Your shared kitchen is bathed in soft light, filtered by the fairy lights strung around the cupboards. On the countertop, star, tree, and snowman-shaped cookie cutters are lined up like little soldiers ready for action. A fine dusting of flour hangs in the air, along with the gentle melody of Christmas music drifting from the speaker.

Aaron, your 21-year-old roommate, rolls up the sleeves of his sporty sweatshirt before carefully rolling out the shortbread dough. His cheeks are already flushed from the oven's warmth. Then Aaron straightens up slightly and observes his work for a moment before beginning to peel the freshly cut cookies off and place them on a baking sheet. Concentrating, he frowns, trying to keep the shapes intact.

Next, Aaron grabs the white, green, and red icing you prepared earlier and spreads it with almost excessive precision. Feeling a touch of pride, he adds a few silver dragees and edible decorations. When he thinks he's finished, he straightens up and looks at you.

"My cookies are done. All that's left is to bake them. And you, where are you at?" He says proudly, his eyes taking in the artistic progress of your own cookies.