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Christmas was usually Sam Yao’s favorite time of the year.  It was cliche, yes, but he couldn’t not love it.  He loved the lights in the trees, the warm drinks and traditional food, the thoughtful gifts and actions people took to show their loved ones they care.  

Obviously a lot had changed since Z day, especially when it came to the holidays.  The old traditions had become wrapped in memories of the world before it had gone grey, making it a bittersweet time of year.  

To remedy this, new traditions had formed to honor the old ones.  One of Sam’s favorites was the township-wide holiday party that he organized every year.  It was always a huge undertaking, but he loved the task.  It helped him stay busy, it boosted morale, and it was just fun.  There weren’t many reasons to celebrate in the apocalypse, so it was also a good break from the normal day to day task of surviving. 

Sam always put everything he could into his holiday party.  True, there were no longer lights in the trees because energy needed to be conserved for more important things, but he asked his runners to be on the lookout for any other decorations during their supply runs.  This had resulted in very odd and mismatched decor, like a taxidermy beaver with reindeer antlers that they had taken to calling Rudy the Holiday Reinbeaver (when not at the holiday party once a year, the residents of Abel had taken it upon themselves to hide their beloved taxidermy beaver in increasingly uncanny places.  Five had managed to sneak him into the rafters of Janine’s farmhouse once.)  

The warm drinks at the party all tasted a bit off because the water was collected from rivers and rain, but this was usually remedied by a splash of whisky or rum.  Sam also made sure to know everyone’s favorite holiday foods from before Z day and worked with the kitchen to make sure the dishes at the party were at least the best approximation of the nostalgic flavors everyone loved.  

Sam’s annual holiday party was always a big hit.  Even Janine had been known to let loose at the party, but letting loose for her was usually just bobbing her head to whatever song was playing in an uncharacteristically enthusiastic manner. 

Sam usually looked forward to planning his holiday party.  He usually looked forward to this magical season.  Christmas was usually Sam Yao’s favorite time of the year.

So what was different this time?

They’d just finished their drawn out battle with Sigrid and were slowly working on rebuilding the township for what felt like the hundredth time in only a handful of years.  Abel had been torn down and built up several times, but this time felt different.  They had been kicked out of their home and forced to become wanted fugitives.  Sam had learned that his sister might be alive and trapped in one of Sigrid’s awful baby factories.  He’d also been held captive by that sniveling weasel Ian Golightly, and the memories of the pain Sam had endured would not be going away anytime soon.

Sam knew he should start planning his holiday party.  He really should.  But there was too much else to do.  Janine would probably say that they needed to focus on rebuilding, not planning a frivolous party.  Plus, no one had asked him about it yet.  Maybe he could push it off for another day or two.  He’d start planning it just as soon as that holiday feeling set in.  He would.  It should be any day now, right?

_________________

It was Janine who called the meeting.

Abel’s finest shoved into the small debriefing room, minus Sam who was in the coms shack monitoring a supply run for building supplies.

“Janine, what is this?” Maxine asked, stifling a yawn.  She’d been working overtime in the hospital with cold and flu season at its peak, “I have patients that I need–”

“How are you feeling, Dr. Myers?” Janine asked.

Maxine blinked, surprised.  It’s not that Janine didn’t care about the members of her township, but she was not usually one to directly ask how they were doing.

 “I– I’m feeling fine, Janine.  A bit tired, I guess, but overall fine.  Thank you for asking.”

“Good,” Janine nodded, turning to the rest of the assembled, “Same question to the rest of you.  How are you all feeling?

“I’m ok,” Paula said, simply.

“I’m doing alright,” replied Jody.

“I am also doing well,” Said Tom, gruffly.

“Superb, fine, splendid, dandy.  Take your pick.” Peter grinned.

Five held up two enthusiastic thumbs and wiggled them.

Janine nodded, seemingly satisfied, “Good.  I am glad you are all doing well.  Do we know who’s not doing well?”

“Sam.”

“Sam Yao.”

“Everyone’s favorite operator?”

“Our human ray of sunshine and morale moderator?”

“Yes,” replied Janine, “I called you all here because while he is well known throughout the township, we are the ones who know him best.  I am glad I am not the only one who has noticed his diminished attitude as of late.  Has anyone checked up on him recently?”

