This story was written in 2003. At the time I wasn't sure about it, since it seemed far too trite, and wrote another Christmas story that same year called "One Christmas Carol," which I did post. This one disappeared for 5 years until I recovered it from the pending folder and posted it in the library on my site. But I didn't link it, so it languished in limbo for 5 more years. I rediscovered it yesterday while cleaning out the library before selling the domain and sent it to Silverthorne, who said I should at least archive it here. So here it is, an orphaned story written 10 years ago this month that I considered too trite and sappy and yet it continues to follow me. I hope I can finally let it rest in peace.