The First New Year in Keimonomimi Village

The snow blanketed the ground in a soft, glittering expanse as Maxim and his family played outside. The crisp air was filled with the delighted laughter of Vio and Lily, who darted around the yard hurling snowballs and giggling as they worked together to build a rather lopsided snowman. Maxim stood nearby, hand in hand with his wife Vivian, their breath visible in the frosty air.

"Careful, girls!" Vivian called out, her cottontail trembling behind her as she watched the children's antics. "Don't hit your snowman with those snowballs!"

Maxim chuckled, watching his stepdaughters' gleeful attempts to stack another ball of snow onto the growing snowman. He squeezed Vivian's hand gently and took a moment to let the scene soak in: the joy, the love, the warmth of his family despite the chilly air. Heimspresent had passed only days ago, and the cozy glow of the season still lingered in the village.

"Vivian," Maxim said, turning toward her. "What should we do for New Year's?"

Vivian's ears twitched as she tilted her head in confusion. "New Year's?" she asked, her emerald eyes searching his face. "What's that?"

For a moment, Maxim stared at her, and then he laughed—a deep, hearty laugh that made the tip of Vivian's nose wrinkle as she stared at him, puzzled. "I forgot," he said between chuckles. "Of course, you wouldn't know! It's an Earth holiday."

"Tell me about it," Vivian said, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Well," Maxim began, drawing his arm around her shoulders, "on Earth, we celebrate the last day of the year, called New Year's Eve. It's a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the new one, and welcome it in with friends and family. People usually stay up until midnight to ring in the new year with cheers, celebrations, and resolutions."

Vivian's ears perked up as her expression softened with excitement. "That sounds wonderful! Why haven't we celebrated it before?"

Maxim smiled sheepishly. "I never bothered to introduce it to the village before because we already have many festivals already. Adding a new one would be a little much. But I don't see why we can't have a holiday of our own."

Vivian's grip on his hand tightened as she looked at him. "Maxim, I'd love to celebrate it. Let's make it special for all of us. Can we do that?"

Maxim's grin widened. "Of course we can! It'll be our first New Year's Eve together as a family."

He turned toward Vio and Lily, who were now piling sticks and stones onto their snowman's uneven body. "Girls, come here!" Maxim called.

The two scampered over, cheeks red from the cold and eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"What is it, Max?" Vio asked, her small hands clasped behind her back.

"We've decided we're going to celebrate a new holiday," Maxim announced, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's called New Year's Eve, and we'll get to stay up late, make fun plans for the new year, play games, and wear special new years outfits."

Lily gasped. "We get to stay up late?"

Vivian laughed, her cottontail flicking behind her. "Just this once, Lily."

The girls cheered and immediately began talking over each other, throwing out ideas for decorations, snacks, and games. As Maxim and Vivian exchanged a warm glance, the snow continued to fall around them, settling gently on their shoulders.

It was the start of a new tradition, one that would weave Earth's customs into the fabric of Keimonomimi Village. Maxim's heart swelled with gratitude and excitement for the year ahead—together, as a family.

Over the course of the next few days as Vivian and the girls busied themselves with New Year's decorations—stringing paper snowflakes and arranging winter flowers around the house—Maxim set out into the snow-covered village, making his way toward the cozy little tailor shop run by Spispi, a talented seamstress of the spiderfolk and a trusted fellow of Maxim's. Spispi, known for her intricate designs and quick hands, was just finishing up a commission as Maxim entered the warm, thread-filled shop. Her six arms worked with practiced ease, each one focused on a different task, while her red eyes lit up at the sight of him. "Maxim!" she greeted, setting aside her work. "What brings you here in this weather?"

Maxim smiled and stepped closer, brushing off the snow from his coat. "I have a special request, and I knew you'd be the perfect one for the job."

Spispi's upper arms continued stitching, while one of her lower arms pulled a chair out for Maxim. She glanced over her shoulder, her curiosity piqued. "A special request, you say? That sounds intriguing. Let me just finish up here…"

In a matter of moments, the suit was complete, folded neatly, and placed on a shelf. Spispi wiped her hands on her apron and turned to face Maxim, her spinnerets twitching slightly in excitement. "All done. Now, tell me—what's this special request?"

