Aaron had previously mentioned his parents' Christmas parties, but Keeley never imagined their austerity until she experienced them firsthand. Their first Christmas as a couple was a stark contrast to her expectations.

He did indulge her by viewing Christmas tree and window displays together, but refused to help decorate sugar cookies, watch holiday movies, or participate in anything else that suggested holiday cheer. He claimed to be busy with work, but she sensed his disdain. She wasn't bothered; some people are less festive than others. His traditions differed from hers, and she respected that.

Christmas morning, at Keeley's request, the chef prepared cinnamon rolls—a treat her mother always made. The family looked through their stockings before breakfast, but other presents weren't opened until afterward, to prolong the excitement.

They spent the day in their special Christmas pajamas—a gift opened the night before—relaxing, playing games, watching movies, and snacking on cookies Monica had baked and frozen. Aaron flatly refused to participate in these "trifles." Their twelve-foot tree, in their high-ceilinged living room, was adorned with expensive baubles from Fifth Avenue stores, professionally decorated in case they entertained guests.

Keeley was forbidden from decorating the house, which frustrated her. She argued with her husband and lost. The only things she could do independently were wrapping Aaron's gifts and baking cookies (with the stipulation that she wouldn't serve them to important guests). All visitors were served by the chef.

She tried to convince herself that this was Aaron's norm, and that she could influence him to adapt over time as their family grew. This didn't happen. The next eight Christmases were nearly identical.

Christmas morning, she sleepily came downstairs, disappointed to find Aaron hadn't filled her stocking (though she'd made one for him). When she questioned him, he apologized, claiming he hadn't thought of it. Unsurprisingly. Her gifts were expensive—clothes, jewelry, and shoes—but none were things she would have chosen for herself.

At least her gifts for Aaron were thoughtful. She gave him a watch from his favorite brand, engraved with their wedding date (August 8, 2010), and some ties to complement his business suits. She'd learned during their courtship that he was very particular about ties, and she'd chosen wisely; he seemed pleased.

He spent most of the day idle while Keeley watched classic Claymation films like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Their Christmas party, including dinner, was at a downtown banquet hall, requiring formal attire. She was accustomed to pajamas, not cocktail dresses, but understood her role as Mrs. Hale was to appear beautiful.

Keeley curled her hair, applied makeup, and donned the outfit Aaron had bought her: an off-the-shoulder red and black floral dress that fell mid-calf, paired with black heeled sandals that took five minutes to fasten. Admiring herself, she added festive dangly earrings shaped like tiny Christmas bulbs.

"What on earth are you wearing?" he demanded upon seeing her. "You can't go out like that."

"They're hidden behind my hair! Hardly anyone will notice—"

"The daughter-in-law of the Hale family cannot be seen wearing five-dollar earrings! If you want Christmas-themed earrings, I'll commission some next year. Change them," Aaron declared.

Keeley sighed. Being Mrs. Hale was difficult. She'd discarded most of her old clothes; wearing anything inappropriate outside the house would have dire consequences.

She reluctantly exchanged her earrings for ruby drops.

"Happy now?" she asked sullenly.

Aaron patted her head. "You look lovely. Let's go."

At the party, at least two dozen people were mingling, enjoying champagne and a string quartet's Christmas music. Keeley had never experienced such a Christmas party. Aaron took her hand and introduced her to guests.

"Keeley, darling, I adore your earrings. Where did you get them?" an acquaintance asked while Aaron discussed the stock market with her fiancé. People had noticed her earrings. Her anger subsided.

"Angola Jeweler's. It's a new boutique with a wide selection of gemstones. I got them last month shopping with my mother-in-law."

"I've heard Roslyn Hale has exquisite taste. You must invite me next time."

"Of course," Keeley replied.

Shopping was paramount in this social circle. One didn't socialize with just anyone; smaller, more exclusive groups were preferred. Everyone had invited Keeley after her engagement announcement to assess the "new meat" and curry favor with the future Mrs. Hale, regardless of her background.

This is how she acquired most of her current wardrobe. The prices were exorbitant, but Aaron didn't mind; he wanted her to fit in, so she kept her feelings of inadequacy to herself.

She chatted with the socialite until dinner. She and Aaron, as family members, sat next to the hosts and other prominent families, like the Knightons. Lacy Knighton was displeased to see them together and subtly disparaged Keeley throughout the meal. It was fortunate she hadn't worn the Christmas earrings.

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