Dreaming Of A Park Christmas.

[Willie Vanderhyde]

Willie, despite having hosted a multitude of functions alongside her parents, had never hosted anything quite like this. Usually, Mo and Mae hosted a large family and close friends dinner at their house but given that there were now two very young children in the mix...they had agreed to let Erin and Willie host this year. And Willie was nervous. She knew that Mae loved her and that no matter what she did, it would be well received.

But she wanted it to be perfect.

They had all opted to do a bit of a potluck this year to take a little bit of the burden off the new mother...but Willie had still gone a little overboard. Bustling about the kitchen, she put the finishing touches on a lovely ham, pulled a sweet potato casserole out of the over, and then moved to the fridge to pull out an apple pie that needed to bake.

Once that was in the oven, she figured it was time she get ready. So she moved to check in with Erin and the twins...both of which were happy and in good spirits. Placing a kiss to Erin's cheek...she moved off to shower and change.

Once in her dress, she moved to get the girls dressed so that Erin could get ready too. Putting them in matching dresses, Willie grinned at how cute they were. Almost five months old now, they were both so expressive and she just couldn't get enough of them.

Scooping them up, a baby on each hip, she carried them downstairs before setting them in their pack and play...just as she heard a knock at the door. Grabbing her wand, she pointed it at the fireplace, a fire springing to life to warm the home a bit more and she moved to answer the door, letting her parents in...followed closely by Mo and Mae.

Her first Christmas Eve she'd be hosting.

Here went nothing...

[Raelynn Cox]

Christmas had more recently become one of Rae's favorite things. It had always been kind of cool...but after last year, it had become her favorite time of the year. Jay's family just had so much love wrapped up in it. It was hard not to look forward to it! Besides...it was one of the few times a year that she really took the time to dress up.

Walking up the steps with her very muggle parents, Rae knocked happily on the door, grinning as it swung open...a charm she assumed either Willie or Erin had put on the door.

Greeting Willie with a hug and Erin with a crisp high five, Rae moved to introduce them to her mum and dad...then moving to introduce them to Jay's parents and leaving them to chat before approaching the twins where they were happily cooing away in a pack and play.

Feel free to love on them all you want!

Rae shot Willie a happy smile at the go ahead before reaching in and plucking Duri up, holding her in her left arm while her right hand hung into the pack and play...lightly stroking Hana's hair. She hoped Jay would be here soon...she felt bad with only one baby being held.

[Veronica Park]

Shooting Ben a wink as she styled her hair, Roni bit her lip as she smiled. Recently...the pair had started trying for their own little bundle of joy. And while she hadn't gotten those two little lines this month, Roni was excited for what the new year would bring. She just knew that she and Ben would be welcoming their own little one at some point near the end of next year and she couldn't help but be excited.

Slipping into her dress, Roni smoothed it over her curves and moved toward her tiny little kitchen. Gods, it would be nice once she and Ben found a house they liked. Making sure the dish she had prepped for the potluck style dinner was ready to go, she was just waiting for her husband.

Once they were both ready, she stepped close to him, slipping her arm around him as she leaned in for a sweet little kiss. Slipping out the door together, they made their way down the street before ducking into a small alley and apparating out to Willie and Erin's. Another pro to finding a house...they wouldn't have to walk away from an apartment building to pop out like that.

Once in the house, Roni smiled widely before waving at everyone. Setting the dish down on the table, she gave her in laws hugs and then returned to Ben's side, gazing up at him lovingly. She was so lucky to have married into such an amazing family.

[Evan Park]

Evan was sort of glad that Erin and Willie were hosting Christmas this year. With Erin having the twins...and Evan's son on the way...it really helped that the two didn't have to spend the entire day charming and magically contorting their parents' home to accommodate the large party. Erin and Willie's home naturally had plenty of space (good on his twin for falling in love with a literal superstar).

So as he and Lexa arrived to the house, Evan pulled in for a quick kiss before straightening his outfit and then opening the door for his very pregnant fiancé.

Greeting his twin, he watched as Willie greeted Lexa and then he moved to say hello to his parents.

Rae was playing with the babies, her parents nearby. Evan was sure that Jay was around here somewhere. Ben and Roni were already here. Willie's parents...

But he knew there were a lot more invited. Park Family Christmas had really turned into quite the event.

