A Holiday Gift

A Christmas Celebration Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow - A short story

I invite you into Riley’s world, a utopian haven nestled in the heart of the desert. It’s Christmas in 2060—a time when the marvels of near-future technology blend seamlessly with the timeless traditions of the past, simultaneously carry messages of peace and love.

An email pinged Riley’s phone. She glanced down, expecting the usual spam or a notification about a package delivery. Instead, the sender’s name stopped her short: Raven.

She tapped it open, curiosity mingling with surprise. Raven rarely reached out, and when she did, it was brief and business-like. But this was different—a colorful invitation to a Christmas Eve party at Raven’s ranch. A party? That didn’t sound like Raven at all.

Before Riley could fully absorb the message, her phone buzzed again. Then again. A rapid series of pings filled the room. She looked down to find a group text exploding with replies.

Everyone was shocked—and thrilled.

As Riley typed a quick reply, a shadow moved outside her window. A knock at her back door followed. She saw Ben opening the door, holding up his phone.

“Did you see this yet?”

“Hi, Ben! Come on in!” Riley waved him inside, stepping aside to let the cool winter breeze stay out. “Yes, I just got the email—and the group text chaos. It seems Raven is doing it up big!”

Ben removed his hat, shaking his head with a bemused smile. “She hasn’t breathed a word to me. Who all’s invited?”

Riley scanned the texts. “It looks like everyone: Val, Skylar and Jim, Cameron and Channing, Quinn—she’s in town too. You, me… It’s a full house. Did you notice the part about staying over for a Christmas breakfast?”

Ben frowned. “No, I must’ve missed that. I was too surprised by the invitation to read it all. Do you think she’s up to something?”

“She’s your cousin, Ben. You’d know better than I would.”

“That’s the point. This is so unlike her. Raven’s always been reclusive when she’s home. Maybe she’s settling in now that she’s cutting back on her travels.”

Riley nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. She’s been working hard to get the ranch ready for clients to bring their horses—and she’s got those cabins all fixed up for overnight stays.”

“Oh, look,” Riley added, holding up her phone. “Skylar and Cameron are offering to drive so we can carpool. Are you up for that?”

“Absolutely. I just need to decide what kind of pies to bring. What about you? Any ideas on what you’ll make?”

Riley paused, tapping her chin. “Not yet. I’ll brainstorm with Quinn—she always has creative ideas for food. This is going to be fun!”

Ben hesitated, glancing at the floor. “I guess so. I hadn’t planned to spend Christmas anywhere but home. But I’ll bring Sunny up early for the trail ride. Do you want me to bring Lucky for you?”

“That would be wonderful, thanks, Ben.” Riley touched his arm lightly. “And it’ll do you good to be with everyone for Christmas. You spend too much time alone.”

Ben smirked, shaking his head. “Maybe. I’ll see you later, Riley. Let me know if you need anything from the store while I’m out.”

“I will. See you soon.”

Ben went down the back steps with the energy of a man decades younger. Watching him, Riley smiled to herself. He’s never going to age.

The drive to Raven’s ranch was lively. Riley, Ben, and Quinn joined Skylar and Jim in their SUV, and the air inside was filled with tantalizing aromas from the food everyone had brought.

Skylar glanced over her shoulder as they settled into the back seats. “Cameron and Channing are picking up Val. We should all arrive about the same time.”

Forty minutes later, the cars pulled into Raven’s ranch’s long, pebble-lined driveway. The sun had begun its descent, signaling the coming coolness and a change in color over the landscape.

Raven opened the door as the group approached, her warm smile lighting up the wide entry, darkened by the deep verandah.

“Welcome! You all made it. Bring everything inside, and we’ll sort it out in a bit. I’m so glad you could come. I have quite the adventure planned for you!”

Quinn leaned close to Riley as they carried casseroles to the kitchen. “Adventure?”

