The water slowly softens from a boil so harsh to the point of a spill. As the bubbling resides the air begins to fog and heat. The stove reflects a soft and shimmering feeling of a warm Christmas. Maddie’s face is lit with spirit and excitement as she knows it's the happiest time of the year. A little cozy house with only the warmth of their hearts supports the family this Christmas. Even after the struggle of hard working parents it's never enough to make the Holidays as special as they intended. Hot chocolate powder sits patiently on the cracked wood table waiting for the water to surrender and become a welcoming drink for all to enjoy. The overall combination of marshmallow and candy cane fills Maddies mind as she can't wait a second longer for the water to cool and the fun to begin. The aroma of fresh cookies runs in circles around the house. Micheal sits patiently with one leg over the other waiting for that sweet sensation of the cookies as he watches the soft icing roll off the side. Maddie grabs a mug and unpleasantly chugs her drink with satisfaction, which she will soon realize how much of a mistake that action was. A gust of wind sneaks through the door as the father makes an escape from the cold. A startle begins in Maddie that shocks a chill from rolling down her back, as a reflex she jumps and spills the hot chocolate all over the place. The tragic event stuns all except for one. A wavy cloud emerges from the tray as the gingerbread viciously liquifies the frosting. It slowly runs from the tray sinking into the countertop. Micheal is clueless at her actions and sneaks a cookie while Maddie runs to the sink to cool her arm as it sizzles from the drink. Micheal goes to take a bite of the sensation he has been waiting for 365 days. Just when dad is about to close the door incomes a puppy as a surprise for michael and maddie however it didn't surprise them in the way he intended as the dog leaps and snatches the gingerbread man right from Micheals begging hands. Maddie looks up in a gasp and giggles. She couldn't be happier. Her head swings back around and she looks out the window looking at each star and how bright they shine. Thinking, Maddie understands that everyone has their own traditions. Even if the closest they get to having a normal christmas there's always a tree to catch on a fire, a present written to the wrong name or a puppy that took your one chance of joy. Maddie is grateful and couldn't have been happier than to spend Christmas with her brother, dad and apparently new puppy. What a typical Christmas night at the Thomson's residency.