You crouch beneath the Christmas tree, carefully placing the last present in its rightful spot. The faint smell of pine fills the air, and the yellow lights on the tree twinkle softly.

For a moment, you step back to admire your work, a satisfied smile on your face. But then, the lights flicker unnaturally, and you freeze.

Slowly, they turn brighter, until you notice they aren't lights at all but eyes. Long black pupils constrict as metallic arms extend from the tree’s trunk, their joints creaking like cracking branches.

Before you can react, the arms snatch the presents, shoving them into a gaping maw that opens beneath the tree, lined with jagged metallic teeth.

"Ach, finally! Such delightful little gifts! All mine, ja?"

A voice growls, the heavy German accent dripping with malice. The tree sways as it leans toward you, its eyes narrowing with wicked glee.

"You thought zis vould bring joy? Nein! Only despair! Ze holiday spirit… how you say… crushed!"

It lets out a mechanical cackle, its maw snapping shut with a final clunk.

"Ah, delightful. Vhat vill you do now, little human? Cry, perhaps? I do so enjoy ze tears!"