Maxim smiled and reached into his bag, pulling out a folded piece of parchment. "I was wondering if you could make Yukatas for my family to wear for New Year's Eve. They're a traditional outfit from Earth, perfect for celebrations."

Spispi tilted her head, her white, shiny hair catching the light. "Yukata? New Years? I've never heard of them. Let me see what you got."

Maxim unfolded the parchment to reveal a simple but elegant drawing of four Yukatas. Each one had a distinct color and winter-themed designs—snowflakes, icy swirls, and blooming winter flowers. He pointed at the details as he explained.

"These two pink ones are for my stepdaughters, Vio and Lily. This red one is for my wife, Vivian. And this orange one is for me," he said, gesturing to each design. "I also need to remind you that my wife and daughters have rabbit tails, so you'll need to leave a little opening in the back for their tails to peek through."

Spispi's eyes widened with delight as she studied the drawing. "Maxim, these are adorable! And the patterns… snowflakes and flowers, you said? Oh, I can do that! I've never made these Yukatas before, but it looks like a fun challenge."

Maxim grinned. "I knew you'd be perfect for the job. And I trust you'll make them extra special."

Spispi clapped her six hands together, her arms already reaching for fabric samples and measuring tape. "Leave it to me! I'll make these Yukatas so beautiful, the whole village will want one."

She paused, tapping her chin with one of her fingers. "Hmm… I'll need to measure for the rabbit-tail openings. Could you send Vivian and the girls by later so I can double-check their sizes?"

"Of course," Maxim said. "Thank you, Spispi. I know you're busy, so I really appreciate you taking this on."

Spispi waved him off with a laugh. "Oh, please. Busy is my normal. Besides, how could I pass up a chance to make something so unique? Now, go on—I've got work to do!"

Maxim left the shop, feeling confident that Spispi's craftsmanship would make their first New Year's celebration in Keimonomimi Village even more memorable. Meanwhile, Spispi began gathering the fabrics—soft pinks, vibrant reds, and warm oranges—her excitement growing as she imagined the family wearing her creations. The hum of her sewing machine filled the shop as she got to work, her many arms working in perfect harmony.

Later that afternoon, as the winter sun dipped low on the horizon, Maxim led Vivian and the girls through the snowy streets of Keimonomimi Village toward Spispi's workshop. The air was crisp and filled with the quiet sounds of the season—children laughing in the distance and the occasional crunch of boots on snow. Vio and Lily walked hand in hand, their cheeks pink from the cold, their chatter bubbling with curiosity.

"Max," Vio asked, her ears twitching with curiosity, "why are we going to Spispi's shop? Did you get us presents?"

Maxim grinned, a playful twinkle in his eye. "You'll see soon enough. It's a surprise."

Vivian glanced at him suspiciously, her red eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Maxim," she said, her voice teasing, "what are you up to? You've been grinning like this all day."

"Patience," Maxim replied, chuckling. "You'll find out soon."

When they arrived at Spispi's shop, the warmth inside was a welcome contrast to the chilly air outside. Spispi was waiting for them, her six arms busily sorting through an array of colorful fabrics and threads. Her face lit up when she saw them enter.

"Ah, there you are!" she said, waving enthusiastically. "Come in, come in. It's time for measurements!"

"Measurements?" Vivian asked, her curiosity deepening. "What's this about, Maxim?"

"You'll see soon enough," Maxim said with a wink, his excitement barely contained.

Spispi quickly ushered the family toward a small corner of the shop where a large mirror stood, surrounded by her tools. "Stand here, please," she said, gesturing to Vivian and the girls. "I'll be quick, I promise."

Vio and Lily giggled as Spispi measured their shoulders, arms, and waists, her dexterous hands working with practiced efficiency. "Hold still, little ones," Spispi said, laughing softly as Lily squirmed under the ticklish tape measure.

Vivian, standing gracefully as Spispi measured her, looked at Maxim with a mixture of amusement and suspicion. "Maxim, I hope you're not planning something too extravagant," she teased.

"You'll love it," Maxim assured her, his smile growing wider.

When the measurements were complete, Spispi scribbled down her notes and clapped her hands together. "All done! I'll get to work right away. I can't wait for you to see what I have planned."

Maxim exchanged a knowing glance with Spispi, their shared excitement making it harder to keep the secret. As they left the shop and headed home, the girls chattered eagerly about what the surprise might be, their imaginations running wild. Vivian, still curious but smiling, held Maxim's arm tightly.

