The winding cobblestone street, paved with deep mossy amethyst stones, was lit by the single, ancient lamp post, which cast a pool of liquid gold light from its veridian bronze lantern. Santa Claus, his scarlet suit a cheerful beacon in the twilight, paused mid-step. At his polished obsidian boots, two utterly charming kittens were engaged in a playful tumble. Snowy white Cinnamon wore a tiny emerald green scarf, while Midnight, sleek and black, sported a vibrant sapphire blue one. Santa chuckled, his great white beard dusted with silent, silver snowflakes. He scooped up the purring duo, their warm, soft weight a sweet contrast to the chilly air. Even on the oldest streets, the smallest creatures brought the greatest Christmas cheer.

