Getting Into the Spirit of the Season

The snow was an odd change for Euphemia.

She had grown accustomed to waking up in the morning before class, stepping out onto the pavement outside her dorm and taking in the sight of the school before classes. Now, that usual sight was distinctly more white, as the snow caked the ground and crunched under her feet. It wasn't that she was unfamiliar with snow, there had been plenty during the winters in Croatia, but she had never seen the island like this before, hadn't been paying enough attention to the passing of time to see it coming. She had been here for a while now, she realised.

That thought sat in the back of her mind as she went through the day, going through all her classwork with her usual efficiency. During the day, however, she couldn't help but notice the excitement through the campus, all the students who were all talking about the same thing.

Christmas was coming, and people were making plans.

Euphemia had asked Father Jakov about Christmas once before, a year before he had sent her here. He had explained it from the usual religious perspective, that it celebrated the birth of Christ. But he had also explained how the time of the year took on a different significance to many different people, that it was often a time people spent with their family or loved ones. That same year, on the 25th, he'd left her a pair of glasses, the ones she still wore today.

She didn't see it as anything significant back then, she wasn't sure if she should now.

After the bell signalled the end of the school day, Euphemia remained in the classroom, helping her teacher Celeste clean up like she normally did, sweeping up discarded ingredients and putting the cutlery back in their correct place. In the middle of her work, she stopped for a moment, before looking over at the woman.

"Ms Forestier?" She asked. "How does one normally celebrate Christmas here on the island?"

"I see..." She turned back for a moment as Celeste approached, quickly finishing her cleaning, before turning to face her fully, confused look in her eye. The girl had gotten a little more expressive with her face lately, even if she still held her rigid posture and deadpan voice. "Still, I am not very familiar with many of these things. I have never partaken in Christmas celebration, nor have I witnessed any."

She tilted her head questioningly.

"Ms Forestier, might I ask how you plan to celebrate this year?

Euphemia blinked, the tone of the conversation had shifted a little, even if she wasn't exactly sure why. She complied with her teacher's directions, however, sitting down with her usual polite posture.

"I am aware of the purpose of the holiday," She explained, closing her eyes as she spoke. "Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Saviour Jesus Christ, the son of the Lord God. The day itself is even named for Christ. Christmas serves as a reminder of Gods love to all His creation, and a day for them to celebrate the gifts He gave through His Son."

She didn't think much about her words when she said them, she spoke reflexively, not even conscious of the fact that she did not include herself in those receiving Gods love. That was normal to her, a fact of life.

She paused for a moment, before opening her eyes.

"However...I am aware that the meaning of the holiday has changed over time for many. I am aware that this is often a time for the exchanging of gifts. I have overheard many of my peers discussing this during the day. I recall such an act being described as man showing love to his fellow man, just as God would show love to man, but I do not think this is the reason for the other students' celebration. Is this correct, Ms Forestier?"

Euphemia took a moment to absorb all this information, politely listening to her teacher talk. She nodded once the explanation was finished.

"I see. I was not aware the holiday had such a long and complicated history."

It wasn't hard for her to accept. Like many of the things she'd learned since coming to the island, this did clash with what she knew. But Christmas was something she'd never been truly exposed to beforehand anyway, unlike the integration of demons into society or other more shocking discoveries.

She thought back for a moment. She knew that there were many people who she should feel grateful towards, people who she should be appreciative towards. Love was...something she still failed to grasp, as were other genuine emotions. But she knew, from a logical standpoint, that she should be feeling something to many of the people she'd grown closer to over the months. That is, if she were capable of feeling something, like normal people were.

So, logically, if she was to properly participate in the coming holiday, she should have something prepared for her friends.

"If that is the case, perhaps I should acquire gifts for my peers." She mused aloud. "If I am to properly integrate into this community, is it imperative that I participate along with its traditions to the best of my ability."

She blinked, evidently not expecting that.

"Ms Forestier, I would not wish to impose upon you. I already take up a great deal of your time with just my extra tutoring, I would not wish to do so further."

Even as Euphemia protested, she still considered the idea in her head. She honestly had no idea whatsoever what she should buy, and she had a decent amount of people who she wanted to give presents to. She didn't want to mess up with any of them.