What Alastair missed most of all from his younger days spent on Earth (before his family decided to take up the nomadic life), were holidays. He may have been but a child at the time, but several still graced his memory.
The excitement of counting down to the New Year.
Giving heart shaped candy and cards to his friends on Valentine’s Day.
Hunting for golden treasures on St. Patrick’s Day and then eggs filled with candy for Easter.
The light of fireworks reflecting off of a lake on Independence Day.
Stuffing himself full on Thanksgiving, and then somehow managing to find room for dessert.
And all the wonder and joy that came from the magic of Christmas.
Of course, his parents still attempted to continue some of the holidays traditions as they traveled, but it was much more difficult. They might settle in one place for a few weeks leading up to a holiday. Or, there was the rare occasions where they would actually allow them to travel back to Earth during the holiday season.
But The Travelers Alliance had none of that. Most of their celebrations had ceased since joining. And after Nerissa killed his parents, well… he and his sister hadn’t shared a holiday since.
But this year would be different, he thought, as he admired the sparkling bauble in his hand. He hung it gently on the branch of a dwarf-sized pine-like tree. He had come across the tree during one of his visits with the Grumlins a few months ago and, hit with an instant feeling of nostalgia, marked its position, and then returned earlier that day to procure it.
While Lilith hadn’t experienced any holidays on Earth, surely she remembered celebrating his favorite with their parents: Christmas. He couldn’t wait to share it with her. He patted the branches and the various decorations jingled, forcing him to chuckle.
It was perfect.