Ariadne always went home for the holidays, but lucky for her, the tree decorating happened before she left the school. She lived minutes away in Hogsmeade, though, so had it been after she'd gone, she was pretty sure her parents would have allowed her to stroll back over here. The holidays had her in an even better mood than usual. "Hi, Mr. McLeod! Professor Stewart!" she exclaimed, giving both of them a wave.

...why were they pulling the trees in? "Isn't there a charm for that?" she asked, and she whipped out her wand just in case they replied with 'well, why don't you just show us one then?'.

She slid into a seat at the table and eyed all the festive items before her. "Can we eat then now? ALL of them?!" she asked nobody in particular. Everything looked so awesome and tasty! She wasn't even hungry when she came in here, but now...now she definitely was.

Justin was working so hard to get these trees ready for the students. Kay could not help but admire his strength as he pulled the trees to the Hall. "Nice choices,'' she complimented him and at the same time giving him a huge smile. She gestured to the trees, the objects she was referring to. "They'll look even more wonderful when the kids are done.''

She rearranged her Santa hat more snuggly over her hair just as one of the first students arrived. "Hello, Ms Greingoth! Happy Holidays!'' Oh? Ariadne was referring to Justin using manual labour. "There is but I think Mr McLeod enjoys doing this the Muggle way.'' With another big, excited smile, Kay bent over the box closest to her. She wouldn't mind leading the decorating!

Hearing that there's gonna be a tree decorating at the great hall, the Divination professor decided to go out from her office for a while and join the crowd. This was her first time experiencing tree decorating event in Hogwarts and it seemed like it's an annual thing here.

She walked into the great hall and watch Kay and Justin were already there. Also a Slytherin girl had joined them too. "Hello everyone," Sora greeted them and got herself a cup of hot cocoa. "I think you guys need to put a sign on the food and drink table that it's not being poisoned. Seemed like students don't trust the goodies that we served." She said jokingly, there was a sign on the noticeboard about this and not to mention some students were so suspicious with the tea that she'd served at her tasseomancy class.

Also, "Is this an annual event or something?"

When THE KIDS were done?!

So the staffers were unloading all the labor on the students?! ... No, no. MCLEOD did all the heavy manual labor! Decorating the tree would be FUN. She diverted her attention back to Professor Stewart, when the woman answered Ariadne's previously asked question. "Okay, well, thought I'd offer the suggestion anyway," she responded. OF COURSE the Muggle Studies professor had offered the Muggle method as the solution of choice. "We'll get to use magic to hang the ornaments on the really high branches, though, right?"

She raised an eyebrow when Professor Yoon mentioned letting the students know the food WASN'T poisoned. Was that supposed to be a concern? Ariadne had arrived ready to dig in! Then again, she did see the point. She eyed the food suspiciously but still wished she could eat it right this very second. "So..where are the other students?" she asked. No way was she decorating all these trees by herself.

Just a couple of days before Christmas and Vivian was actually very excited to go home for the break. She couldn't really wait to see her parents, auntie, and uncle. It surely was a long time ago since she last saw them, so she was definitely looking forward to going home back... and to bother her younger sister about her adventures in Hogwarts too. So much stories to share and make Francine jealous about. Teehee!

The Slytherin skipped her way from her common room to the Great Hall. She had free time right now, so she decided to go find something to eat that wasn't marshmallows, for the first time in forever. She was saving her stash for the train ride home so she didn't starve to death, despite knowing for a fact that the Trolley was just around there. Anyway, the way to the Great Hall from the Dungeons was quite long and tiring, but Vivian didn't mind. She had gotten pretty used to the routine, which she'd done pretty much everyday since September in this castle.

Expecting to be greeted by empty house tables and breakfast, she was surprised to see a gigantic TREE in the middle of the hall. Wait, what? That wasn't their breakfast, right? It took her a moment to realise that... ohhh, it was just for decorations. Right! For the Christmas feel, of course! The blonde beamed and skipped towards her friend Ariadne, and the staff peeps. Did the other Slytherin say where the other students at? "Present!" the first year said with a wide grin. "Good morning! Hi Ariadne, Professor Stewart, Professor Yoon, Mr. McLeod!" It was obvious that she was in such a bright and happy mood. Definitely ready for the Christmas season!