Riley shrugged, suppressing a smile. “Guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

After everyone set down their contributions, Raven and her ranch manager, Sam, helped them to their assigned cabins. The cozy lodgings were rustic but welcoming, with soft quilts draped over the beds and small arrangements of local succulents on the nightstands.

Once settled, Raven announced the next activity. “We’re heading out for a sunset trail ride! Saddle up!”

Skylar and Jim exchanged a look before shaking their heads. “You go ahead. We’d rather enjoy the view and stay by the fire,” Jim said.

Although they were evasive about why, Cameron and Channing also opted out of the trail ride.

As the ride began, the group marveled at the terrain. The subtropical vegetation of Wáshani Valley blended seamlessly into the higher desert slopes, with colors and textures that looked almost surreal in the fading light. Val’s voice broke the silence. “I’d never get tired of this.”

Ben rode beside Riley, pointing out the landmarks. “That ridge there? My dad always said it was shaped like an eagle’s wing.”

“It’s stunning,” Riley replied, taking in the view. “I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave this place.”

When they returned to the ranch, twilight had deepened into early evening. Solar-powered luminarias now lined the driveway, front porch, and every visible walkway, their soft glow casting a magical atmosphere over the scene.

“Wow,” Quinn said as she dismounted, gazing around. “This is beautiful.”

Everyone pitched in to brush down the horses, camaraderie and laughter filling the cool evening air.

Sam appeared, wiping his hands on his jeans. “I’ll take it from here—get these beauties fed and bedded down. Go on and enjoy your evening.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Raven said warmly. “I appreciate you. You’ll join us for dinner, though.” Her comment, somewhat between a request and an invitation.

“Sure. If there’s room at the table.” Raven gave a quick nod and led the group up to the cabins.

Meanwhile, back at the lodge, Skylar and Jim had enjoyed their peaceful time but couldn’t help noticing Cameron and Channing darting between their truck and the lodge. “What are they up to?” Skylar murmured to Jim.

“Guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Jim replied, watching them with amused curiosity.

Steam rose from the tables laden with food, the aroma of home-cooked dishes mingling with the faint scent of fresh pinewood. Sam, ever the efficient ranch manager, handled the bar with the ease of a seasoned mixologist. He raised an eyebrow at the gathering crowd. “Whatever you’re thirsty for, just name it,” he called out, his grin warm and inviting.

Raven gestured toward the cushioned picnic tables. “Everyone, please, sit! Let’s dig in before the food gets cold.”

As they claimed their seats, Riley ended up beside Ben, with Quinn on her other side. Across the table, Val and Raven exchanged small smiles, the beginnings of a friendship still taking root. Channing and Cameron’s laughter echoed from one end of the table, their youthful energy spilling over as they sampled appetizers with exaggerated groans of delight.

“I’ll say it,” Ben declared as he helped himself to a slice of pecan pie before dinner. “Nothing like a piece of pie as an appetizer. But really, this feels…different. And good. Really good.” He glanced at Raven. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

Raven raised her glass of sparkling cider. “Thank you, Ben. And thank all of you for coming and bringing these incredible dishes.” Taking a deep breath, Raven added, “I have something I’d like to share.”

The table quieted as silverware clinked against the plates and glasses were filled. Raven continued, her voice steady but soft. “This gathering is more than just a Christmas celebration. It’s also the first glimpse of what I’ve been working toward for the ranch.”

She looked around, making eye contact with each of them. “I’ve spent years traveling to help horse owners and their animals work through their challenges. But now, you know I want to bring them to Echo Canyon. This place has a healing energy, and I want the ranch to reflect that—a sanctuary where owners and their horses can work through their problems together.”

Riley nodded thoughtfully. “This makes so much sense, Raven. It’s a perfect way to keep everything in one place and show people the land’s beauty.”

“There’s more,” Raven added, her voice growing a little more animated. “I also want to mentor young trainers—teach them my methods, so this work doesn’t end with me.” Glancing toward Sam, Rave added, “This ranch will be a place for learning and growth—for horses, their owners, and the next generation of trainers.”