[Ricky Vanderhyde]

Christmas Eve at his cousin’s home. It was a lovely invitation…even if he hadn’t been expecting it. He and Willie weren’t exactly close. But…she was family. Besides…as Alvin’s best friend, Kit had been invited and there were still appearances to keep up. Especially since Willie’s fiancé’s brother always invited the Blackthorn family.

Once he was dressed, Ricky grabbed up the bag containing a container of roasted potatoes he had prepared and then he apparated out to Kit’s. She looked beautiful. Truly. In a different world, perhaps he would have courted her for real. But right now, she was a means to an end.

Still…she seemed stressed and Ricky wasn’t a monster.

”You alright?” he asked as he slipped an arm around her so they could pop to Willie’s.

Once there, he took her hand in his own…appearances…and they entered. The party was fleshing out a bit and Ricky smiled at his cousin as he greeted them before letting go of Kit and moving to put the potatoes on the table. Once he was finished, he returned to Kit and smiled.

”You look lovely tonight, by the way.”

[Kit Carson]

Kit didn't want to go to christmas. Just this morning she begged and begged Alice to come over because she needed to have her bestie there for support. She hadn't told Alice about her rendezvous with Alvin after her wedding so the reason she needed her was going to be an even bigger surprise. Test in hand she headed into the bathroom and sat in the living room to wait with Alice.

And then it was interrogation time. No, it wasn't Ricky's. She hadn't been touched by Ricky…he was a gentleman surprisingly. Especially considering the nature of their fake relationship. It was actually Alvin’s. And then she had to explain the when, why, how, and what the fuck all at the same time. They were drunk, Kit was making sure Alvin got home okay, Alvin absolutely just made her weak in the knees and when he kissed her? She was putty. She would have jumped off mount Everest if he asked. And…she had to talk about the next morning and how he didn't remember, and how she ended up helping Mae in the kitchen for like twenty minutes before they met the group for brunch.

And how shitty she felt over the whole thing. And by this point, because Kit was probably powering through the topic very quickly, the timer dinged and Kit's life changed forever. And when she tried to get out of Christmas for being sick and beginning to scratch something down to send to Ricky…Alice stopped her and told her she had to go to Christmas. Kit was a little frustrated, but…she got ready and let Alice get off to get ready too. And soon enough…Ricky was at the door.

“You alright?”

Kit must have looked like Tina Belcher because he saw right through her. Thankfully she was able to brush it off and allowed him to slip an arm around her to apparate out. He took her hand once they arrived and Kit really wasn't paying attention to anything, just moving like a robot to place the rolls she'd gotten on the table and going back to holding Ricky's hand. Maybe Ava wouldn't be there and they could cut the charade, but that was unlikely.

”Hmm?” she hummed when he complimented her. She looked down at her dress and almost started to cry, knowing she wouldn't be able to wear this dress or anything similar much longer. ”Thank you. So do you. You always look sharp though,” she complimented, offering him a half-hearted smile. ”I'm sorry again, for the ministry party. I don't mean to be more trouble than I'm worth.”

[Alvin Park]

Toting a rather large container of homemade macaroni and cheese, Alvin strolled up the walk to his older brother and soon to be sister in law's home. He was rather glad they were doing Christmas dinner here this year. Alvin himself really needed a night to just relax and be happy. A lot had been going through his mind lately.

Like the fact that he had apparently slept with his best friend and didn't remember a moment of it. Which was sad for a multitude of reasons...but the biggest reason being that he didn't know if he had pressured Kit or anything.

Pushing open the door, the very first people Alvin saw...were Ricky and Kit. His heart leapt into his throat. That was another reason he felt terrible. Kit was dating Willie's cousin. And while she had tried telling him that nothing had happened, Alvin wasn't stupid. He was almost certain it had. Fixing his face, he offered the couple a smile and moved to put the dish of pasta on the table before removing his coat and straightening his vest.

He gave his mother a kiss on her cheek and a hug before turning to Kit and Ricky for a moment.

"Hey guys, happy Christmas."

He bowed respectfully and shot Kit a small, apologetic glance before turning and walking toward where Rae was loving on the babies. Sitting on the sofa across from her, he just smiled. The girls were adorable. Maybe one day he'd have his own.

Little did he know...

[Ben Park]

It didn't take Ben long to get ready, but he did clean up the flat a little while he waited before pulling up a chair to watch Roni finish up. He loved everything about her - the way she winked at him, the way she always kept a positive attitude. The way she teased. The way she so easily and effortlessly just fit right in with everyone. The way she took a chance on him. The way she puckered her lips before giving one of the baby twins a kiss. All these little things that made him fall in love with her and kept him falling for her every day they were together.