Everyone avoided making direct eye contact.  Lots of foot shuffling and mumbled excuses filled the air. 

Janine sighed.

“You know how he is, Janine,” Five spoke up, a sad note touching her voice, “He’s always so worried about helping everyone else with their problems and keeping a brave, optimistic face in troubling times.  He never wants to let on when he’s feeling down.”

Jody nodded, “I brought him a tea the other day and tried to ask how he was doing.  He said he was doing fine and then instantly changed the subject on me.”

“Yes, but did he seem like he was doing fine?” Paula asked.

“Paula, we all know how poor Sam’s acting skills are,” Jody answered, “No, he did not seem fine.  But I didn’t want to push it.” 

Tom put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze, “Still good of you to check in.” 

“Thanks, Tom.”

“He went through a lot over these past few months,” Five grimaced, “I mean, we all did.  But I feel like this whole thing with Sigrid and Ian was particularly rough on him.  Especially with the news about his sister and the–'' Five broke off, her voice wavering a bit.  She wasn’t going to say torture, but they all knew what she meant.  Everyone’s faces turned sour.  How had they let Ian get to Sam?

“Anyway,” Five said after taking a breath, “I think the best thing we can do for him would be to help him through it, but in the least obvious way possible because he won’t accept help if it’s offered.”    

“Thank you for that wonderful segue, Runner Five,” Janine nodded approvingly.

“What–”

“Mr. Yao’s holiday party,” Janine continued, “I believe that would be a good place to start.”

“Jenny, are you becoming a party planner?” Peter cracked a crooked smile.

Janine made a noise of doubt, “Not so.  I am a brilliant tactical planner, but my planning skills are not,” she hesitated, “Well, it certainly does not come as naturally to me.”

“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard her admit she’s not good at something,” Paula muttered quietly.  Maxine elbowed her. 

“So, you want us to help you plan Sam’s holiday party?” Peter ventured, “The party that usually takes him weeks of planning, has what seems like one hundred moving parts, and always ends up completely legendary?  In what, three days?”

“It won’t be the hardest thing we’ve ever done,” Five reasoned.

“Are we sure about that?” Peter muttered.

Jody clapped her hands together, “Well, I think this sounds like a brilliant plan.  It would help take a big task off his plate and show him we care.  I do think it should be a surprise though.”

Janine smiled slightly, “Thank you Miss Marsh.  I also think that with seven of us, we will be able to get this done quickly and efficiently, all while keeping Mr. Yao none the wiser.”

__________

Sam Yao must be a wizard.

The past few days had been a whirlwind, asking people what their favorite things about Sam’s party were and trying to get them all checked off, going on seemingly endless supply runs, and trying to keep everything organized and hidden from Sam until the big day.

Five genuinely wasn’t sure how her operator pulled it off every year, planning it on his own.  She silently vowed that she would offer to help him next year.

Finally, the day arrived.  Five’s job was to keep Sam busy while everyone set everything up in the mess hall.  That, she could do.

She’d found him lying on the old couch in the coms shack, aimlessly tossing a foam ball into the air.

“Knock knock?”

Sam sat up and plastered on a smile as Five entered the small room, “Five!  How are you doing?”

“I’m doing great, but was wondering if you wanted to come with me to get some fresh air?  I swear I’ve been cooped up inside all day.”

That was only half true.  Five had been in and out of what she swears was every building in the township collecting random bits and bobs for tonight’s event.  Truthfully, she was exhausted and was grateful for her easy task of keeping the operator busy.

“Yeah, course,” Sam stretched his arms over his head, “wanna go on a walk?”

“No!” Five said a little too loudly, and Sam tilted his head, “I mean, I was going to suggest just chilling on the roof of the coms shack?”

Sam shrugged, “That sounds nice.  Just happy to spend time with my favorite runner.”  Sam looked around conspiratorially and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone, I’m not supposed to have favorites.”

Runner Five smirked and also leaned in, “Sam, I hate to break it to you, but I think everyone already knows,” She planted a soft kiss to his temple, “I think Peter’s definitely the most jealous.”

Sam laughed at that, “Oh absolutely.”

They left the room and climbed up the small ladder leading to the roof.  It was one of their favorite places to go to just get away from all of the chaos of their lives.  Not many people outside of the runners and Sam knew you could get to the roof of the coms shack, so it felt very secret and special.  It also had the added bonus of being obscured by a big radio tower, meaning Sam wouldn’t be able to see the activity buzzing around the rest of the township if he didn’t look too hard.

