Hey guys, sorry it's not the next chapter of TOCHFH. This is a small one-shot about Christmas. It popped in my head while I was decorating the Christmas tree with my younger brother last Saturday. I hope you'll enjoying it.

There's two people I need to thank. The first I forgot to mention before (sorry about that by the way) is RogueStorm84 because she beta'd this for me. Also thanks to the-truthful-lie : we hadn't seen those mistakes before, so thank you for pointing them out. I kept JJ, because it's her nickname, but I hadn't realized for Hotch.

Christmas at the BAU

When the different agents of the BAU came into work that morning, there was a tree. And not a small tree. It was a really, really big Christmas tree. The agents slowly moved to their desk. On each and every single one of the desks, closed offices included, lay a box. They were all different sizes, shapes and colors. The biggest, weirdest shaped and most colorful had been left on six desks. JJ had a big, bright blue, heart-shaped box; Derek, a flashy red snowmen-shaped box; David, an emerald lightning bolt shaped box; Aaron, a beige gingerbread man shaped one; Emily's box was a sunny yellow flower and Spencer had a lime green star-shaped one.

Every agent opened their box, all finding Christmas decorations and two envelopes. They all opened one of the envelopes, the one saying

"Open this first or you'll have to face my wrath!"

Just by those ten words, recognition hit every one. There was only one person capable of this. But, they opened the envelope nonetheless. After all, nobody was stupid enough to disobey that order.

"Go decorate the tree or I'll get mad."

The note said. Many of the agents sighed before wondering if a couple of decorations were worth making one Penelope Garcia mad...

Soon, the entire office was around the Christmas tree, putting up their decorations. Spencer stood next to the tree, a confused look on his face.

"Is everything okay, Spence?" JJ asked.

"Yes. I know the tradition of Christmas trees, but I've never really made one. What's the point?"

"The point?" Derek answered, surprising the two friends from behind.

"The point is to have a great family time and to put gifts under it. We've explained it before, no?" He explained an amused look on his face. He always found it funny that Spencer seemed unable to grasp such simple things.

"Yeah... Well, there'll be no gifts under that one."

"That is why you should have read the second note" Emily said, waving a piece of paper as the rest of their team walked to them.

"In this envelope, you'll find the name of someone. It's the name of your secret Santa. The budget is $35 before taxes. Before you even start to think about asking, your participation is mandatory. Everyone has someone in their own team to make things easier. By then you wonder how I will know you participated. Here's your answer: because I'm wonderful and I can make you pay if you don't. Also, I have the exhaustive list of who has who and I will check that everyone has a gift. At the risk of repeating myself: you don't want to make me mad!

Love everyone and Happy Holidays,

PS: You can't tell who you have to anyone! (Under the same consequences as the rest: my wrath)"

"Only Garcia…" David sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Hey, I am the best!" She said, coming behind them.

"Was it really necessary, Garcia?" Hotch asked.

"Yes, sir. It'll bring a little of Christmas spirit around here."

Hotch sighed, but didn't reply.

"I still don't understand why we need a tree." Spencer declared.

The team members exchanged a look. It was sad that Spencer didn't understand the symbolism of a Christmas tree.

"When I was a kid, we'd decorate the three on the second weekend of December. When it was all over, my mom we would all sit around it on the floor while my dad plugged the lights." Derek said.

"Yeah? Well, it was the same in my family, but every year, my mom would hand the star to my dad. My dad would kiss her before putting the star on top of the tree." JJ said smiling. "I do the same with Will."

"Sharing Christmas tree stories?" Emily asked.

"Yes. What was it like at the embassies?" Derek wondered.

"We had many trees in the embassy decorated by the staff, but no matter the country, one was going to our house. It was always small compared to the others, but it was ours. It was one of the only times my parents weren't fighting. My father used to lift me so I could put the star on top. What about you, Aaron?"

"It was normal I guess. Every year, Sean and I would argue about which one of us would get to put the star on. Our mother always did it while we argued."

"I have the best memories of Christmas trees before my parents died." Penelope said with a smile. "I made most of the decorations... My parents would roll their eyes and let me do it, anyway. And you David?"

"We did it on the 24th. The complete family around my grandmother's tree. You've never seen anything that chaotic!"

The group turned toward Spencer.

"I hadn't one home. But the librarian of my favorite library always made me help her. I didn't mind, but I've never understood why."

"Why didn't you have one, home?" Emily asked.

"My mom didn't like Christmas trees; she thought they were great places to hide cameras and things." Spencer sighed.

"Then this is why we're making one today, pretty boy. Because we're a family and this is Christmas." Derek said putting an arm around Spencer's shoulders.

The rest of the team smiled and went back to work. Spencer and Derek stayed there, watching the tree. Spencer put his head on Derek's shoulder without even realizing he did so. Derek looked at Spencer, love shining through his eyes. He closed his hand tightly, his fingers around a little piece of paper with Spencer's name written on it.

So, what did you think? Might have a sequel if you guys ask nicely... Reviewers get hugs and Christmas cookies! ^^
Love as always, Anne