"Whatever you're planning, Maxim, I can already tell it's going to be wonderful," she said softly.

Maxim squeezed her hand in return, his heart warm with anticipation. He couldn't wait for the moment when his family would see their beautiful Yukatas for the first time—a perfect beginning to their first New Year's celebration together.

The sun hung low in the sky on the afternoon of New Year's Eve, casting a warm golden glow over Keimonomimi Village as Maxim made his way home with the precious boxes in hand. Each one was wrapped neatly, containing the Yukatas that Spispi had poured her skill and heart into. As he stepped inside, the scent of baked treats and the soft hum of anticipation filled the air. Vivian and the girls were waiting for him, their eyes lighting up when they saw the boxes.

"Are those…?" Vivian asked, her tail flicking with curiosity.

Maxim grinned and placed the boxes on the table. "Everyone, come here. These are for you."

Vio and Lily rushed over, their excitement bubbling over as they grabbed the smaller boxes with their names on them. Vivian followed, her movements more composed but her curiosity no less intense.

"Open them," Maxim said, unable to hide his anticipation.

The room was filled with the sound of rustling paper and soft gasps as the girls lifted the lids of their boxes. Inside, folded with care, were the Yukatas—pink for Vio and Lily, each adorned with delicate patterns of snowflakes and winter flowers. Vivian's red Yukata shimmered slightly in the light, the intricate design of snow blossoms running along the hem and sleeves making it truly stunning.

"They're beautiful!" Lily exclaimed, holding hers up with wide eyes.

"So soft!" Vio added, running her small fingers over the fabric.

Vivian lifted her Yukata from the box, her eyes studying every detail. She smiled, a hint of awe in her voice. "They look just like the Kimono designs from Touno Island… but more suited for winter. Maxim, this is incredible."

"I thought they'd be perfect for the occasion," Maxim said, his chest swelling with pride. "Spispi did an amazing job."

Without hesitation, the girls grabbed their Yukatas and darted toward the master bedroom, calling for Vivian to help them dress. Laughing, Vivian followed them, leaving Maxim alone with the momentary peace of imagining how they would look in their outfits.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Vio and Lily stepped out, their Yukatas perfectly wrapped around their small frames, their cotton tails peeking out of the tailored openings. They spun around to show off, giggling as the fabric swirled with them.

"You two look adorable," Maxim said, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Absolutely perfect."

Then came Vivian. She stepped out of the bedroom with grace, the red Yukata hugging her figure beautifully. The soft light caught the patterns of snow blossoms, making them appear as though they were gently falling across her shoulders and sleeves. Her red eyes sparkled as she looked at Maxim, her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink.

Maxim's breath caught in his throat. In that moment, it was as if time had slowed. She looked radiant, her natural beauty enhanced by the elegance of the Yukata. His heart swelled, and he found himself falling in love with her all over again.

"Well?" Vivian asked, tilting her head slightly, her voice playful. "What do you think?"

"You're stunning," Maxim said softly, stepping closer to take her hands in his. "I'm the luckiest man in the world."

Vivian's smile deepened, her gaze tender. "And we're the luckiest family to have you."

As the family admired each other's outfits, the room filled with warmth and laughter. The New Year's celebration hadn't even started yet, but Maxim knew this moment would be one he'd treasure forever.

With the family dressed elegantly in their Yukatas, the New Year's celebration officially began. The dining table was laden with a feast that Vivian and the girls had worked hard to prepare—steaming bowls of hearty soup, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked bread, all paired with a special sweet rice dish that Maxim had introduced from Earth's traditions. The warm glow of candlelight made the scene even more enchanting as the family gathered around, their laughter and chatter filling the room.

As they began eating, Maxim decided it was the perfect moment to introduce another Earth tradition. "So," he said, setting his chopsticks down and looking at Vio and Lily with a smile, "do you two know what a New Year's resolution is?"

The girls exchanged puzzled glances before shaking their heads. "What's that, Max?" Vio asked, tilting her head.

"It's a promise you make to yourself," Maxim explained, his voice warm and patient. "Something you want to do better or work harder at in the new year. It could be a goal or even just a small change you want to make."

Vio's ears perked up, her curiosity evident. "A promise to ourselves? Like… what kind of things?"