"Oh, may I help?" Vivi always loved helping out at home with the decorations. Though her mum made her do it manually because underage and still-don't-know-how-to-magic reasons, the eleven year old was keen to do stuff with her wand now. On top of that, she also spied MARSHMALLOWS on the table, and all the other Christmas-y food. Merlin, such heaven to the eyes!

Hadleigh didn't know about anyone but she would be going home this holiday unlike the few times she had remained at the school. This year was different. It was not only the very first Christmas she would be having with her entire family now that her father and Katalin were officially married. It was also the twins very first Christmas! Now sure, two babies that weren't even able to sit up on their own yet probably wouldn't remember or care if she was there but she would! There was noway she would miss being home.

So it was with a light grin and humming quietly under her breath the Slytherin entered the Great Hall just in time to see a HUGH tree brought in. It almost made her laugh as she watched Mr. McLeod. "Would you like some help with that Mr. McLeod!," she called out to the man making her way towards him. Helping with the holiday tree had always been one of her favorite things to do. Passing this up wasn't going to happen if she could help it.

But wait...what was that smell?

Turning slight to look around she spotted all the treats and smiled even more. This was nice the little effsies always did such a lovely job. Maybe there was something she could do for them... just to show that the students really did appreciate what was done for them. Something would come to her soon she hoped. For now though there was decorating to do!

Oooohhhh! And hello there everyone else! Hady gave a small smirk to the two snake firsties glad to see it was her house here first. The Professors each got a small smile as well. Any snacks could wait a bit...just so they weren't all sugary? Yes, she was really trying to do better Nana even if she had slipped up a bit over the last few weeks.

"Your suggestion is appreciated, Ms Greingoth.'' Kay was used to everyone with magical blood wanting to use magic to get tasks done but having grown up in the muggle world and spending many years there after Hogwarts graduation, she was used to doing stuff manually. "Yes, you may. Would you like to help me with this tree?''

"Hello, Sora!'' Kay greeted her colleague as she tugged a green and red paper chain out of the box she had been rummaging through. Merlin! Who had mad this thing? It was so long! She laughed and began draping it casually around a tree. "That would be a god idea but somehow I hardly believe certain students would believe us.'' Her eyes twinkled. "I think so. I've heard that this was done before.'' She could be wrong but Justin could shed some light on that.

"Good morning to you too, Ms Fairfield!'' What refreshing sight to see so the the first year in such high spirits. Vivian always was but Kay always enjoyed the happy energy from her. "Of course you can! How about getting some hot chocolate or something first?" It was not missed how she looked at the marshmallows. Here was yet another Snake. "Good morning, Ms Lynch! Care to join us with the decorating?''

Christmas is coming!!! it was her favorite time of the year! she loved everything to do with it. Going into the great hall Echo already saw some students and Professors starting.. she hoped that she could still join in..

"errrr Hi!!!! room for one more?" she said while smiling, please please please!! she wanted to decorate!!!!!!

Hadley Denaker entered the Great Hall and was, again, in awe. Sure she'd seen the Hall decorated for X-mas last year, but she was sure she'd never not be amazed by how drastically different the Hall looks.

After allowing a minute to take it all in, Hadley made her way to the tables and hopped up, so that she was sitting on the table and using the bench as a foot rest. She frowned. All sorts of delicious goodies spread out on the table. But they were all sweets. Which meant, she couldn't have while training herself to be an Animagus.

Hadley sighed and watched McLeod set up the trees. "That one's crooked." She offered. Helpfully.

Dot's candy cane was lick-sharpened to a fine point as she watched the festivities. It wasn't clear why everyone was going about things in the most Muggle way possible, but maybe that was the charm of it.

There was also charm in doing things the right way, she decided, holding the candy cane between her teeth so she could extract her wand from her pocket. Ugh, little bit sticky, but it was good enough for a few quick levitation charms. Bobbles and tinsel and an ornament or two, all lifted from the bag on the floor and deposited on a branch.

But, ugh, her wand was sticky.

