Many of the Dyelanders were still tired from dinner at the Cafe which had gone long into the previous night.  However, they had promised to help Willy and his workers complete a series of last-minute Christmas orders that had been placed.  After a quick breakfast in the candy maker's office, the group made their way to the packing room.  There they busied themselves with arranging and wrapping chocolate, taffy, Gobstoppers, candy canes, lollipops, and more into festive boxes. 

Not wanting to put a damper on anyone's cheery mood, Andrew tried to mask his annoyance with himself.  With only his left hand available, wrapping the treats had proved impossible.  Next he'd tried to carry the candy to his friends as it arrived so they could prepare it.  However, this created lag time for whomever he helped since he could only carry half the candy the other runners could and even that he did so awkwardly.  More than once the candy had ended up scattered across the floor: ruined.  The first time he'd apologized and laughed it off.  The second time he'd apologized even more profusely but again brushed it off.  But staring down at the spilled contents of the third tray and knowing he'd succeeded only in creating more work for Willy and his helpers, Andrew gave up.

"Don't worry about it, Andrew," the candy maker consoled as he helped the angel sweep up the remnants.  "There's more where that came from!  I'm stressed because we have so much that still needs to be put in holiday packaging, not because we're short on candy."

"Unfortunately, I'm not much help with the packaging, either," Andrew muttered.  "I want to help, Willy.  I really do."  He lowered his voice.  "But since that's not happening, maybe I should sit this out.  Even though you can replenish the candy I ruin, I know watching me struggle is hurting the girls so I think I'll go back to Serendipity for a while and..."

Willy shook his head.  "Andrew, I really don't think you should do..."

"Stupid, stupid, stupid ribbon!" JenniAnn shouted. 

Alarmed, everyone in the room looked to her.

The woman blushed.  "Sorry.  That was loud.  It's just this ribbon keeps slipping out of place before I can make a bow so it ends up really loose and sloppy looking.  I wish we weren't all so busy.  I could really use someone just to hold this in place."

Willy smiled at Andrew.  "The young lady needs a hand... only one.  I think you could help her."

"And when you're done helping JenniAnn, Andrew, I could use a hand matching these addresses up with the boxes.  I think my eyes are getting a little strained from staring at this spreadsheet," Yva added.

"Did you bring your glasses?" Willy asked.

Andrew reached into his shirt pocket and pulled them out.

"And maybe at some point do you think you could help me count out these candy canes, Andrew?" Rose requested.  "Three to a box."

"I trust you can count to three?" the candy maker questioned with a grin.

Andrew responded with a sheepish smile and a nod.  "I'm sorry I was sulking."

"Don't be sorry.  Just go help your friends."

"Yes, sir!" Andrew responded with a chuckle then went to JenniAnn's table.  "So what would you like me to do?"

"Just put your pointer finger here."  She set her finger at the top of the box where the two ribbons crossed.

Andrew obeyed and watched as she deftly formed a bow above his finger.  After a few more effortless ribbons, he began to suspect JenniAnn really hadn't needed his help.

"Yes, I could have tied the bow without you," she whispered.

The angel of death looked at her in surprise, wondering if she'd added mind reading to her talents.

"Don't look so surprised.  You know how expressive your face is."  JenniAnn remained focused on tying the bows as she continued to speak but she couldn't keep her voice from rising.  "I saw that look on your face.  That self-critical one which, frankly, I've seen a little too much of today.  So here's the truth...  I can tie this bow without your help.  But I would *prefer* to have your help.  Not only because it makes it a lil easier but also because I just like having you here working on this with me.  Why do you have to carry things or wrap things?  Isn't it enough just to be here with us?  Isn't the fact that we want, not need but *want,* you here enough?  If it is then would you please stop frowning, put your finger there, and talk to me?" she pleaded.

Andrew walked around the table and hugged his friend.  "It's always been enough just to be with all of you.  I'm sorry that for a moment I lost sight of that."

Before JenniAnn could respond; Nigel, Rose, and Yva approached.

"Are you two alright?" Yva checked.

Andrew responded first.  "I'm just fine.  I guess I needed a little reminder about what's most important: friendship, love, and having a good time together.  Instead of appreciating that I was, um, well, I was frustrated and angry at not being able to help Willy as much as I would have liked to.  And I appreciate that you ladies thought of things I could do but I realized that it was exactly that: you thought them up to protect me.  Because you knew I was upset.  In some ways, I guess that made me feel worse."  He smiled.  "But then I learned better."

