Chapter Text
The air around Babylon 5 had shifted - at least when it came to the human population. They all seemed to be happier lately, it was a nice change given the tense atmosphere that hung over the station lately.
Delenn watched as various vendors seemed to decorate their kiosks in colored lights. Some even walked around with these silly little red hats with white puffs on the end. The humans were complimenting each other on their decorating ability, and in some cases judging who did a better job.
She continued to walk along, picking up pieces of conversations. Something about Christmas coming up soon. She latched onto this word, it seemed most of the human populace was discussing Christmas in some manner or another.
Without trying to eavesdrop too much - that would be rude - She tried to determine what Christmas was. Gaining little information but remaining intrigued she headed back to her quarters to do some research.
Back at her quarters she turned on her computer and made a query as to what Christmas was.
Christmas - an annual human festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25th. It began as a religious celebration but has grown to encompass other ideas such as displaying festive decorations, sharing a large meal with family, exchanging gifts, and singing carols.
Would you like to inquire further?
She told the computer yes, grabbing some crackers she spent the next few hours scrolling through various videos and images of Christmas.
This holiday seemed to be very important to the humans and was celebrated in various ways throughout their populace.
She was curious if the Captain was planning on celebrating? Though perhaps not, it might be painful for him since his wife's death.
She tapped her chin and mulled over if she should ask him or not.
~~~
Lando and G'Kar were yelling at eachother again at their council meeting. Delenn had zoned out a while ago, her mind playing Christmas music while she watched blankly as the two men argued incessantly.
She came back to when Sheridan slammed the gavel down a few times and yelled, "Enough! Your arguing is giving me a headache! If nothing productive is going to come of this session, I move to close and convene again when cooler heads will prevail."
The two men glared at the Captain, clearly upset about being interrupted.
"I agree with the Captain." Delenn interjected before either of them could start up again.
G'Kar huffed and stomped out "this isn't finished Mollari!"
Londo made a face, and cursed under his breath, "until next time." He bowed and swept out of the room, his coat tails flying behind him.
Sheridan sighed and put his face in his hands. "I don't know what to do about those two."
Delenn sighed, "their situation is a difficult one...They are both too full of pride to sit down and discuss things in a civil manner."
"Yeah they are like oil and water, that's for sure" Sheridan rubbed a hand over his face, clearly looking exhausted.
Delenn gathered her courage and quickly asked her question before the Captain left, "do you celebrate Christmas?"
He lifted his head up, "Christmas? Is it that time of year again? I guess I have lost track of my days."
He leaned back in his chair, stretching out his long legs, he looked up at the ceiling.
"Yeah I guess, normally I do." He paused for a moment, "normally I would, but I haven't celebrated the last couple of years..."
The statement hung in the air.
"Oh, of course I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to -" Delenn began.
"-No it's okay, don't worry about it." He looked down at her and smiled.
"All the humans at the station here seem to be getting," she tilted her head, "into the spirit of Christmas" she was fairly certain she used that phrase correctly.
He chuckled, "that's good to hear! Things have been to dour around here lately."
"I spent some time studying about Christmas since it seems to be so important to humans." She looked up at him.
Sheridan nodded, his eyes lit up and she could see an idea forming in his mind.
"Perhaps it's time I help everyone get in the spirit of the holiday around here." He stood up, straightening his jacket, "let me make some inquiries, I'll send word to you when I'm done."
Done. Done what? Her curiosity was piqued.
"I'll see you later." He nodded at her and left the council chambers.
Delenn rose and slowly walked out, she wondered what Sheridan was planning. She felt a bit giddy with excitement as she walked through the halls.
~~~
Delenn received a message from the Captain a few days later requested her presence in the Zenn Garden.
She made her way there as quickly as possible.
When she got there she saw a large pine tree set up in the garden. Sheridan was standing beside it going through a box. A few other workers were in the middle of stringing lights and hanging other festive decorations.
Sheridan waved her over, "I'm so glad you could come."
"Of course I would come. I have been waiting to see what you were planning." She looked up in amazement at the large tree, they didn't have any trees like this on Minbar. "Can I touch it?" She was unsure if touching the tree, would sully it's purpose and wanted to be sure first.
"Oh of course!" Sheridan stepped up beside her, folding his hands behind his back.
She reached out to touch the green leaves.
"Oh!" She was surprised when it poked her hand.
Sheridan laughed softly, "sorry I should have warned you." He reached out and gently brushed the tree, "these kinds of trees tend to grow in the northern hemisphere of Earth. It took a few calls but I was able to get someone to ship one here to Babylon 5." He turned to face her smiling, "I want to share this part of our culture with all of you. And part of it that I want you to help me with is-" He picked up the box "to help me decorate the tree."
She looked into the box and saw a variety of baubles and shapes on hooks. She reached in and gently lifted up a silver star, it was made of glass and had been coated in sparkling glitter.
"Ah nice, now just take it and hang it on what ever part of the tree you want." Sheridan looked at the tree.
"Anywhere?" She questioned.
"Yep, wherever you want to put it."
Walking up to the tree, she looked at her little silver star, where would be the best place for it to go?
"You don't have to think that hard about it really." He reached into the box and pulled out a multicolored ball, hooked it on his index finger, then reached up and hung it on a branch. "See, easy peasy."
"Okay!" She gently hung up her star on the branch in front of her. "Is that good?"
"That's perfect! Now we just have to get through the rest of this box." He lifted up a couple more ornaments, walked around the tree a bit and hung them in random spots.
She felt excited about getting to celebrate her first Christmas, she picked out a couple more ornaments and walked around the tree placing them.
As they continued to decorate Sheridan shared some stories of his past Christmases as a child with her. They were all heartwarming stories, she loved to listen to him talk, and she was very happy he wanted to share some of his personal life with her.
"Alright, time for the final step." He plugged the lights into the wall, lighting the tree up.
The tree glowed in multiple colors, with the lights reflecting off some of the ornaments. Delenn gasped and clenched her hands in front of her chest.
"Oh John, it's so beautiful."
He stepped up beside her admiring their handiwork, "ah isn't it thought." He looked up at the tree and smiled.
"Thanks for helping me decorate, it was fun." He turned his smile to her.
Delenn grabbed his hands, "it was fun, thank you so much for sharing this with me." She mirrored his smile and squeezed his hands.
"I'm going to be sending out an invite to all the ambassadors and their aides to come have Christmas dinner with the Command staff and I here in the garden in 2 days. I hope you and Lennier can both attend."
"Absolutely, we wouldn't miss this for anything." Delenn was now very excited to see what Christmas dinner was going to be like.
"Wonderful" John squeezed her shoulders and stepped back, "I look forward to seeing you then." He nodded at a few of the workers who were finishing, and began to move towards the door.
"I just have a quick question." She raced to catch up to him as he walked. "May I come and meditate in the garden, the lights and the smell of the pine tree are very soothing."
"Since you already know what the surprise is I don't see why not. I'll let security know you are allowed to go into the garden." He looked at her, "you must keep this secret from Lennier though for the next couple days. I want all the others to be surprised by it."
She made a zipping motion across her lips, "my lips are sealed."
He smirked at her, "you are spending more time studying our language aren't you?"
She schooled a neutral expression on her face, "it is important for me to understand the nuances of your culture if I am to consider myself part of that culture now as well." She didn't want to let him see how entertaining it was to learn of his people, she wouldn't want him to take it the wrong way.
He nodded, "I suppose so. Well I have to head up to Command, see you later."
"Goodbye" she tipped her head at him, then they each went their separate ways.