"Well," Maxim continued, "it could be anything. Like learning a new skill, doing better in school, or even just being kinder to the people around you."

The girls thought for a moment, their faces lighting up as ideas came to them. Vio spoke first, her voice confident. "I want to do better in school! And… and I want to learn how to be a merchant like you, Max. I want to trade things and make people happy."

Maxim beamed at her, pride shining in his eyes. "That's a wonderful resolution, Vio. I know you can do it."

Lily, slightly more hesitant, looked up at her mother before speaking. "I want to become beautiful, just like Mama," she said softly, her cheeks flushing pink.

Vivian laughed gently, her tail swishing behind her as she leaned over to stroke Lily's hair. "Oh, sweetie, you're already beautiful—inside and out. But if that's what you want to work on, we'll do it together, okay?"

Lily nodded eagerly, her shyness giving way to a bright smile.

Maxim and Vivian exchanged a glance, their hearts full as they saw the girls' enthusiasm. Then Vivian turned to Maxim, her voice playful. "What about us? Do we have resolutions?"

Maxim chuckled, reaching out to take her hand. "I do. My resolution is to love you even more in the year ahead."

Vivian's cheeks flushed as she squeezed his hand, her gaze soft. "Then my resolution is the same. To love you more and to cherish every moment we have together."

The girls giggled at their parents' romantic exchange, and Maxim laughed along with them. The warmth of the moment, the glow of the candles, and the joy of being together made the dinner unforgettable.

As they finished their meal, Maxim felt a deep contentment settle in his chest. Their first New Year's celebration was already becoming a cherished memory, filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a bright future ahead.

After their hearty New Year's meal, the family cleared the table and brought out a deck of Profiteer, one of the most popular card games in Keimonomimi Village. The deck was filled with beautifully illustrated cards depicting merchants, treasures, and rare goods, along with the infamous Profiteer Card, which could ruin a player's hand if drawn. The objective was simple: collect as many cards as possible without ending up with the Profiteer.

Vio and Lily were bubbling with excitement, eagerly sorting the deck and explaining the rules to Vivian, who had played many times before. Maxim shuffled the cards and cut everyone a hand of five, smiling as he watched the girls' ears twitch with anticipation.

"Okay," Maxim said, dealing the first round of cards. "Remember, the goal is to avoid the Profiteer. And don't let Vio fool you—she's really good at this game."

Vio puffed out her chest proudly, holding her cards close to her face. "I'm the best at this! You better watch out, mama and Max!"

Lily giggled, sneaking a peek at her cards before shooting her sister a competitive glance. "I'm going to win this time!"

The game began with Vio confidently taking the first draw, grabbing a card from the center pile. She smirked as she glanced at it and placed it in her hand. Lily followed, her little hands trembling with excitement as she carefully chose a card. Then came Vivian, who drew a card with an elegant swipe and looked at it curiously, her expression unreadable.

Finally, it was Maxim's turn. He deliberately chose a card with exaggerated caution, narrowing his eyes as if he was deep in thought. When he saw it wasn't the Profiteer, he let out an over-the-top sigh of relief, making the girls giggle.

As the game went on, the girls began playing aggressively, targeting their parents with confident trades and clever bluffs. Vio was quick to call out Maxim's feigned nervousness, while Lily's innocent-looking swaps turned out to be surprisingly bold moves.

"Ha! Gotcha, Max!" Vio declared, triumphantly swapping with Maxim's hand she was sure he wouldn't want.

"Oh no, not again," Maxim groaned dramatically, pretending to clutch his chest. "I can't keep up with you two!"

Vivian, catching on to Maxim's playful strategy, followed suit. She deliberately played weaker moves, letting out mock sighs every time one of the girls outplayed her. "I think I'm just no good at this game," she said with a wink at Maxim.

The girls, oblivious to their parents' subtle ploys, were completely engrossed in the game, their competitive spirits soaring as they collected more and more cards.

Finally, the game reached its climax when Lily pulled the Profiteer card from the deck. She gasped, her ears standing straight up, and quickly tried to hide it. But Vio noticed and pounced.

"Lily's got the Profiteer!" Vio shouted, pointing accusingly.

Lily's face turned bright red, and she burst into laughter, unable to hold her bluff any longer. "Okay, okay! You win!" she giggled, surrendering the card.

Vio beamed with victory, proudly stacking her pile of cards. "I told you I'd win!"