"I think it was a very kind effort," Nigel complimented the ladies.  "Though I am sorry for your troubles, Andrew.  But surely it is no great sacrifice for the ladies to have you near and working with them?"

Yva laughed.  "Oh, yeah, HUGE sacrifice."  She grew serious.  "Andrew, I don't believe that a single person in Dyeland, were they asked what they loved best about you, would respond with 'he has a fully functional right arm.'"

"If they did, we would have to wonder about them," Rose added with a grin.  "Because that's a really weird thing to say."

Andrew chuckled.  "I have to admit that in all the compliments I've received since coming here, I don't think my right arm was involved in any of them."

"Exactly.  So, now, could you please help JenniAnn with those bows and then spend some time with Rose and I?" Yva requested.  "And maybe Nigel could use some help, too."

"I would deeply appreciate it.  I've been entrusted with the task of selecting color schemes for the boxes but have little idea of the colors most attractive to people of this time."

"You do have a good sense of color, Andrew," JenniAnn encouraged.  "You're the reason I now realize brown and turquoise really pop together."

Andrew smiled.  Maybe later he'd tell her the Father had chosen the particular outfit he knew she had in mind.  "Nigel, I'd be happy to help."

"Good.  Then your schedule is set.  Now I'm getting back to my candy canes," Rose informed them, returning to her table. 

Following her lead, the five all refocused on their work.  Soon Andrew was comfortably busy going from JenniAnn at the wrapping station, Yva at the computer, Rose at the candy cane table, and Nigel at the boxing station.  He was rushing between them when Willy stopped him.

"Andrew, how's one of my best helpers?" he asked.

The angel looked appreciatively at the confectioner.  "I took your advice, I helped my friends, and more importantly I listened to them.  I learned a thing or two about my purpose."

Willy surveyed the bustling room and smiled.  "Andrew, I've learned a thing or two about workplace productivity during my years in the chocolate business.  A workplace with good morale is a productive workplace.  And good morale you can and have supplied here today.  We're almost done.  Hours before I thought we'd be!  You've played a part in that.  But beyond that these are my friends and Yva is my daughter.  I want them to be happy and I know you play a key role in ensuring they are."  Willy looked with fondness at the Dyelanders working away at their various tasks.  When he looked back at Andrew, he was relieved to see the angel was truly smiling without any hint of frustration or sadness.

"Thanks, Willy.  I see that now.  I'm really glad we came here today."  Andrew looked proudly at his friends, smiling when they'd glance up at him.  "Really glad." 

"So am I, my friend.  So am I." 

With that Willy returned to supervising and Andrew to aiding his ever-appreciative friends.
 

Content with what they'd accomplished at Willy's; Andrew, JenniAnn, Rose, and Yva prepared to leave Dyeland and help Catherine and her charges celebrate the season at the Phoenix Inn.  Since the attacks of the previous month and Andrew's involvement had brought some publicity to the new shelter, more women and children had arrived seeking shelter, food, care, and other resources.  With newcomers always arriving, the holidays were celebrated daily since Catherine didn't want a single one of her guests to miss out. 

When the angel of death and three women arrived they found the Phoenix bustling with activity.  Catherine was doing her best to supervise in the kitchen as dozens upon dozens of cookies were being baked.  Cira, having accepted a position as Catherine's assistant, was keeping the children distracted as a group of mothers wrapped presents in the dining room.  Crystal made a beeline for Andrew the moment he entered.

"Merry Christmas, Andrew!" she cried as she threw her arms around him. 

"Well, hello there, Crystal!  Merry Christmas to you, too!" he greeted, beaming at his former assignment. 

"Mmm..."  She hugged him tighter.  "I missed you."

Andrew chuckled.  "I was just here on Saturday."

"I know.  But JenniAnn said withdrawal is normal."

Cira laughed.  "She would know."

Blushing, Andrew shot a look at the blonde woman who only shrugged innocently and ducked into the kitchen to check in with her cousin.

Just as the last of the coats were shed, a shout rose up from the dining room.  Cira quickly hurried towards it.  She re-entered a moment later herding a group of children.

"You were told to stay out of the dining room!  Santa is watching!" the exasperated woman threatened.  She looked gratefully up at the Dyelanders, focusing especially on Yva.  "Yva, you can sing, right?"

"I definitely love to sing," Yva responded.

"And she sings beautifully!" Andrew added, looking with pride at his friend.

Yva blushed and squeezed the angel's hand.  "Thanks, Andrewkins."  She turned to Cira.  "Why do you ask?"