They sat in silence for a bit, just enjoying the crisp weather and each other’s company.  It was a nice day, not too many clouds, but the occasional breeze brought the smell of promised snow.  

It was clear something was on Sam’s mind.  It was likely the same thing that had been on his mind for the past several weeks.  Five stayed quiet, knowing that if Sam really wanted to talk about something, he would.  It was best not to push him.

Eventually, he did speak.

“I’m sorry about the holiday party, Five.”

Five furrowed her brow and sat up, “Sam, it’s ok–”

“No, it’s not,” Sam huffed a bitter laugh, “I know people look forward to it every year.  It’s good for morale, and lord knows we all need a bit of morale right now.  I dropped the ball this time and I owe everyone an apology.  I just–” He looked away as his voice cracked a bit.

Five put a gentle hand on his arm, “It really is ok, Sam.  I know it’s a lot for you to plan.  And it’s been a long couple of months.”

Sam nodded, running his hand down his face to wipe away any of the tears that were threatening to fall, “Yeah… Who knows, maybe we can have a boxing day party.  Or a St. Patrick’s party?  Or maybe Easter?” He trailed off sadly as he ran out of mediocre spring holidays.

That’s when Five heard the singing.  They grinned as Sam looked around, confused.

“I don’t think we’ll need any of those parties, Sam.  Come on.”

Five gestured for him to crawl over to the edge of the roof with her.  They looked down.  There, they saw the source of the singing.  The entirety of Abel Township was gathered at the base of the coms shack loudly singing an off key Christmas carol.

A genuine grin broke out on Sam Yao’s face for the first time in a while.

“Five, what is this?”

“Well, we figured we’d help you with the holiday party this year.  We owed it to you after everything you always do for us.”

“Five–”

“Come on!” The runner got up, “There’s more.  I’ll race you to the mess hall.”

__________

The township had outdone themselves.  The usually dingy mess hall was glowing with bright lights and warm with the smells of amazing food.  Jack and Eugene’s radio show was playing, and Sam walked in just as Jack’s voice proclaimed, “This one goes out to everyone’s favorite operator, friend, and all around amazing guy: Sam Yao.  Love you, buddy.”

Sam laughed as the beginning notes of “All I Want for Christmas is You” started to play.  There were already people dancing, mingling, and drinking miscellaneous beverages that probably had obscene amounts of bad alcohol in them.

It was his holiday party.

Sam couldn’t seem to get the wide grin off of his face and felt happy tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.

Five sidled up next to him, “So, what do you think?”

“Five, how– who–” He didn’t know what to ask.  

“Believe it or not, it was Janine’s idea.”

Sam spun to face his runner, genuinely shocked, “Janine De Luca?”

“Yep.”

“Leader of this township Janine De Luca?”

“Yessir.”

“ ‘Mr. Yao you need to clean up this pigsty of a coms shack you cannot possibly work under these atrocious conditions’ Janine De Luca?”

“That’s the one.”

Sam turned back to scan the crowd and his eyes landed on Janine.  She gave him a nod and raised her glass.  He nodded back, still astonished.

“Five, this is amazing.”

His runner laughed, “It was certainly a group effort.  All of us are wondering how you do this on your own each year.”

Sam shrugged, “I know it makes people happy and that’s usually all the motivation I need?”

“Hmm.  No, I definitely think you’re a wizard with otherworldly party planning powers.”

Sam laughed, looking around again.  He couldn’t believe they had put this together for him.  His heart swelled at this astounding act of kindness.  Everything he loved was here.  Everyone he loved was here.  Maxine and Paula were each holding one of Sara’s hands and dancing with her.  Tom and Jody were jitterbugging.  Jack and Eugene were on the radio.  Peter was miraculously making Janine blush, which she was trying and failing to hide behind her glass.

There was only one important member of the township missing.

“Where’s Rudy the Holdiay Reinbeaver?”

Sam thought he caught a mischievous glint in Five’s eye, “Oh, he’s around.  Don’t worry.  May I have this dance?”

Sam nodded and let her lead him out onto the dance floor, his worries melting away with the warmth of the holidays.