On Christmas Eve, the Marble family gathered in their cozy living room, the soft glow of twinkling lights from the Christmas tree casting warm patterns on the walls.

The aroma of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and freshly baked bread filled the air.

Lisa moved gracefully between the kitchen and the table, her hands full of steaming dishes.

She was the kind of hostess who made everything look effortless, her holiday apron dusted with a sprinkle of flour from the cookies she had baked earlier.

Meanwhile, Robert entertained their giggling daughter, Ashley, who clung to his shoulders like a tiny adventurer on a great expedition.

“Spread your arms like you’re an airplane, Ashley,” Robert instructed, his voice buzzing with enthusiasm as he mimicked the deep rumble of a plane engine.

Ashley squealed with delight, her arms stretched wide as she wobbled slightly.

“I’m flying, Daddy!” she yelled, her voice ringing like a tiny bell.

“Careful, Captain! We’re hitting turbulence,” Robert joked, swaying exaggeratedly from side to side.

Lisa paused by the table, wiping her hands on a towel, and watched them with a soft smile.

“Time to land, dinner is ready,” she called out, her voice warm and teasing.

Robert made a dramatic engine noise as he lowered Ashley to the floor.

“Boeing 747 coming in for landing, woo-woo-woo!”

Ashley laughed even harder, tugging on Robert’s sleeve.

“More! I want more!”

“Later, sweetheart,” Robert promised, kneeling to her eye level. “First, we need fuel. Pilots have to eat too.”

As they sat down to dinner, Lisa glanced at her family. The clinking of silverware and Ashley’s happy chatter filled the room.

Her heart swelled as she realized, for the hundredth time, how lucky she was to have these moments, this family, and this life.

After dinner, Lisa carried the last of the plates to the kitchen, glancing at Robert as he leaned back in his chair, sipping coffee.

Ashley was curled up on the carpet in front of the TV, her eyes glued to a cartoon with talking animals.

The cheerful jingle of the show filled the room, mixing with the faint hum of Christmas music from the radio.

Lisa caught Robert’s eye and gave him a small nod. He leaned forward slightly and whispered, “Is it time? Where is he?”

Lisa checked her watch and whispered back, “Maybe he’s running late. The weather’s not great, but he should be here any minute.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, its cheerful chime making Ashley’s head snap toward the door.

Lisa wiped her hands on her apron and walked quickly to answer it. When she opened the door, a gust of cold air blew in, carrying with it a man dressed head to toe in a Santa costume.

“Ho-ho-ho!” he bellowed, stepping inside and brushing snow off his red coat. “Where’s the little girl for whom I’ve brought presents?”

“Santa! You came!” Ashley shouted, jumping up from the carpet and running to throw her arms around him.

Her giggles filled the room as Santa patted her back warmly.

He slung a large red bag off his shoulder, setting it beside the Christmas tree, and plopped down on the couch with a playful sigh.

“Let’s see what I’ve got for you in here! Did you write me a letter this year?”

“Yes!” Ashley said, her eyes sparkling. “Didn’t you read it?”

Santa chuckled, stroking his fake white beard.

“I did, but you know, there are so many children to bring presents to, and this old Santa sometimes forgets!”

Ashley tilted her head, her face serious. “I asked for a puppy!”

“A puppy?” Santa repeated, pretending to think deeply.

“Hmm, let me check.” He rummaged through his bag dramatically, pulling out a wrapped box.

“Oh! Found it!”

Ashley ripped the paper open eagerly, revealing a shiny robotic dog. Her excitement faded. “I wanted a real one!”

Santa leaned in, lowering his voice.

“A real puppy is a big responsibility. But if you take good care of this one, maybe next year you’ll get a real one. Ho-ho-ho!”