I woke up to the sound of soft giggles and the faint rustling of wrapping paper. Caitlin's arm were still draped around me, and I could feel her gentle breathing as her chest rose and fell against my back. The living room was filled with a soft golden light filtering through the curtains, and for a second, I just lay there, savoring the peacefulness of the moment.

"Merry Christmas, sleepyheads," I hear Alanna's voice call out from across the room, and I blinked my eyes open, turning to see her sitting on the floor near the tree with a cup of coffee in her hand. Macca was beside her, already tearing into a present with a wide grin.

"Merry Christmas," I mumble, stretching my arms above my head before I glance up at Caitlin, who is just waking up herself, her eyes fluttering open lazily.

"Merry Christmas," she whispers, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead. Her warmth and the gentle press of her lips made me smile, and for a moment, I felt like the luckiest person in the world.

Steph comes in from the kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate. She smiles but at the sight of us all gathered, looking just as relaxed as the rest of us. "Alright, who's ready for presents?" she asks, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

Macca groans, holding up the pair of novelty socks she'd just unwrapped. "Really, Alanna? Socks?"

Alanna snickers, nudging her with an elbow. "They're practical! Plus, I know you're always stealing mine."

The room filled with laughter as Macca threw the socks at Alanna, who dodged them with a grin. Caitlin shook her head beside me, a smile playing on her lips. "Well, let's see what we've got, then."

We all gathered around the tree, the warm scent of pine filling the room. The lights blinked gently as we passed around gifts, everyone's excitement bubbling in the air. It felt like we were little kids again, eager to see what surprises waited for us.

Caitlin hands me a small, neatly wrapped box. "Open it," she urges, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

I carefully peel back the wrapping, my heart thudding in my chest. Inside is a delicate necklace, a simple silver chain with a small, engraved charm in the shape of a football. My eyes water at the sight of it.

"I thought it could be something to remind you of all the goals you've already scored, on and off the field," Caitlin says softly, her voice tender. "And, you know... all the goals we'll score together."

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as I reach out and pull her in for a hug, kissing her softly on the cheek. "It's perfect. Thank you," I whisper against her skin.

"Alright, alright, no mushy stuff!" Macca teases from across the room, though I can see the fondness in her eyes.

"Here," Caitlin says, handing Macca her own present. "Your turn."

Macca rips the paper apart with enthusiasm, revealing a vintage vinyl record. Her eyes widen. "No way! How did you find this? I've been looking for this for years!"

Caitlin chuckles. "I have my ways."

Steph tosses a small gift at Alanna, who opens it to find a personalized keychain with her name and the number of games she'd played this season engraved on it. "A little reminder of all your achievements," Steph says, her tone genuine.

Alanna smiles, holding it up for everyone to see. "Thanks, Steph. This is awesome."

The rest of the morning passed in a flurry of laughter and shared moments. Steph, Caitlin, and I took turns pulling Christmas crackers, the small pops echoing through the room as we laughed at the ridiculous paper crowns and cheesy jokes inside.

"What do you call a reindeer who tells jokes?" Caitlin reads aloud from her cracker.

"What?" Alanna asks, grinning.

"A comedi-deer," Caitlin replies, groaning at the punchline while the rest of us burst into laughter.

The room was still buzzing with excitement as we continued exchanging gifts, laughter filling the air. Wrapping paper was scattered all over the floor, and everyone seemed to be in the best spirits. I had one last gift in my hand, and I knew exactly who it was for.

I stood up and crossed the room to Steph, who was sitting by the tree with a soft smile on her face. "Hey, Steph," I say, handing her the small gift I'd wrapped earlier. "This is for you."

Steph blinks in surprise, her eyes widening slightly as she takes the gift from me. "For me? You didn't have to get me anything, Els," she says, her tone light but touched.

"Well, I wanted to," I reply, shrugging playfully. "Open it."

Steph carefully peels back the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek leather-bound journal with her initials embossed in silver on the cover. It's a simple gift, but I knew how much Steph loved jotting down her thoughts or sketching ideas in moments of quiet. She ran her fingers over the smooth cover, her expression softening with appreciation.

"Elena, this is beautiful," she says, looking up at me with a genuine smile. "Thank you."

I grin, feeling warmth in my chest at the look on her face. "I figured it might come in handy for all those tactical notes you're always scribbling down for the Matildas, Captain."

Steph chuckles, shaking her head at the playful title. "I'll definitely put it to good use." She pulls me into a tight hug, her embrace warm and familiar. "Seriously, thank you, Els. This means a lot."

Caitlin, who had been watching us with a lazy smile from her spot on the couch, raises an eyebrow. "Alright, alright, you two," she teases, her tone playful. "Don't get too cozy over there."

I pull away from Steph with a laugh, just as Caitlin made a mock grab for me, catching my wrist and pulling me back towards the couch where she sits. I stumble a little, landing on the cushion in front of her, and before I can protest, she wraps her arms around my waist from behind, pulling me close.

"Looks like you're mine again," she murmurs in my ear, her warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. I lean into her embrace, content and happy, but it doesn't last long. I feel her fingers lightly brushing against my sides, and I instantly know what is coming.

"Cait, no—" I start, already trying to squirm away, but it's too late.

Her fingers find the ticklish spot on my waist, and I burst into uncontrollable giggles, writhing in her arms as she tickles me mercilessly. "Caitlin, stop!" I gasp between laughs, trying to wriggle out of her grasp, but she just tightens her hold, her own laughter joining mine.

"You're too cute when you're ticklish," she teases, continuing her playful assault.

"Mercy!" I plead, still laughing as my sides ache with the effort. Caitlin finally relents, resting her chin on my shoulder as I catch my breath.

"You're the worst," I mutter, my voice breathless but full of affection.

"You love it," she murmurs back, her lips brushing lightly against my cheek.

I rolled my eyes, but I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. The warmth of Caitlin's arms around me, the sound of our friends' laughter in the background, and the soft glow of the Christmas lights made everything feel perfect.

Steph glances over at us with a knowing smirk. "Don't let her get away with it, Elena. You've got to fight back."

I huff, shaking my head. "Yeah, well, it's hard to fight when you're this ticklish," I say, poking Caitlin's leg playfully.

Caitlin just grins, her arms still wrapped firmly around me. "Guess you'll just have to stay right here, then."

The room fell into a comfortable quiet as everyone settled back into their spots, the glow of the tree casting a warm light over us. Macca and Alanna were playfully bickering about something near the kitchen, and Steph had her nose buried in the journal I'd given her, probably already planning her next set of tactical notes.

Caitlin's fingers idly traced patterns on my stomach as she held me close, and I leaned my head back against her shoulder, feeling completely at peace. She pressed a soft kiss to my temple, her voice barely a whisper in my ear. "This is a pretty perfect Christmas, don't you think?"

I smiled, feeling her heartbeat steady against my back. "Yeah," I whispered back. "It really is."