#taintedchristmas

[bazeashby]

for Julietta Valent.

[violet-farris]

Serena,

I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be your friend. You're beautiful, graceful, kind, and patient. You make me feel comfortable being myself at all times, and I am so thankful for that.

A long time ago, I asked about your parents, and you told me they were travel agents. We haven't talked about your parents since, but I want to say that I'm sorry for being so invasive. This will be the last time I bring it up, because I don't ever want to talk about something so personal so casually again.

I got you a scratch map. Everywhere you go, you can scratch at the map and it'll change colors. It's a cool way to mark where you've been, or maybe even where you'll want to go. I guess this is a representation of the first conversation we ever really had, and how even though I'm sorry for some of the things I brought up, I'll never be sorry that I brought something up. It got us to where we are now, and I'm happy for that.

This also my wish for you: that you will see things you never dreamed of seeing, and that you will let the world touch you, and that you will touch the world. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I believe you're greater than Harwich. I'm so glad you're still here because it means I get to see you more often, but I never once believed Harwich would always have you. You're meant for much more than that.

Merry Christmas.

Violet

serena-matthews

[violet-farris]

Shane,

I don't know how this works. I bought this for you before last night, but I always knew that I wanted to be with you, that I wanted what happened to happen. Does that make sense?

I guess the timing of this is perfect because this gift would be extremely self-centered without what happened. We've been friends for awhile now (I'd like to think we've been close friends, but I'm the last person who has the right to say that), and there's been a lot of awkward milestones in between. The common factor is me, really. I know that it's a little difficult to get through to me sometimes, and I've dropped off the face of the earth on multiple occasions without warning. It's hard to open up. You opened up so honestly to me and although I'm incredibly grateful for that, I've always regretted not being able to bring myself to do the same.

I'm not good with words. I'm not good with personal interactions, I don't know if you've noticed. So I did the best I could with this book. I've filled it with memories and facts and confessions of my own, because I want us to be friends. Real friends. And that means you should know me as well as I know you. This, hopefully, does that.

I should have gotten you something else, an ornament or socks or something light and funny and cute. I didn't think this far ahead, I'm sorry for that.

I hope this is the beginning of more between us.

Violet

shaneharborfield

[violet-farris]

Annabeth, I think you are the only one who would enjoy this Grinch ornament set on Christmas. Personally, I think it's an unattractive green and an even more unattractive monster, but the naughty ornament? I had to buy it, it might as well screamed your name. I know you were expecting another pair of T-shirts for Christmas (or at least, if you caught on to the hints I was giving, you would have), but I saw these and I couldn't say no — even if they are tank tops and not actual T-shirts.

I know we're not the most conventional of best friends, but I like to think that that makes us stronger. We're different but we're a pair, we're a package deal. And when you take over the world, you better believe that I'll be there beside you.

I don't say it enough, but I do appreciate you so much, Annabeth. I love you.

Violet

annabethmontgomery

[bazeashby]

Theo,

Isn't this the coolest thing in the world? I thought you'd like it. It's a bubble calender. You can't write anything on each date so it's not useful, sorry. I thought you'd like it anyways. Try not to pop all the dates at once, because that's just inaccurate and wrong.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, buddy.

Baze

[kim-jamie]

o my beautiful gorgeous awesome friend Kimber,

ook what I found! Is this perfect for you or what? I know you're into yoga and all that hippie cool boho chic stuff, so I was thinking of getting you this spa-in-a-bag thing, but then! Look! There's just something about baths that get you in your zone and get you all relaxed and comfortable and really happy. So I saw this and immediately thought of you, because now you can make your own body butter. Keep your skin all nourished and happy and treat yoself. It has all these natural ingredients and stuff in it that I kind of don't understand or recognize but the lady promised me it wasn't some cheapo that will turn your skin green or make you break out. So if it does that, then let me know, so I can sue her.

'm just really happy to have you as a friend, you know? You're one of the coolest and nicest people in Harwich, and I'm really lucky. So Merry Christmas, and enjoy your next bath!

Love, 

Jamie