Henric with his Christmas hat on and a pumpkin pastry in his mouth entered the Great Hall. His eyes widened at the beautiful sight before him. The Headboy didn't expect the tree to be so HUGE. Decorations and boxes lying everywhere on the floor and he couldn't wait to get his hands on them. But first...to the COOKIES AND MILK TABLE! Hopefully there were still plenty to spare, his craving for sweet things must be attended to before he gets bussssy.....

Miranda entered the Christmas doused Great Hall to see the goings on and perhaps join in the festivities. She looked around to see if any of her friendsa were there. She scanned the crowd of students and teachers and saw absolutely no one... Great all by herself at this ... gathering of people...
Miranda slunk over to a spot against the wall and planted herself to that spot. Perhaps one of her friends may show up.

Ariadne had started to feel weird about being the only student, when FINALLY someone else walked in. "HI, VIVIAN!" she said, waving at the younger girl. Then it was pretty much a Slytherin INVASION until Haddie showed up. Odd. Who'd have ever thought the sneaky and ambitious snakes would be the main ones to show up and help? Heh. Ariadne waved to them all. There was Vivian, Slytherin Hady, Echo, Ravenclaw Haddie, Dot, Henric, and a first year Hufflepuff she didn't know. Ariadne turned her gaze from the growing crowd and looked around. She wanted to help, but she didn't exactly know where to start.

Hearing her name, she turned back to Professor Stewart. Suggestion? She didn't even remember what she'd said, but apparently Professor Stewart had liked it, so Ariadne just smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Professor Stewart!" she said. Oh, and look at that! Now she knew how to help, because Miss Helpful Professor Stewart had jumped in to direct her. "Yeah, sure!" She edged her way over to the tree. She began looking through the decoration choices as she listened to Professor Stewart cheerfully greet the entire group. "You're a super nice person. Just so you know."

Hearing Echo ask to help, Ariadne gestured toward the box of decorations. "We're just going through this box right here if you want to help," she said. Ariadne chose a few shiny, gold balls and began hanging them around the tree. Now she really wanted to go home. This decorating was putting her in the Christmas spirit, and she wanted to see her mom, her dad, Anna, Sierra, and Damien.

Christmas time. It was one of Niomi's favorite times of the year. After being in school this long, it was nice being able to go home and see her family. Soon she will be able to. She missed her family so much.

Today, Niomi walked into the Great Hall, with a surprising change. It was that time of year, the room was decorated for Christmas. It was so beautiful. Niomi wish she could see this every year for the rest of her life. Sadly, she only had two Christmas left after this year.

Walking over to the Slytherin table, she sat down, by no one, she was all alone. After studying and going to classes all day, she was starving. Arriving at the table, she found sweeties and yummy food that can only be found at this great time of the year. With no one around, Niomi took her school book out and continued to read. Of course, before she read the pages, she grabbed a chocolate dipped pretzel and a Santa shaped cookie to snake on. She was hoping someone would come and take her attention away from this book.

EEEPP! There were more students pouring in the Great Hall. It perked Vivian up and it only meant more helping hands for the decorations! But, it may also mean a whole lot more bystanders too. The Great Hall was going to be so packed in a moment as more Hogwartians went for breakfast and stuff. Not that she cared - the Hall was open for all, anyway - but she did hope that they also assisted in the decorating process. Also, she was feeling the holiday vibes right now! Nothing was going to sour her mood. Vivian wrapped a Christmas tree ribbon decoration around her neck, and pretended that it was a scarf. Didn't she look pretttyyyyy in it? Who needed to hang any other ornament on the tree when she as already there? She was a STAR.

The next student, an older one this time, that entered the Hall (Vivi remembered her from the Snake Pit Gathering during their first night) received a beam from the first year. "Hi, good morning!" she greeted. "Hady, right?" If her memory wasn't too rubbish. But anyway, the older she-snake still deserved the smile because she was a SLYTHERIN and they were always tight. Also, she saved her from further embarrassment during the gathering so Vivi liked her already.

