one will ever forget."

"What do you have planned?" Lindsay asked, curious.

"Oh, I can't say yet," Olivia replied with a mysterious smile. "But trust me, it'll be legendary."

Lindsay sighed, looking down at the ground.

"I still don't know what to get you two. It's always hard to find something special for you."

"Don't worry about it," I said. "It's not about the gift; it's the gesture. Anything from you will be special."

Olivia nodded.

"Exactly. Although, if you decide to get me something related to art or fashion, I won't complain."

We laughed, and the atmosphere relaxed even more.

When we returned to the house, Olivia announced she was hungry again.

"Who's ordering pizza?" she asked, pulling out her phone. "We need snacks for the movie."

"I want a hot drink," Lindsay added. "Hot chocolate again, maybe."

"And blankets," I said, pointing to the couch. "We can't watch Die Hard without blankets."

Amelia appeared with a stack of thick blankets and extra pillows.

"Here you go, guys. Enjoy your movie. If you need anything else, just shout."

We settled into the living room. Olivia sat in the middle, with a blanket over her legs and her phone in hand to order the pizza. Lindsay was on her left, and I was on her right. When the movie started, Olivia leaned forward enthusiastically.

"Wait, does this count as a Christmas movie?" she asked. "Because it doesn't seem very festive."

"For some people, yes," Lindsay replied. "For others, it's just an action movie set during Christmas."

"Well, I say it counts," Olivia declared, crossing her arms. "Anything with carols and Christmas lights is a Christmas movie."

During the opening scene, when John McClane arrives at Nakatomi Plaza, Olivia made her first comment.

"Why do all action heroes have to be so grumpy? He should be happy to be at a party."

"Maybe because someone's going to try to kill him," Lindsay suggested, laughing.

"Details, details," Olivia responded, taking a sip of her drink.

At one point, Olivia got up to receive the pizza that had just arrived. She came back with three large boxes and a bottle of soda.

"Pizza for everyone," she announced, placing the boxes on the coffee table. "And for the romantics, extra hot chocolate."

Lindsay smiled and took a slice of pizza, but I noticed she seemed distracted. Without thinking too much about it, I extended my arm and pulled her closer, wrapping her in a blanket. She snuggled up against me, and I felt her body relax.

"Thanks," she murmured, glancing at me briefly.

Olivia pretended to gag behind her blanket.

"Ugh, adorable couple alert. Let me know when the romantic scene ends."

"Shut up and eat your pizza," Lindsay shot back, throwing a pillow at her.

The movie continued, and Olivia didn't stop making comments. During the scene where McClane records his message on the radio, she said:

"Why doesn't he just call the police? It's so obvious he needs help!"

"Because then there wouldn't be a movie," I replied, laughing.

"Good point," Olivia admitted. "But it's still frustrating."

When the climax of the movie arrived, we were all completely absorbed. Even Olivia stopped making sarcastic remarks to focus on the action.

Finally, as the credits began to roll, Olivia stretched and yawned.

"Well, that was intense. Though I still think there should've been more carols."

Lindsay and I laughed, and she snuggled even closer to me.

"I think we should go to bed," Lindsay said. "Tomorrow will be another day full of surprises."

"Yes, but before that, I need to post a picture of tonight on Instagram," Olivia said, grabbing her phone. "Something like: 'Movie night and pizza at the most Christmassy house in the world.'"

We said goodnight with laughter and promises to meet early the next day. As I climbed the stairs, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these simple yet meaningful moments.