Humming softly to herself, Myth paused in her cleaning to admire her new place. It had seemed to silly to remain by herself in a large house. Of course, she could have filled it with dogs, but even then, it was more than she needed. No, better to sell it and use the money to buy herself a smaller, much cuter home. And hey, this place was closer to her shop, so bonus! And once she got all the initial cleaning done from moving, she could begin to decorate for the holidays. She already had the Christmas music playing on the old record player she’d salvaged. And records were so much better than CDs in the long run as long as she took care not to scratch anything.

Come to think of it, some companies were making some high end record players. Maybe she’d splurge a little and get a fancy new toy for herself. But for now, she was content to listen to Bing Crosby crooning Silent Night on her little find.

Giving the top of a shelf a final swipe with her cleaning rag, Myth smiled and began mentally planning the placement of some of the vintage decorations she’d saved and restored. The red glass bowl would be so perfect on that shelf! Maybe with a little string of lights behind it to give the area a warm and sparkling glow? Or did she want to keep herself to vintage golds and silvers and creams this year? That idea had merit as well. And if she did that one, she could use some of the burgundy and olive stuff she’d squirreled away as little color pops.

Tapping a dusty forefinger against her chin, she considered her options. Too many good ideas. Maybe she should have kept the bigger house at least until after the holidays. But… no. She was far happier in her little house. And if she had to restrain herself, who cared? She was living for herself and determined to enjoy this Christmas.

Dancing along with her carols, Myth cleaned like fury, only stopping when sweat dripped from her nose and the small home was practically sparkling. And she’d decided that she would get herself a real Christmas tree once it was officially December. Once she got that put up and decorated, then she’d decide on the rest of the house. Grinning a little to herself, she imagined how lovely the house would smell with a real tree instead of that plastic crap she’d always used before. Maybe if the tree lot had little branches to spare, she’d either buy or make herself a wreath to hang on her door, too. Why not? She could do whatever she wanted this year. Might as well make herself some good, homey memories and live it the ******** up!

Brusquely brushing away a few stray tears at the thought, Myth threw her rag into a clothes hamper. She needed to get cleaned and go rustle up some dinner. And maybe just let her brain drift a bit in myriad daydreams of snow and Christmas and pine.