The blonde turned her attention to the Muggles Studies Professor. "Are they free, Professor? For those who helped with the decorations?" If they were, even the more reason to help out! At least she had the perks of being a good student, mhm! The rest who didn't help didn't enjoy the benefits that she and the rest of the good students had. Sucks for them. She looked at the hot chocolate displayed in front. "Maybe I'll have some after decorating. I'll settle for a pretzel now though." She took two from the plate, one was for her and the other she offered to Professor Stewart. "Do you want one, Professor?" Cue the angelic Vivian smile.

And yet another Slytherin student (Echo)! Whoaaaa, was this an extended Snakeys reunion or something? Slytherin invasion! Vivi remembered her from the gathering too. She was the one who laughed at her. Hmmmm, yeah. She received a smile and a wave from the first year anyway. "Good morning!"

The rest of the students that joined in were strangers to Vivi, except Miss Pretty Prefect Dot. The seventh year got a bright bream from firstie, and finger wiggles as well. That was her way of saying hi, apparently. And everyone else, stranger or not, got waves and greetings from her. "Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello!" the blonde said to the each of the four other students (Hadley, Henric, Miranda, Niomi). Merlin, was she in such a good mood.

Once the trees were fully brought in and standing, Justin started on opening one of the boxes. "Thanks Kay," Justin did a knack for picking the best, if one were to ask him. Shortly thereafter they were joined by others. "Not a bad idea Sora." He chuckled lightly, "Hopefully the kiddies love it enough to be one." Everyone loved Christmas, right?

"Hello there Miss Greingoth, I occasionally like to keep my strength up before using good ol' magic again." Grinning, "We can levitate the ornaments and other decorations up." As he went out to demonstrate as he used the levitating charm to get some of the green and red ornaments to hang onto the tree. Just as he was about to recommend the type of treats to try, "Miss Lynch, Fairfield, Duchannes, good to see you. Help yourself to some, there's also plenty of treats in case you need a pick-me-up."

Justin stepped back a moment to take in the current sight with his arms folded, he heard a familiar student. "You think so?" Hm. It was just a tad. "It kinda does, thanks Miss Denaker. Want to help me with the next tree?" It was up to her. He wouldn't be surprised if the treats on the tables tempted her more.

"Nice work there Miss Wojack-Gusey, glad to see you and Mister Nicolei were able to join us." Justin noticed from the side as he fixed the tree that was a bit crooked. Oh what was this? A wallflower? "HELLO there Miss Blaze and Kelly. It looks good, doesn't it?" Whether it was the sweet treats or the decorations or both even.

Brian was feeling the holiday spirit, despite the season having just begun. He wasn't about to stay behind for Christmas for REASONS (including birthday) but he did enjoy seeing the decorations. And as he strolled into the Great Hall, it appeared that they were setting up! Snitching a reindeer cookie and biting its head off first, he wiggled his fingers at everyone.

" 'llo, everyone. Anything I can help with?" Because it was important. And he wanted to be helpful. But if it involved climbing a ladder, he was out. He would just grab like ten cookies and hightail it. MAKE LIKE A GAZELLE AND VAMOOSH. But so many people around. Yes, finger wiggles for all of you.

Ooooh milk. Yes, he'd just have a mug of that too.

Miranda looked around to see if maybe her help was needed with any of the remaining decorations. There wasn't anyone else that she knew there, but then again how else was she to meet other students.So she did the only thing she could and walked over to the older girl.
" Hi, I'm Randa... Anything I could help with?" She asked with a smile.

Randa waved at the older student as she walked by her to go and help. she didn't know her, but maybe by the end of the Christmas celebration she would.
Miranda smiled at her professor, " Hello, Professor. Yes, all of the decorations are wicked, but just you wait till we're finished....It'll be brilliant!"
And with that she bounced away towards the pile of ornaments and the growing crowd of helpers....

There would be junk food consumption right now or at all if she could keep herself away. What she did allow herself however was a mug of milk which she quietly cast a 'hot air' charm at to warm it up a little. Taking a small sip she sighed contently. This was good and even if it didn't quite take her mind off of the sugary treats it did mean she had something in her hand therefore it would keep her busy for a moment.