They arrived at Willie's, and he had to sneak in a kiss before they entered…the last big get together here had been their engagement party. It felt…like new territory as a married couple, but there was no one else he would rather be trekking it with.

Roni left his side for a moment to bring the dish, and Ben said his hellos to his parents and Willie, and a wave to Al who looked wildly out of sorts before his wife joined him again. Lexa was perched on a chair looking quite pregnant, and he turned to look at Roni, his heart lurching in his chest. ”You doing okay, love?”

[Jay Park]

Knowing Rae was going to be joining the party with her parents, Jay opted for heading over to Willie's a little earlier to help with things. Anything, really - the twins, finishing touches on food…but he was shuffled off to help Erin with the babies and had quite a time with that. After a bit Erin slipped away to get dressed, and Jay held both babies in his lap, and when the party was about to get going, the nerves burst in his chest and he didn't waste any time getting ready.

Practically skipping down the stairs, he was excited for mainly one reason - Rae. A few weeks before break they'd taken their relationship to a new level and while he didn't know what he was supposed to call her label-wise, he knew one thing. She was his. And when he caught sight of her with the twins…everything just came together and his heart skipped a beat…and while it may have felt like a while that he stood, watching her hold onto Duri, it was only a few moments. Then, he slid in next to her and scooped up Hana, burying his face in her neck playfully to make her laugh her cute little baby laugh. ”Happy Christmas, Rae. You look amazing.”

[Erin Park]

While Willie finished up in the kitchen, Erin and Jay were entertaining the babies. It…was a bit of a surprise but really shouldn't have been that he was so good with kids, and happily left the girls with their uncle when he went to get ready. When he was finished, he sent his brother off to do the same, Willie already getting the girls situated. He pressed a kiss to her temple before following her down the stairs to the party.

His parents and Willie's were the first to arrive, followed by Raelynn and her folks. Erin offered them a polite bow, wondering if their daughter had let them in on what was going on between her and his brother. But, of course, as per all the drama going on in the family, it wasn't his place to say anything.

Roni and Ben arrived, followed by Evan and Lexa, and Ricky (Willie's cousin) and Alvin’s friend Kit? Erin, who had been on the other end of a very panicked Alvin a week or so ago, didn't realize Kit was seeing someone else…let alone Ricky Vandehyde. Especially when the whole room has seen how she looked at Alvin. But. Again. None of his business. What was his business was making sure everything went off without a hitch, and when Alvin had set his dish down and greeted Kit and Ricky, he followed him to the sofa where Jay was with Rae, playing with Hana and Duri. ”everything okay, mate?” he asked, his voice low.

[Matteo Cappello]

This was the second invitation Matty and Poppy received for Christmas dinner with the Parks. He certainly enjoyed himself last time he went, even if he did have to share Poppy with Bo and Paisley. Matteo was determined to be more open this time and really get to know everybody - he had too big of a personality to be huddling next to Poppy the entire time. Christmas with the Parks was a lot fancier than he was accustomed to, but he managed to find a nice suit to wear. Matty dressed himself as Poppy got ready. She came into the room all dressed up by the time he was sliding his feet into his shoes. He froze when he looked up, his chocolate eyes taking her in as he let out a low whistle. “Babe, you look amazing.” Matteo crossed the room in two strides and pulled her in for a kiss. His eyes twinkled at her as he pulled away, his smile brightening the room. “You ready to go?” Grabbing his wand and tucking it in his jacket pocket, Matty took her downstairs to grab the dish they prepared and Apparated them to Chalet De Lup. Even the house’s name was fancy.

Matty held onto Poppy’s hand as they walked up to the door. He gave her a squeeze before knocking on the door. It opened for them and they stepped inside. Matty smiled at everybody before turning to Poppy. “You wanna find Bo and I’ll take this to the kitchen?” It only seemed right that he brought his mom’s famous bean casserole and he wanted Poppy to spend some time with her friends. “I’ll come find you.” He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before he started walking. He was pretty sure he knew his way to the kitchen. Willie threw that party a couple years ago and he knew he’d gone to the kitchen once or twice. When he found it, he walked up to Willie. “Hey, where can I set this?” He lifted his hand that held the casserole. “Dinner’s gonna be great by the way.” Everything smelled so good and Matty knew that Willie was capable of throwing one helluva party.

