It was cold this time of year, quiet and cold. She sat alone in the small white house. Even as she sat on the window seal gazing out the window, she was alone. The snow silently fell, dancing with the wind falling wherever it’d lead them. The sun was beginning to set and lights from across the street were being switched on. There were lights of all different colors. She pulled her blanket closer to her as her eyes took in her own lights that flickered on. There were red and white lights around her picket fence and blue lights the shone around her window.

The holidays had usually been a time of joy and happy faces and songs. She could see little children that had been playing in the snow, their cheeks and ears red with the cold. They laughed chasing each other and finding sticks to put in their snowman. It wasn’t until the father came out and picked the too up that they went inside, smiles on their faces. She didn’t have to be in those arms to feel the warmth that house had. She had no expression on her face as she gazed out and sipped on her spiced hot chocolate.

Sighing she closed her eyes leaning her head against the cold frosted window. She could hear laughter in her ears from past Christmases. Her father separating her brothers from fighting over gifts stood out the most. She didn’t know why though. She smiled a bit remembering the magic of stories of Santa and his reindeer. Sure they weren’t true but it wasn’t the stories that stuck with her, it was the presence of her family and the warmth that she felt in her heart.

She lifted her head a bit; opening her eyes slowly as the memory faded out. Her gaze shifted to her Christmas tree. It was a magnificent tree even though it was small. It was one of the centers of tradition and kept everyones eye. It could’ve been the ugliest and smallest tree, but the decorations would make it brighter than any other. The shiny balls of all sorts of colors reflected everything around her. The beads and ribbons that had been so easily placed on the tree made her eyes trail up to the top where the crystal star was. She held her eyes there, feeling herself stroll down memory lane as her dad appeared, on a ladder next to it.

She was no older than maybe seven at the time and her hair was in sponge curlers, her father only wearing a shabby T-shirt and plaid pajama bottoms. She replayed the memory like a movie in her head, as clear as ever. It was simple as her father held the crystal star.

“Be careful, Josephine, you wouldn’t want to drop it.” He said, wrapping his hand around hers, securing the grip around the star.

He helped her place it over the top and then carried her back down the ladder. She only looked up at him

“Daddy, why do we put a star and not an angel?” She asked as her eyes trailed back to the star.

“As simple as it may seem a Christmas tree is there isn’t one reason. Angel or star, it does not matter. They both symbolize unity and prosperity. When all other lights out you can rely on a star. They will shine to its followers.”

He then turned the lights on and the star shined brightly. The little girl smiled hugging her dad’s leg, eyes transfixed on the tree.

“Do you think angels are real daddy?”

He only smiled down at her. “Yes, Josephine, they are. Even right now, there’s one beside you.”

The memory began to blur; her father’s words trailing off. Her eyes steadied looking away from the tree and bringing a hand to her face. Her eyes were wet with tears. It was such a simple memory, nothing too significant or important. But somehow it tugged at the loose threads of her heart. Christmas was a time for happiness and joy and the bringing together of families. But now she sat alone in her small house, not knowing where her family was. What was a Christmas worth rejoicing when you were so alone? Where would you find the warmth?

The woman heaved a staggered sigh as she dried her tears and stood up. She folded the blanket and slipped on her shoes. Her coat was upon the chair as she went for it and put it on, buttoning it up and putting on a hat. She needed some air to breathe to walk it off. As she headed out and shut the door behind her she heard a whimper. Her brows furred as she looked around her bushes until her eyes captured what looked like to be a lost little stray puppy. It was shivering, it’s coat soaked with snow. The puppy looked up at her with deep chocolate brown eyes whimpering. She only stared. After a couple moments she kneeled and picked it up, holding it close to her to warm it up. Its warm tongue sprang out and licked her chin in thanks. She smiled a but looking up, maybe this Christmas wont be so lonely.

She turned, about to head back inside when she heard her neighbor calling a name. She looked over.

“I’m so sorry, I believe that’s my dog. You see, my dog just had a litter of puppies and that one, Gabe, keeps running off.”

She glanced down at the puppy in her arms and walked across the yard to her neighbor’s door. With a slight frown she handed the puppy back. The lady smiled.

“Thank you so much, I hope he didn’t trouble you at all.”

She shook her head.

The lady held the dog to her and looked at the lonely woman who seemed to be turning away.

“Hey, would you like to come in? I know you’re new to the neighborhood. My sons and I are making cookies.”

Warmth filled her heart as she turned and walked in to the home. All ready she could feel the warmth envelop her.