With the mug in hand she turned herself away from the table. "I would like to help, yes," Hady quietly informed Kay and Justin. Decorating was fun and she wouldn't pass it up. Using a levitation charm she carefully moved a string of red garland up out of a box and guided it towards the top part of the tree. Walking slowly around the tree she was able to get the garland wrapped around it and nicely in place. A voice from near her made her smile and nod her head. "Yup, I'm Hady. How're you liking your lessons so far?" Might as well engage in conversation with a fellow snake (Vivian). Hopefully she was enjoying her first year.

As more people joined in to decorate the tree and eat the goodies Hady sent a small smile their way.

Hadley smiled and returned Ariadne's wave. She hadn't seen the snake all that much this year. They should hang out soon. But before she could make any plans, another snake (Vivian), first year maybe? - greeted her. "Hey," she returned the greeting.

McLeod sized up the tree and caught on, thanking her. Hadley simply shrugged out a you're welcome. She glanced back at the food on the table beside her and frowned. All of it delicious and tempting and Hadley couldn't have any of it because it was all sweet. How did her name twin do it? Hadley would have to ask Hady for pointers later. For now, distraction was offered and Hads was taking it.

She stood up on the bench and hopped down. "Sure. What do you need me to do?"

There is a saying: when in doubt, always follow your nose.

He wasn’t in doubt of anything today. But hey he always follows that big fleshy thing in the middle of his face, it hasn’t let him down yet!

And that streak hasn’t been broken yet because look at this spreeaaad!

It’s the hot cocoa that lured him in here, although by the time that he actually made it to where the decorations and the trees were, he had handful of cookies and a mouth stuffed hungrily with cakes. He spotted several of his friends and professors -- a hearty wave of the cocoa mug to you Haddie, Ariadne and red red Dottie-- but yes he was here for a reason....

"I 'elp " he said between mouthfuls. "I 'decor't"

Donning a very tacky Christmas sweater and some jingly shoes (and, you know, some slacks too!) Paul made his way into the Great Hall and took a deeeeeep breath. Christmas. A much needed break, and much needed time with the hubz.

And much needed meditation over whether his methods of teaching were really all that good. Because lately, Paul had been feeling pretty down about all of that stuff. He was sure a break would make him feel much better....maybe.

Oh good, Justin was here!

The Herbologist didn't know where to begin, though...and for once, he was feeling kind of quiet. But sigh. "Justin, what exactly do you need help with?" And were those COOKIES? Paul LOVED COoKIES WHO DIDN'T LoVE COOKIES.?!?!?!?

Christmas at Hogwarts. Ryu used to chew her ear about this sort of thing, and Preston too. The men in her life seemed to adore Hogwarts more than anything else. Nana herself found it all rather charming, but just a bit too English for her taste, nevertheless, she was in good spirits as she entered the Great Hall. Having come from the Castle grounds, the Transfiguration Professor was dressed simply, but warmly in a grey turtleneck sweater, a long wool skirt and a pair of faux-dragonhide boots which helped hide just how very short Nana was.

She nodded to Paul, to Justin, and then made herself busy simply looking around. Though she found herself interested in decorating, she would leave that to the students, they seemed quite eager.

Ah, there was Miss Lynch, and Miss Denaker. Mister Salander too, they all received smiles and polite hellos as she passed them, eager to grab a seat and witness True English Holiday Cheer.

This was the first time Kitty would be celebrating Christmas at Hogwarts. Her parents were visiting with her aunt's family farther up in Ireland. Emily (Kitty's mom) had asked Kitty if she wanted to come, but Kitty had kindly declined their offer. She wasn't in the mood for traveling across Ireland for Christmas, and Christmas at Hogwarts was something she had never experienced before.

It took twenty minutes for her to apply her pale face makeup and dark eyeliner, though this time she used bright red lipstick instead of black. Black was still her favorite, but she thought that for the feast, a startling red lipstick would be more impressive in contrast with her pale white face makeup. Then she put on a black turtleneck shirt and cape and headed off to the Great Hall.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" Kitty said loudly with a smile as she entered the hall and went to find a place to sit before turning to admire the magnificent trees. She waved at Haddie.

After a few moments of watching everyone else offer to help, Kitty felt a prickle of guilt and stood up to offer her services also. "Is there anything I can help with?"