Aaron mentioned before that his parents held parties on Christmas but she never imagined how austere it would be until she was forced to participate herself. Their first Christmas as a couple was nothing like she expected.
Admittedly, he did indulge her by going to see the tree and window displays together but he refused to help her decorate sugar cookies or watch movies or do anything else that smacked of holiday cheer.
He claimed to be busy with work but she could sense his disdain. She wasn't too put off; some people were less holly jolly than others. His traditions were different than hers and she could respect that.
Christmas morning the chef prepared cinnamon rolls at Keeley's request since that was a treat her mother always made for the special occasion. The Halls would rifle through their stockings before breakfast but weren't allowed to open any other presents until after everybody ate to try and spread things out.