"Ain't it pretty?" Kaylee said, stepping back to admire the tree. It was draped with a paper chain, and popcorn that had been strung together. There were origami flowers and birds and other pretty little ornaments tucked into the boughs. "I wish we coulda got a real tree, but at least we won't need to buy another one next year."

"It looks lovely," Inara smiled. "Everything does." The common room was decorated with red paper lanterns that would be lit later that evening when Hannah had gone to bed. Nine Christmas stockings of various sizes, colors and fabrics hung on one wall.

"Rumor has it you girls been into the rum already this mornin'," Mal said, who had just been down in the cargo bay.

"Practicing for tonight," Kate grinned. "Hannah, don't you pull that. If the tree falls down on you, I'm just going to watch and laugh." It was an empty threat, but the little girl re-thought the idea of tugging on the paper chain.

"You seen the mess Jayne's makin' of my hold?" Mal asked. "Wood dust all over the place, an' I reckon he's done forgot how to use a broom."

"He's making Christmas," River said in his defense.

~*~

"What's that?" River asked Jayne as he bent over a small wooden object, sanding out the rough edges..

Jayne looked startled. "Why you gotta sneak up on me, girl?"

"I asked first," she said simply.

"Cradle," Jayne said tersely.

"Not for Kaylee and Simon. Too small for a baby," River pointed out.

"Not for a doll baby," Jayne replied. "Or a kitten."

River beamed and kissed Jayne's forehead. "You," she grinned, "are a softie."

"I'll deny it to the grave."

River studied the tiny cradle. "What's it lined with?" she asked, petting the soft fur.

"Rabbit I picked off on Aurora," Jayne said. "My pa showed me how to cure skins when I was a boy."

"You made all your gifts," River stated, rather than asked. "But you're good at keeping secrets, because I can't see mine."

"Way it should be," Jayne grinned slyly. "You gonna go get ready for the party?"

~*~

"Why?"