Christmas Day at The Pavilion

Published on December 28th, 1925

Dearest Princess,

Merry Christmas!

I put my all into the cooking this year, and I think it was my best effort yet. I was so exhausted from the prep work on the 24th and the frenzy on the 25th I've spent the last few days in recovery, and have just gained the wherewithal to put pen to paper.

I've spent many Christmases alone, and have often wondered if the unhappiness I find myself enmired in is worse when I am alone, or in company. No matter what, it seems like melancholy is burned into my bones.

I enjoyed doing the cooking though. I felt pleased with the results, and so very glad that the others liked it too. I feel at ease with the other courtiers, if nothing else. I luxuriated in giving them the gifts I'd picked out too. The second best part of Christmas is watching people open and react to the gift you've presented them.

Essen decorated The Pavilion beautifully. It's during the holiday season that the everblooming winter magnolias and the relentless snowfall outside are utilised to their full effect. Charming, rather than uncanny. Twinkling fairy lights were strung on the boughs of the trees closest to the windows, magical in the dark of the day. One has to wonder, who put those up? I can't imagine Essen doing it, and you're the only other permanent resident here.

I'd been so excited for Christmas, but when the day itself came it didn't seem to have the same sparkle... maybe this is just what getting older is like.

Still, I like to imagine you'd feel the magic had you been there. Perhaps your presence was the gift we needed. Haha.

All my best and all my love, Makona