A year had passed, and life continued for the Hill family. Each, a year older and for a few wiser as well, but the subject of conversation persisted in being would Rick and Carin be joining the family this second Christmas at the magical house on Festive Lane.

“For December 24th in Chicago, the weather feels more like Florida than Illinois,” said Harry as he finished stringing the lights on the garage roofline.

“I know. I’m soaked to the bone from sweat. I need a shower and some clean clothes,” replied Victor, who helped Harry with the lights.

This year the Hills were much better prepared for the events that would soon evolve once the clock struck 6:00 pm on this warm and sultry Christmas Eve. Susan and Caitlin were busy setting up extra seating in the kitchen and family room, where most of the guests assembled last year. Susan also prepared several turkey and vegetable courses to complement the sweets the guests would be bringing. Last year even the elderly were sugared up and bouncing off the walls from too many sweets. Susan wanted to make sure the guests received a couple of solid meals while visiting her home.

“Wow, something smells great,” said Harry as he and Victor entered the kitchen from the back-garage entrance.

“It’s one of five turkeys I have prepared for our guests. I hope it’s enough,” replied Susan.

“It’s enough for Harry and me, but I don’t know what the guests are going to eat,” said Victor as he started picking at one of the already cooked turkeys resting on the counter.