Quinn clinked her glass gently against Raven’s. “To your vision. It’s ambitious, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s you.”

Skylar leaned toward Raven, her tone curious. “I’ve seen how horses respond to you, but what’s the process?”

Raven smiled, appreciating the genuine interest. “It’s a mix of things—sometimes behavioral issues, sometimes injuries or trauma. I use techniques rooted in my Sabakari heritage, blended with modern psychology. It’s all about building trust, and this is the place to start.”

Channing laughed. “And let’s not forget your new flair for entertaining. Between the sunset ride and whatever you’ve planned next, you’ve got the makings of an adventure destination, too.”

“Speaking of adventure,” Channing teased, nudging Cameron, “when’s the big reveal?”

Cameron wagged his finger. “Patience, my friend. All in good time.”

The table burst into laughter, and Ben leaned toward Riley. “What do you think of all this?”

Riley smiled, glancing at Raven. “It’s bold. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s her.” She lowered her voice. “And I think staying here more will be good for her. Building something lasting.”

Ben nodded, his gaze drifting toward Raven, who listened intently to Skylar and Jim, their excitement for Raven obvious. “Yeah. She’s got the determination for it. And maybe someone helping behind the scenes.”

Riley raised an eyebrow. “Sam?”

Ben chuckled. “Who else?”

After dinner, Raven stood, clinking her glass to quiet the lively chatter. “Now, if you’ll join me on the couches, there’s more to share.”

Everyone settled onto the plush couches arranged before a massive, unlit fireplace. Ben stepped forward, reaching for the firewood. “Want me to light it?”

“Not yet,” Cameron said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Just wait.”

The lights dimmed, and the room fell silent. Suddenly, the hearth filled with the flickering glow of a holographic fire. The illusion was so lifelike that several people gasped. Soft Christmas music began to play, blending seamlessly with the warm ambiance and the crackling fire.

Before anyone could comment, a giant, lush pine tree began to float down from the rafters, suspended in midair by some unseen force. As it hovered, holograms of the group appeared, decorating the tree with laughter and exaggerated gestures. Ornaments were placed, garlands strung, and tinsel scattered with almost comedic flair.

“Is that me?” Skylar asked, pointing.

Jim chuckled. “It’s definitely you, love. Look at that precision with the tinsel.”

As the tree was filled with ornaments, Channing stood at the side, counting down dramatically. “Three… two… one!”

The holographic tree lit up with dazzling multicolored lights, its branches adorned with vintage-style ornaments and glittering tinsel.

“Wow,” Quinn whispered.

The tree slowly dimmed from view, and holographic fireworks burst overhead, painting the lodge in vivid colors as a powerful orchestral version of “Joy to the World” filled the room.

When the display ended, the room erupted into cheers and applause.

“That was incredible!” Val exclaimed, clapping.

Channing took a deep bow, grinning ear to ear. “Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all week.”

Cameron, more reserved, gave a small smile of pride.

Raven stood, her gratitude evident. “Thank you both. That was spectacular. And now, it’s time to see something equally, if not more breathtaking. Grab your jackets and lanterns, and let’s head outside.”

Bundled against the slight chill, they gathered in comfortable Adirondack chairs around the firepit. Once everyone was again settled, Raven asked them to extinguish their lanterns.

“Now, just wait,” Raven said, her silhouette visible against the pale glow of the horizon.

Moments later, the sky came alive with shooting stars streaking across the heavens so quickly that wishes couldn’t be made in time.

“Wow,” Riley whispered.

“Beautiful,” Ben said, his voice soft.

The stars faded, and a dark blue to white glow slowly rose from the distant mountains. The full and brilliant moon turned from white to pale yellow as it ascended higher and higher, its light casting a serene glow over the group.

Raven stood, her figure outlined against the luminous orb. She turned toward them, her voice filled with warmth.

“Merry Christmas, my friends.”

*Images imagined by the author and created with Canva and GPT.

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