Once upon a time, there was a small town called Trackers Valley. In this town, snow covered the ground, trees, and everywhere else. The houses were decorated brightly with little lights and holli’s and other nik-nak’s. Small pine trees were inside these homes and they were decorated with tree ornaments. If you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s Christmas eve. Families were giving and receiving gifts, having dinner together, singing songs, and enjoying one another’s companies. It was a pretty happy place. Except for one hedgehog one wasn’t celebrating.

He was a black and red hedgehog who’s name was Shadow. He lived alone in the woods that surrounded the majority of the other houses. There were no lights outside his house, no tree in his living room, no dinner on the table to eat. He was just sitting on his couch, coffee in hand, staring at the fire before him. He hadn’t wished to participate in the holiday because he thought there no reason. It was just another day. The only thing ‘special’ he thought about this day was that people wasted their time and money on others. You could be out doing better things than sitting around and making a mess with designed paper, getting toys that would be ridden in a matter of time, and food that could easily be made for oneself.

He felt that he needed no one for his own happiness. He felt that there was no need for happiness. That world was too cruel to allow someone to be happy during their lifetime. Yes, you can be happy for a little while. But by the end of the day, you’re sleeping with a frown. In a land of dark numbness that your mind would take advantage of and play stupid things to keep your spirit ‘bright and happy’. No such thing.

The dark hedgehog was brought from his thoughts by a knock on his door. He groaned, rolled his eyes, and begrudgingly got up. When he open the door, he was greeted by his blue rival, Sonic.

“What do you want Faker?” Shadow asked with annoyance, putting a hand on his hip to emphasize. Though with his aggravation and rudeness, the speedster kept a smile on his face and piped attitude.

“Can’t I come visit a friend just before the best holiday of the year?” Sonic said. His retort was a slow, unamused blink. Sonic chuckled and politely asked, “Mind if I come in Shads? It is kinda cold.”

“Yes. I do mind,” Shadow replied. “And don’t call me Shads, Faker.”

“Only if you don’t call me Faker, Faker.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Then imma call you Shads!” Sonic then giggled again. Annoying Shadow even further.

“Why are you here, Faker? Don’t you have some ‘party’ with your friends? Besides, I’m pretty sure your girlfriend will be looking for you.”

“She’s Not My Girlfriend!!”

“Oh really? Then how come I remember seeing her kiss you at Rouges party just yesterday?”

Sonic faltered. “That was because she caught me under the mistletoe! I didn’t even notice the thing was above me until she did that!”

“Sure.” Shadow was still looking at him boredly. Sonic gave a huff and pouted, his bottom lip sticking out.

“You’re no fun,” Sonic said.

“Shadow shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t care. Now, if you have no other reason aside from bothering me, you can go now.”

Shadow then closed the door and Sonic wasn’t able to react quick enough to stop it. For it, he began to knock on the door again.

“C’mon Shadow! Don’t be like that! C’mon! Lemme in! Please?!”

Shadow ignored him and sat back down on his sofa, grabbing his mug in the process. He brought the porcelain cup to his lips for a sip while listening to the knocks and pleads. The sounds soon stopped before a sigh and taps of shoes became distant. Shadow smirked.

‘Peace at last,’ he thought.

The night continued on and soon enough, Christmas day would be upon the small town of Tracker’s Valley.

Shadow had fallen asleep on the arm of the couch. His cup was on the stand next to him. His hand hung limply off the side while his other hand was hidden under his head. Soft snored emitted from the slumbering ‘hog, being the only sound in the room. A couple clouds parted and allowed some sunlight through. Said sunlight shone onto the peaceful ebony, awakening him. Shadow groaned and cursed the sky for such acts.

He then sat up straight and stretched his arms over and behind his head. A sigh of content left him when a good ‘crack’ was heard. A hand came up and rubbed a lidded ruby eye. Though he was interrupted by another knock on his door.

“I swear if that’s who I think it is…” Shadow growled.

Shadow opened the door and was confused when only cold wind carrying snow flakes was what met him. He scanned the area and took a single step forward for a better look. Though he looked down and saw a box that his foot had lightly kicked. The box was wrapped in red wrapping paper with yellow ribbon and golden bow. A card was tightly held by the bow and ribbon against the top of the box.

Shadow raised an eye ridge and grabbed the package before walking back inside. He slowly closed the door behind him and sat on the couch once more. The present gently sat in his lap while ruby eyes looked at it. After a few minutes of mental guessing, he slide off the ribbon and bow and set the card aside. Shadow torn the paper off and threw it next to him. He opened the cardboard box and brought out its contents. A red hat with white fluff trimming and bell on the tip. Along the trimming was the name ‘SHADOW’ in black letters.

“Maria? What is it?” Shadow asked innocently.

Maira giggle and said, “It’s a hat Shadow. Here, let me put it on you.”

She put it on the small ‘hog and he tried to look at it as it sat on top his head. Confusion was written on his face.

“I don’t get it,” he said.

Maria giggled again. “It’s supposed to be on your head Shadow.”

“Why? It’s an accessory. You don’t really need it. So why wear it?”

“It’s a part of Christmas.”

“‘Christmas’?”

“It’s a special holiday where you hang out with friends and family. You exchange gifts and have dinner together and decorate a tree and all sorts of stuff. But over all, you’re happy.”

“‘Exchange gifts’? But I didn’t get you anything Maria!”

“You already gave me a gift Shadow.”

“What? I did?”

Maria pulled Shadow into a hug.

You gave me happiness. Which is the best gift anyone could ask for.”

Shadow smiled from the memory. That was his first Christmas. And a hat was his first gift. Shadow set the hat down and picked up the card. He opened it and read.

Hey Shads! I know you don’t like to celebrate Christmas and all but I at least wanted to get you a gift! Hope you like it!

Merry Christmas,

Sonic

PS, there’s going to be a party at my place at noon!

Hope to see ya there!

Shadow sighed and shook his head. Of course Sonic would give him a gift and invite him to a party. Everyone else wouldn’t think twice but leave him alone.

‘Might as well go,’ Shadow thought.

He then got up from the couch and walked to his room to get ready.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!