Lisa always believed that a perfect Christmas included spending time with family. Her wish for her daughter, Ashley, was to experience the joy of a full, happy family—something Lisa herself never truly had.

But when the Santa she hired revealed his face, Lisa was reminded that the past has a way of catching up when you least expect it.

On Christmas Eve, the Marble home was alive with the joyful ambiance of the holidays. In the living room, the Christmas tree twinkled with colorful lights, casting a warm glow across the room.

The delightful aroma of a festive feast—roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and freshly baked bread—wafted through their cozy home.

Lisa skillfully maneuvered between the kitchen and the dining table, balancing steaming dishes like a seasoned host. Her holiday apron bore traces of flour from baking cookies earlier that day.

Her husband, Robert, was the dedicated entertainer, delighting their little adventurer, Ashley, who giggled as she clung onto his shoulders.

“Spread your wings like an airplane, Ashley,” he encouraged, imitating the throaty hum of an aircraft as Ashley squealed with excitement.

“I’m flying, Daddy!” she exclaimed, her laughter resonating with innocent joy.

“Brace for turbulence!” Robert playfully swayed as if navigating through the imaginary skies, coaxing even more giggles from Ashley.

Lisa paused in her bustling, watching them with a content smile, before calling out, “Time to land, dinner is ready!”

Robert made a grand show of landing the “plane,” complete with engine sounds and exaggerated gestures that had Ashley clamoring for more.

“Later, my little pilot,” he promised, kneeling to her height. “First, let’s refuel with some dinner.”

The family gathered at the table, with silverware clinking and Ashley’s cheerful chatter filling the air. Lisa felt a warm happiness, soaking in gratitude for these precious times.

Once dinner was over, while Ashley relaxed watching a cartoon, Lisa exchanged a knowing look with Robert. “Is it time?” he whispered.

“He should be here any moment,” Lisa replied softly, glancing at her watch.

The doorbell rang right on cue. Ashley’s eyes darted to the door, and Lisa hurried to open it. The chilly blast of winter air and the sight of Santa on their doorstep excited her little girl.

“Ho-ho-ho!” Santa greeted, brushing the snow from his red suit as he stepped into the warmth of their home.

Ashley scampered towards him, giggling as she wrapped her arms around his legs. “Santa! You came!” she cried in delight.

Santa chuckled, sitting on the couch with a dramatic sigh. “Let’s see what goodies are in here,” he said, patting his large red bag.

Ashley’s eager admission of writing Santa a letter was met with a wise nod. “I remember many letters, my dear,” Santa teased, checking his bag. He drew out a festive package and handed it to Ashley.

Ashley tore into the wrapping to unveil a robotic puppy. Her eyes dimmed a bit. “I wanted a real puppy,” she confessed.

With grandfatherly wisdom, Santa explained, “Real puppies take a lot of care. Maybe if you practice with this one, next year will bring a real dog into your life.”

Lisa and Robert exchanged a knowing look before stepping out of the living room, allowing their daughter her enchanting moment with Santa.

Outside the room, Robert sighed, “We should have gotten her a dog.” Lisa folded her arms, responding, “It’s a big responsibility and will undoubtedly fall on me.”

“But a dog is more than work; it’s love and joy,” Robert argued, but Lisa just shrugged.

Their parent discussion was cut short by silence growing in the living room. “It’s too quiet,” Lisa said, worry etching her voice.

Rushing back, they found Santa gone and Ashley missing from the couch. Panic surged through Lisa as they dashed to the doorway.

They found Santa holding a layered-up Ashley near the door. Lisa’s heart raced as she shouted, “Stop!”

Startled, Santa turned, revealing a face that seemed hauntingly familiar. Lisa demanded to know his intentions, to which he stammered, “Just snowballs, I swear!”

Ashley, hugging her mother’s leg, squeaked, “Mom, stop! He’s my grandpa!”

In disbelief, Lisa watched as Santa removed his beard to reveal an aging, yet recognizable face.

“Thomas Martins,” he uttered softly, gazing back at Lisa, who was shaken to her core.

Anger surged in Lisa, sending Ashley to her room before confronting Thomas.

“What’s he talking about, Lisa?” asked a bewildered Robert.

Struggling with emotions, Lisa explained, “He’s Ashley’s grandfather. My father…”

Robert’s tension grew as he asked why Thomas had come. Thomas confessed his longing to see a granddaughter he never knew, apologizing for the past.

Despite Robert’s anger, Lisa softened. It was Christmas, a time when families should reconcile, even if the road to forgiveness was complicated.

Quietly, Lisa relented to the Christmas spirit, allowing Thomas a chance to at least know Ashley, but with caution.

Thomas, grateful and humbled, shared an emotional embrace with Lisa, hinting at the healing that might just begin.

This Christmas brought the promise of reconciliation—a fragile yet valuable gift for the Marble family.

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