[Ava Blackthorn]

I'll take you for a ride, I'll be your Vixen.

Ava was taking her time. There was no need to rush because no matter how long she took, Emma would always be 5 minutes behind her. Twisting in front of the mirror, she smoothed down her dress. The Parks threw this soiree every Christmas Eve and the Blackthorns were always invited, thanks to Julian being best friends with one of their younger kids. Honestly, there were too many Parks to keep track of...maybe there were multiple sets of twins? Ava banished the thought and headed down to the foyer to wait for her siblings and parents.

Once everyone was gathered and ready, the lot of them apparated to some place in the woods? It was different than last year, bigger. Ava pushed past Tyler's wife and entered the Chalet. Someone else in her family had the potluck dish so she easily made her way in and surveyed the room, a looootttt of Parks and their spouses that she didn't know. Conjuring herself a glass of champagne, she took a sip as she spotted Alvin sitting alone on the couch. She noticed Kit over on the side with some long haired boy. With a smirk, she sat down a little too close to Alvin on the couch. "Merry Christmas, Alvin. Thanks for inviting me."

Tagged;; Alvin Park
Outfit

[Bo Park]

Christmas time. A time that a younger Bo absolutely loved. But this Bo...this Bo was just a little too down this year for Christmas. Still...he was going. He had invited his best friends again so he was sure they would be there. And after the rather painful breakup with Oliver, Bo had asked Jon to come too. Initially, he wasn't going to ask any of his partners. But Roxie was likely spending time with her fresh out of jail brother...and Oliver was...not his anymore.

So it wouldn't be weird to just invite the one now.

Besides, if Bo had to do this, it would be nice to have the support.

So walking into Willie's, Bo checked his outfit in the mirror as he strolled past. There was a reason he was considered the "hot" brother. All of the Park boys were attractive, but Bo often ramped it up with the way he dressed and carried himself. Setting his dish down, he noticed Poppy off to the side and he made his way that way. As he passed by Kit, he reached out to squeeze her shoulder in a silent greeting.

But at Poppy, he reached out and pulled her into a hug.

"Happy Christmas Poppy...where's your husband slipped off to?"

[Nico Park]

Usually, it was Erin or Evan doing the apparating around and gathering of invitees that weren't quite able to get themselves to the party. But Erin had the twins and Evan had a very pregnant girlfriend...so Uncle Nickie was more than happy to make the rounds this year. And once he had his outfit straight, he moved to kiss Kai before telling her he'd see her at Willie's and reminding her not to forget the dish they had prepared together.

And with that, he popped out...landing outside of Professor Davis' house. With a cheery smile, Nico knocked at the door...and as his former professor answered it, Nico just grinned up at the man (who probably wasn't super fond of him) and waved.

"Ello professor! Is Jon about ready?"

When Jon finally joined him on the porch, Nico looped his arm through the Gryffindor's and turned into himself...both of them apparating out and and touching down at Willie's. Opening the door, Nico let Jon in, certain he would bee line for Bo. And since Nico didn't see Kai or Julian yet, he instead decided to join Rae and Jay with the babies...waving at Alvin and Ava as he passed them.

[Lexa Taylor]

So it was (likely) one of the few times that Lexa had been to Willie’s house, and it did not get any less impressive any time she went. Like right now, decked out in holiday decor…it looked like something straight out of a muggle christmas movie. She greeted Willie happily - the two were the eldest twins’ girls and the first two moms of the lot, too, and Lexa was thankful to get to know Willie. She really was a rock solid human and a rockstar mom…definitely someone Lexa could look up to in that way. On top of her own mom (rest her soul) and Evan’s.

There were a handful of people around, but not as many as were invited of course. She planted a kiss on Evan’s cheek and straightened her jacket over her slim white dress that showed off her baby bump. She greeted Evan’s parents of course, and then turned to Evan. ”What’s with…” she waggled her fingers over at Ricky and Kit nonchalantly - she knew Kit, obviously, and usually she was google eyed over Alvin. But that didn’t seem to be the case tonight, Lexa’s gaze uncomfortably flicking over the way they held hands and then over to the sad way that Al was by himself on the couch. Kit locked eyes with her for just a moment, and an expression of absolute sadness washed over Al’s friend’s face. Weird. ”Let me bring this into the kitchen.” she offered, taking their dish and saying hello to Ben and Roni before slipping off. Something told her this was going to be an interesting evening.