For Mary, Christmas Eve most often brought with it a mellow excitement that overshadowed the morning and throughout the day. Perhaps it was deeply rooted from her childhood days of anticipating the night"s visit of Santa Clause. With the years passed, she most likely displaced that childhood excitement towards a more appropriate appreciation of the holiday. The two day celebration was a bit of Heaven touched onto Earth; peace and goodwill towards all.
And what better way to intensify those happy feelings on the morning of Christmas Eve with a fresh blanket of snow? Mary let Muffin the Yorkshire terrier excitedly run out the back door to do his morning business. The surrounding trees and forest preserves looked so beautiful dusted with snow.
“Good morning!” Daren entered the room and stoo
