Each of these responses has been fantastically well written - thanks for taking part in the challenge! B-D

A creative use for your creative prompt!

Well, that was a surprise at the end. Nicely played!
Rather fond of your nod to canon with "an empty house." clever :-)

Funny! Loved Holmes' dialogue in this one. You Watson perspective was just fine:-)

"She will be aware only if you make her so," Holmes said, his eyes closed. The pipe hung loosely from his fingers. "I would suggest that you do not." - LOL!

Soft and fluffy, yes. Your descriptions and dialogue made for the perfect mood of this story.

So now the question comes to mind, why is Holmes so adverse to a surprise party of friends and family?

Nice ending. Enjoyed the humour with "that Hamstead fellow".

Vivid word pictures. Impressed!

Christmas cheer when there are friends around - a nice reminder :-)

And this lovely little piece also made the world just a tiny bit brighter :-) Thank you.

Funny! Nice ending.

"I slept as much as I had time for, I assure you." - particularly liked this bit of dry humour :-)

Some fun dialogue in this piece!

And uncorrupted, I added mentally, hurrying to the door. Who could say what an hour of unadulterated time with Sherlock Holmes could do to an impressionable boy of five? - *smiles*

Last line is great! Still laughing...

Of all people to tell Holmes about his brother's catastrophe, Watson would be the one to do so.

Well written.

Wondered who you'd put under the mistletoe - nicely done!

"eyes sparkling conspiratorially" - great phrase :-)

*cries*
I...*sob* No, it was great. I just have a huge Watson soft spot, and every time Watson gets sad so do I. So if you 14th prompt is mine too, that'll just be weird...

Me again! Literally, my prompt. And isn't the next one too? Good Lord. Anyway, very well done. In character, and I love the line, "You were silent for over six minutes this time." It's the understated affection Sherlock has for Watson coming out.