Lisa always believed the essence of Christmas was family time, and she longed for her daughter to have the kind of happy family life she never had. When she saw the face of the Santa she hired, her life flashed before her eyes, making her question her wishes.

The Marble family’s living room was a picture of holiday warmth on Christmas Eve, with twinkling tree lights adding a festive glow. The house was filled with the scrumptious scent of roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and warm, fresh bread.

Lisa dashed blissfully between the kitchen and the dining area, carrying steaming dishes. She made hosting look easy, wearing a dusted holiday apron from her earlier baking spree.

Her husband, Robert, entertained their daughter, Ashley, whose laughter was music to Lisa’s ears. Ashley was the co-pilot in a high-flying adventure atop Robert’s shoulders.”Stretch your arms out wide, like you’re soaring through the skies,” Robert urged her. His booming airplane imitation revved up Ashley’s giggles as she pretended to fly through the living room.

Ashley squealed with delight, “I’m flying, Daddy!” and they staggered playfully about the room. “Watch out, captain, we’re hitting turbulence!” Robert jested as they wobbled side to side.

A moment later, Lisa chimed in, “Time to land, dinner’s ready,” a playful nod in her voice.

As they took their seats for dinner, Lisa scanned the room, cherishing each moment with her family. Clinking silverware accompanied by Ashley’s joyful chatter made it clear to Lisa just how lucky she was.

When dinner was over, Lisa took the last dishes to the kitchen and caught Robert smiling over his coffee. On the carpet, Ashley lay captivated by a cartoon featuring animated animals, with Christmas tunes humming in the background.

With eyes full of anticipation, Lisa and Robert exchanged glances. “Is it time? Where is he?” Robert whispered eagerly. Lisa shot a quick glance at her watch and replied, “He should be here any minute. The snow might be delaying him.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, causing Ashley to spring to her feet and run for the entryway. Lisa opened the door to a gust of cold wind and a jolly man in a bright red Santa outfit entered, spreading cheer.

His hearty “Ho-ho-ho!” and playful gesture of brushing snow off his coat delighted Ashley, who threw her arms around him.”Santa! You came!” her voice was vibrant with excitement as Santa settled comfortably onto the couch with a bag brimming with gifts at his side.

“Let’s see what I have in here! Did you send me a letter this year?” Santa winked.

“Yes!” Ashley’s eyes twinkled, “Didn’t you read it?” Santa chuckled, stroking his fluffy, white beard. “Of course! But with the North Pole as busy as it is, sometimes things slip Santa’s mind!” Ashley, her eyes earnest, reminded him, “I asked for a puppy!”

“A puppy, you say?” he mused with a thoughtful nod before fishing into his sack and revealing a neatly wrapped box. “Here we go!”

Ashley’s eager hands tore through the wrapping paper to find a robotic dog inside. Disappointment clouded her beaming face. “I wanted a real one,” she murmured.

Santa, leaning closer, imparted kindly wisdom, “A real puppy is a big responsibility. If you care for this one, who knows, next year might bring what you wish.”

Her mood lifted as she inspected her toy’s buttons, Lisa and Robert slipped quietly out, allowing the moment to sink in.

In the hallway, Robert sighed, “Should have just got her a real dog,” he muttered, leaning on the bedroom door, his voice a mixture of regret and resolution.

“And a dog means what? Happily ever after? It’s a lot of work, Robert! The walks, the training… Let’s face it, who’s cleaning messes come rain or snow? It’s all on me!” Lisa retorted, frustration lining her voice.

Robert pressed on, “It’s more than that. It’s about family, joy, and the bond a pet brings. Ashley’s been dreaming of this… don’t you want her to have those memories?”

As Lisa mulled over the thought, her eyes softened. She finally conceded, “Fine… but remember, when the novelty wears off, it’s your job!”

Robert couldn’t help but smile at the victory but quickly shared her concern when they both noticed the eerie silence in the living room.

Rushing back, they saw no one on the couch. Hearts pounding, they hurried to the front. Their eyes caught Santa near the door, with Ashley in his arms, bundled and ready for the snow.

Lisa’s voice pierced the air, “Stop!”

Confronted, Santa turned towards them, startled. Lisa snatched Ashley close to her, and Robert’s fierce voice demanded answers. “Were you planning to take her?”

The man’s shock was apparent as he frantically denied it, “No, no, I just wanted to play outside with her!”

Lisa’s frustration peaked, “That wasn’t what we agreed on! You were supposed to share the gifts and go!”

Ashley’s voice tugged at Lisa’s heart. “Mom, don’t be mad. He’s my grandpa!”

Shaken, Lisa faced her daughter gently. “Sweetheart, what do you mean?”

With a soft sigh, the man peeled away his Santa beard, revealing a familiar face.

“Thomas Martins,” he said softly, looking directly at Lisa.

Words faltered in Lisa’s throat. She nudged Ashley softly toward the stairs, “Head to your room, love,” attempting firmness in her voice. Hesitantly, Ashley obliged, casting back lingering glances.

Robert turned inquisitively to Lisa, seeking answers. “What’s going on?” In his eyes, the bewilderment was plain.

Hesitating, Lisa finally spoke, “He’s Ashley’s grandfather, my father who vanished years ago.”

Robert’s disbelief echoed, “The man who left?” Anger clouding his words.

Thomas’s demeanor softened, “Please, Lisa, I know I failed you. I just wanted to see my granddaughter.” Robert’s gloves came off, “You vanished once. Why risk returning now?”

Lisa, breathing deeply, laid down an olive branch, “It’s Christmas. Families should come together.” She faced Thomas, hesitating before offering warmth. “This moment is a start, a chance, if for Ashley’s sake alone.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Thomas embraced the grace he was offered and embraced Lisa gently, tears in both their eyes.

This Christmas, for Thomas, symbolized hope anew, as it sparked the light of forgiveness and healing in the lives entwined with his own.