christmas was usually not a time of year your daddy enjoyed. it was usually treated as just any other day and he really never bothered to explain why. you, however, absolutely adored the holiday, and for that reason alone, he was willing to indulge at least a little.
so there the two of you sat, on the floor, surrounded by ornaments. you were adding hooks to all of them so they could be neatly placed on the tree. you had picked a pink and black theme this year, and your daddy was happy to oblige your decoration request. you went for a cute/punk look and felt it was the perfect metaphor for the relationship you two shared.
“daddy, can you pass me more hooks?” you asked politely. your daddy hummed in response and handed you a few more. you thanked him and went straight back to work.
“are you having fun, kiddo?” he asked you, focused on the project at hand.
“i am, daddy!” you said, finishing the last ornament with your daddy soon following suit. “all done!” you danced lightly in your seat, excited to get to decorating.
“well, what are we waiting for?” your daddy asked, motioning towards the tree sitting in the corner. you squealed and picked up a handful of ornaments, immediately placing them on the tree. you didn’t have an exact map out of where you wanted every little thing, just a general finished look in mind. your daddy handed the ornaments to you as you placed them, knowing you wanted to do this part for yourself. he would reach the taller decorations when you couldn’t and would place them wherever you asked. soon enough, the tree had all of its ornaments, and all that was left were the lights.
“why don’t you let me handle this one?” daddy said, remembering the meltdown that ensued the year prior when you couldn’t get them untangled soon enough. you were embarrassed at the thought and agreed.
“okay, daddy.” you said softly.
“now, don’t sulk.” he told you, walking over and ruffling your hair slightly. “i’m just looking out for you, that’s all, baby.” he said. you nodded, watching as he expertly untangled the lights and threaded them through the tree branches. he plugged them in, and there sat your beautiful pink and black christmas tree with pink lights and a black bow tree topper. you were absolutely thrilled with your final result, and looked to daddy for approval.
“daddy, do you like it?” you asked hopefully.
“i love it.” he told you. “and you.”
you jumped with excitement and clapped, always loving the aesthetic of a lit up christmas tree.
“can i take my nap out here, daddy?” you asked politely, wanting to fall asleep to the lights. your daddy chuckled and nodded.
“if that’s what you want, go ahead, kiddo.” he said. you rushed and got ready for your nap, using the restroom and changing into comfier clothes and grabbing your stuffed bear, mr. honey. daddy had made a comfy spot for you on the couch and had your favorite pillow as well. you snuggled into the couch and he began tucking you in, laughing as you wiggled in and got comfy.
“thank you, daddy.”
“anything for you, princess.”
you remember dozing off to the faint pink light in the room as your daddy worked at his desk and knew you were safe.
