The August wind tugs at Shaun’s apron as he steps out of the Irish pub he owns. The sun rides high over a bustling street, with rush hour traffic buzzing as commuters hurry home. Inside the pub, chatter and laughter create a lively atmosphere. Shaun takes a moment to appreciate the joyous spirit echoing within its walls before his responsibilities pull him back. He sighs, looking across the parking lot where laughter and chatter from patrons slowly dissipate. Knowing that trash awaits, he mentally prepares for the evening ahead.
As Shaun hefts a bag of trash, he notices a group of hooded figures nearby, their secretive movements sparking his curiosity. “Hey! What are you doing?” he calls, his heart racing with a mix of instinct and resolve. Instead of fleeing, they turn toward him, faces filled with malice.
“Mind your business!” one of them shouts back, reaching for something. Everything slows. Adrenaline surges as he steps forward. He can’t just walk away. “I can’t let this happen,” he thinks. But in a heartbeat, a metallic glint flickers, accompanied by a deafening boom. Pain erupts in his chest, and the world turns black.
Christmas Eve at the Brady Home
Fast forward to Christmas Eve, a heavy sorrow blankets the Brady home. Seamus, now thirteen, stands in the living room staring at the meager decorations. A Christmas tree sits in the corner, adorned only by the twinkling lights his mom managed to string up. Outside, the usual festive decorations are absent, amplifying the silence. His father’s absence feels like an unspoken weight hanging over them, and the darkened street outside is a painful reminder of what they’ve lost.
“It doesn’t feel like Christmas,” whispers his ten-year-old sister, Mary, slumping as she peers out at the street.
“Yeah, I know.” Seamus turns his gaze outward, longing for the holiday spirit to return.
“I miss Dad,” Mary murmurs, her voice cracking.
“Me too,” Seamus replies quietly, savoring their father’s laughter in his mind. “But Mom is trying hard to make this special. We need to help her.”
Today is particularly bittersweet — it’s Mary’s birthday, celebrated a day early. As they prepare to visit grandparents for the celebration, a pang of sorrow tugs at Seamus. This is Mary’s first birthday without Dad.
Just then, their mom, Kate, enters, weary but carrying a tray of cookies that fills the air with a sweet scent. “I made your dad’s favorite cookies,” she says softly. “Let’s have some when we think of him tonight.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Seamus responds, forcing a smile in support of her.
“Would you help me hang the stockings later?” she asks gently.
“Of course,” he assures her, feeling a glitter of warmth at the thought of reclaiming holiday spirit together.
Roxanne’s Struggles
Meanwhile, across town, Roxanne faces her own trials. At sixteen, darkness feels thick and oppressive, mirroring her struggle against aggressive cancer. She feels like a shell of her former self, battling against overwhelming odds. Frequent waves of anxiety and depression settle over her, weighing heavily on her heart.
In her room, Roxanne finds solace in her favorite author, Colleen Hoover, whose stories help transport her to different, hopeful worlds. As she immerses herself in the pages, the complex characters battling their demons provide her with a vent, reminding her she is not alone. Though her friends celebrate with decorations and joyous lights, she battles her grief, wanting to protect her four younger siblings and inspire them with hope.
“Roxanne, are you done?” her little brother calls from outside her room.
“Just a little longer,” she replies, taking a moment to reflect before shifting her focus back to her crafting. She hopes the holiday ornaments she creates will bring joy to her siblings’ faces. Determination fuels her resilience; she wants to demonstrate that joy can persist even in hard times.
The laughter of her siblings nearby ignites a flicker of hope in her heart. Amidst her struggles, she chooses to cherish these moments, creating a Christmas filled with warmth and love.
Mary’s Birthday Celebration
At Grandma and Grandpa’s house, the birthday celebration for Mary is in full swing. The family sits around the festive table, laughter filling the air, anticipation resting on the delicious cake waiting to be cut.
Seamus feels a buzz from his new phone, pulling it out to read a text. His eyes widen at the exciting message:
“Merry Christmas, Seamus! My name is Chief Elf — for the past thirty-five years, my team has made happy memories for families struggling during the holidays. We need someone with a huge heart to help deliver special presents tonight! Ask your mom if you can join us.”
Confused yet excited, Seamus glances at his mom. She beams, believing it’s a wonderful idea.
“Yes!” he texts back eagerly, ready to make a difference.
“Fantastic! A ride is ready. Head to your Grandma’s driveway to meet your crew. You’re the boss of this team! But remember, you can’t be seen.”
Seamus’s heart races; this is the adventure he’s been waiting for, and he can’t wait to spread Christmas cheer.
The Mission Begins
When the limo pulls up in front of Roxanne’s house, Seamus feels a rush of excitement. He turns to Mary and their rookie elf crew, whispering urgently, “We must be very quiet. We can’t be seen!”
The group nods, eyes wide with anticipation. They sneak toward the porch, adrenaline fueling their steps. “Stay close!” Seamus reminds them, glancing back to ensure everyone stays on task. They reach the porch and gently place the bags down, breaths held in anticipation.
Seamus takes out a special gift for Roxanne and places it on top. He swiftly knocks on the door and bolts back to the car, diving in just as the driver pulls away.
A Surprise for Roxanne
Inside, Roxanne sits with family and friends, laughter ringing. Suddenly, she hears a distinct knock. Curiosity piqued, she stands and opens the door but finds only darkness where the mystery visitor stood.
“Hey, look!” her little brother exclaims, discovering the bags of gifts on the porch. Excitement floods through the room as the families rush to gather the treasures.
“Hurry! Open them!” Roxanne encourages, eager to see the joy in her siblings’ faces. One by one, they eagerly unwrap their presents, giggles and squeals of joy filling the air.
“Roxanne, this one has your name on it!” her brother shouts, holding up a beautifully wrapped box. She carefully unwraps it, and disbelief washes over her as she discovers an entire collection of Colleen Hoover books, from the acclaimed author herself. It feels like a hug from a friend; the handwritten note reaffirms her strength: “To Roxanne, you are a warrior. Never forget that. Colleen Hoover”
A smile spreads across her face as she places the book on her shelf, cherishing its significance.
The Aftermath of the Night
On their way home, Seamus is elated, holding onto the rich memory of the night. Turning the corner, he sees their house — once dark, now aglow with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. The work of another elf crew while they were delivering presents to Roxanne. The transformation captures the essence of wonder and hope.
Entering their home, they find a pile of gifts, beautifully wrapped and full of promise. “Wait, is that for us?” Mary stares, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Amidst the packages, one gleams brighter, with Mary’s name and a note that simply reads: “Happy Birthday.” Her heart races as she unwraps it to find a gold necklace inscribed in Irish: “A father’s love is eternal.”
With a heartfelt sense of joy, she clasps the necklace around her neck, feeling her father’s presence. The gentle pull of the jewelry connects her with the memories they shared.
As laughter fills the space, stories about their father emerge, rekindling their spirits. Seamus feels a warmth in his heart. Christmas could still evoke joy. He thinks of Roxanne, realizing that love and giving embody the spirit of the season. The traditions he shared with his dad blend past memories with new creations, affirming their endurance.
Suddenly, his phone buzzes with a message:
“Seamus, thanks for the wonderful job tonight! Please thank your mom and Mary too. You made a real difference for Roxanne this Christmas. Remember, once an elf, always an elf. We’ll need your help next Christmas, and the one after that. Reach out if you’re up for it!”
As snow begins to gently fall outside, wrapping the world in a serene blanket, Seamus reflects, “Maybe this is just the beginning.”
