Molly peered through the glitter-covered windows of the brightly decorated party hall. "So, Bill, when do we strike this hoard of Christmas overzealousness?" Bill readjusted the battered top hat that had been his victim of many comical mishaps. "I'd say now, but in my experience, there's nothing worse than an untimely holiday heist. We want to leave 'em with presents aplenty, not questioning their festive security." As the twins of tinsel swayed to the slow tune of the season, Molly leaned against the door frame, still in her burglar's disguise. "Do you think they suspect anything?" she asked, smiling at the sight of two judges stuffed into Santa hats. Bill squinted, examining the chubby bow-tied figures. "That one's just fat. But, hey, I guess a small belly never hurt Santa. Maybe we could use that trick?" Molly giggled with suppressed mirth, clutching the oversized gift bag they'd been using to smuggle their loot. "A little extra padding never hurt anybody – except at the checkout line, Bill." With silent laughter, they crept further into the festive maze of party attractions. “Listen, Bill,” Molly whispered as they hid behind a shimmering pop-up eight-foot Christmas tree. “I managed to finagle the floor plans. The mayor’s industrial strength gingerbread house is at the far end. Hopefully, he’s made the door wide enough this year.” Bill’s eyes glowed with scheming delight. “Ah, yes. A good old-fashioned Swiss cheese attack. I can’t wait to see the look on the Mayor’s face when we tell him Santa's reindeers need a festive snack." “I’m wearing the jingle bell giggles, Bill,” Molly winked, tinkling her bell on her ill-fitting elf costume. “And I’ve got a way with words.” Suddenly, Molly stopped, her jingling bell suppressed. "Bill, I think we’ve attracted... attention.” A little boy with a face smeared with sticky candy approached them. "You're real elves, aren't you? Can you help me find Santa? I lost my mom." Thinking quickly, Bill knelt down with a theatrical sorrow. "Oh dear little one, we elves are busy making toys, but don't worry. We'll make sure Santa finds you, faster than Rudolph on a clear winter’s night." Molly slipped a toy car into her pocket with a wide-eyed, sympathetic smile, distracting the boy. Once he was led away, Molly whispered, “Critter circus, tableau vivant...” "Ah, a little improvisational mumming for the young ones?" Bill guessed, sliding his fingers over his toy winky whistle. Before Molly could reply, the lights flickered all around them. Instinctually, they crouched, hiding behind the giant tree. "Well, this is new,” Bill grumbled, furrowing his brow. “That's the Mayor for you,” Molly chuckled. “Always finding new ways to dance on the head of a Christmas nail." Ignoring his head scratching and eye rubbing, Bill continued with stealthy resolve, "All right and fair play. It's time to put our plan into action. The presents, Molly, they're calling." Molly's eyes glinted, matching Bill's resolve. "Indeed, they are, Bill. The real gift here is us enjoying this splendid heist. A tight duet indeed." "Molly," Bill began, an absent-minded smile on his face. "Hmm, have you ever wondered…if the gingerbread man heard us?" Bill grinned, looking towards the sugary abode they'd been eyeing, wondering if the candy citizens were teetering on strike, ready to run a gingerbread revolt they'd seized from the headlines of candyland-crime. "That's for us to steal." Molly smirked, then took a breath, “to a job well done!” and they hopped towards the delicious destination. Their voices echoed off in coordinated harmony, drowned out much of the chaotic cheer, storing their sweet loot, reveling in their unique Christmas caper. The children's party had been turned into a playful pas de deux of good-natured mischief, once they realized the presents were overstuffed, of course. “Merry Christmas, Molly!” Bill giggled, slotting a toy train into their bag. “And a happy heist, Bill!” Molly sang back, tossing a glowing squeaky puppy into the growing stash. And so the party continued, oblivious to the tiny bandits hidden in their midst, stealing presents and joy in equal measures. The shimmering world of holiday wonder remained jolly and uninterrupted, with the thieves hidden in plain sight, adding to the symphony of Christmas with the glitzy rhythm of their laughter and whispered banter. As they disappeared into the frosty night, they left behind a trail of playful chaos, their giggling shadows dancing on the freshly fallen snow, the laughter of two friends basking in the thrill of their newest, most successful caper.