Maxim and Vivian exchanged a look, smiling warmly. "You both did amazing," Maxim said, ruffling Vio's hair. "But don't get too confident. Next time, Mama and I might not go so easy on you."

The room was filled with laughter and playful teasing as they gathered the cards to shuffle for another round. The warmth of family, the shared joy of the game, and the gentle glow of their New Year's celebration made the night feel truly magical.

As the night wore on, filled with laughter and games, Maxim glanced at his pocket watch and noticed the hands inching closer to midnight. His eyes lit up with excitement. "It's almost time!" he announced, standing from the table.

"What time?" Vio asked, her ears perking up.

"Midnight! The start of the new year," Maxim said. "Come on, everyone, let's go outside!"

The family hurried to put on their winter coats and stepped into the crisp night air, their breaths puffing in the cold. The village was quiet under a blanket of stars, the snow reflecting the moonlight like a sea of diamonds. They gathered together, standing close to keep warm as Maxim pulled out his watch.

"Just a few more seconds," he said, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Ten… nine…" Maxim began, and the rest of the family joined in.

"Eight… seven… six…" Vio and Lily's voices grew louder, their eyes shining with anticipation.

"Five… four… three…" Vivian's hand found Maxim's, her smile warm despite the chilly air.

"Two… one… Happy New Year!" they all shouted, their voices echoing through the snowy landscape.

They laughed and hugged each other tightly, the joy of the moment wrapping them in a warmth that rivaled any fire. Vio and Lily cheered and danced around, their giggles filling the night.

After the joyous countdown and warm embraces outside, Maxim and Vivian guided Vio and Lily back into the house, their laughter fading into sleepy giggles. The girls' cheeks were rosy from the cold and their boundless excitement. Inside, the crackling hearth greeted them, filling the room with a soft, flickering glow. Maxim knelt by the girls as they climbed into bed, their eyes heavy with exhaustion yet shimmering with happiness.

"Did you have fun tonight?" Maxim asked softly, pulling the blankets up to their chins.

"The best fun ever," Vio murmured, her voice drowsy but content. "I love New Year's."

"Me too," Lily added, her small hand clutching her mother's fingers. "Can we do this every year, Max?"

Vivian leaned down, her emerald eyes tender. "Every year, my little loves. It's our new tradition."

Vio yawned, her eyelids fluttering closed, while Lily whispered, "Goodnight, Mama… Max…" before sleep claimed her. Maxim lingered for a moment, gazing at their peaceful faces. He gently kissed their foreheads, his heart swelling with gratitude.

"They're perfect," Maxim said quietly as he and Vivian stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

"They love you," Vivian replied with a soft smile, slipping her hand into his as they made their way to their bedroom.

The house was silent now, save for the faint crackling of the fire as the wind whispered through the trees. In their room, Maxim sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought as he gazed out the window. The stars seemed brighter tonight, like tiny promises of the future.

Vivian sat beside him, her hand brushing against his cheek to pull him back from his thoughts. "You've been quiet," she said softly.

Maxim turned to her, his eyes shining with a mix of love and vulnerability. "I was just thinking how lucky I am. A year ago, I never imagined this… you, the girls, this life. It's everything I've ever wanted. And sometimes, I wonder if I deserve it."

Vivian cupped his face gently, her touch warm and grounding. "Maxim, you've given us so much—your love, your care, your heart. We're the lucky ones to have you."

He took her hand in his, holding it tightly as if anchoring himself to her. "I promise I'll keep working to be the best husband and father I can be, Vivian. Not just this year, but every year we're together."

Tears glistened in Vivian's eyes as she leaned forward, pressing her forehead to his. "You already are, Maxim. And I promise to love you more with every day that passes. Together, we'll make this life everything we dreamed of—and more."

They held each other in the quiet stillness of the night, the weight of their love wrapping around them like the warmth of the fire. When they finally lay down, Vivian rested her head against Maxim's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Happy New Year, my love," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.

Maxim kissed the top of her head, his own heart full and overflowing. "Happy New Year, Vivian. To us, and to the home we've built together."

And as they drifted to sleep, the house settled into a deep, peaceful silence. Outside, the first snow of the new year began to fall, blanketing the village in fresh promise. Inside, the little family dreamed of a future filled with love, laughter, and countless more New Year's to come.