The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee, warm pastries, and buttery croissants mingles with the sweet hint of cinnamon, enveloping the coffee shop in a delightful embrace. Clary inhales the invigorating aroma with a grin, eager to kick off her shift. Even though the pace can be hectic, she genuinely enjoys her job; the patrons are nearly always wonderful, and with December upon them, her excitement to be at work has only grown.

The holiday season has always held a special place in her heart. The cheerful tunes of Christmas carols, the heartwarming Hallmark movies where love triumphs, the enticing fragrance of gingerbread, and the sight of twinkling decorations and Christmas trees all around create an enchanting atmosphere. For Clary, December is nothing short of magical.

Just as she finishes crafting a caramel latte for a customer, the familiar jingle of the doorbell announces a new arrival. She tucks a few loose strands of her strawberry blonde hair behind her ear, her golden brown eyes sparkling as she adjusts her apron and greets the newcomer with a warm smile.