Cira glanced down at her small charges.  "Distraction in the form of a sing-a-long?"

Yva laughed and nodded.  "Of course.  I'd love to lead some caroling."

Sighing with relief, Cira looked down at the kids.  "Children, Yva is going to lead us in some carols.  How does that sound?"

The children cheered and in no time took seats scattered around the living room.  Reluctant to part from Andrew, Crystal claimed the couch for the two of them and Rose.

Yva was pleased to see that one of the Helpers had donated a piano to Catherine.  Lydia, one of the older children, proved a proficient accompanist and so the caroling began. 

Once assured that Catherine didn't need any help elsewhere, JenniAnn returned.  The chairs and couches were all occupied and Andrew began to stand to offer up his seat but she indicated for him to remain and settled on the stairs.  She'd only been seated long enough for "O Holy Night" when Cira joined her as the carolers discussed which song to sing next.

"He looks really happy," she whispered.  "And relaxed.  Even a little younger.  A lot better than when he first came here... well, at least when I first knew him to be here."

JenniAnn nodded.  "I think he is happy.  But maybe a little stir crazy.  And earlier he was getting frustrated with his broken arm.  But, yeah, I think Andrew is basically happy."

"Do you know when he's going back to... uh, work?"

Shaking her head, JenniAnn shrugged.  "I don't know... I've... well, I think we all have... gotten used to having him around so much.  Suddenly things I used to do alone all the time, it seems like he should be there for..."  She grinned.  "For example, we took him with us when I had to go shopping for a dress."

Cira laughed.  "Was that some sort of punishment?"

Joining in on her laughter, JenniAnn shook her head.  "No.  He was such a good sport about it and so adorable and he actually found the dress."  She sighed and looked across the room at Andrew.  "This past month... I hate why it happened.  I hate that his arm was broken, I hate what those cretins who did it said to him.  But he said we need to accept what good came from it, not get bogged down in the hows.  So I have and it's been the happiest month of my life.  And I know the others have loved it as much.  So I keep hoping he doesn't go back until after Christmas... selfishly."

Cira squeezed her shoulder.  "I don't think that's selfish, especially after everything..."

"How'd you get the owie on your arm, Mister?" a high, chirping voice asked.

Yva looked up from the sheet music she was leafing through.  Rose gripped Andrew's hand and Crystal patted his arm.  JenniAnn turned ashen and Cira rested a hand on her shoulder.

Andrew only smiled at the little boy who stood before him.  "My name's Andrew.  What's your name?"

"Jason."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Jason.  As for this..."  Andrew held his cast up a few inches, "Well, I ran into some people who didn't like me and didn't realize that hurting people isn't the right way to handle your emotions."

"Does it hurt?"

"It did at first.  But not any more.  Some very good doctors fixed me up and my friends helped me out.  Sometimes I get annoyed with myself for taking longer to do things.  But most of the time, when I look at this, it's that help and care from friends that I think of.  Not how it happened."  Andrew briefly looked away from the boy to affectionately smile at the Dyelanders.

"Is that a turkey?"  Jason looked in awe at the brown and red sketch on Andrew's cast.  "It is!"  He laughed and waved for the children around him to look.

Andrew smiled at the drawing and then the little boy.  "My friend Adam drew it.  Pretty cool, huh?"

Jason nodded and soon the children were all clustered around to look at the drawings and brightly colored messages on Andrew's cast.  As they admired it, Andrew's friends all relaxed.  When the kids settled back into their seats and Yva and Lydia struck up with "Jingle Bell Rock," the grim spectre of Andrew's attack dissipated. 


Before anyone crowded into the living room at the Phoenix Inn realized it, an entire hour had passed.  The group had sung dozens of carols and were just about to begin another when there was a knock on the door.  It seemed to be followed by the jingling of sleigh bells.  Adults and children all looked at each other in surprise.

Catherine, at last free from the kitchen, peered out the window.  Her face lit up.  "It looks like we have a very special visitor!"

The children looked to each other, Catherine, and their mothers with excitement writ across their faces.

"Is it Santa?" a little girl finally asked.

In response, Catherine opened the door and stood out of the way of stampeding children.

"Ho!  Ho!  Ho!"

The Dyelanders looked from one to the other with confusion.  It sounded like Adam yet he hadn't said a word to any of them the day before.

A second later Father Christmas entered.  His friends looked on, laughing, as he was swarmed by the little ones.

"Well, hello there, children!  Santa is very happy to see each and every one of you!  I asked Catherine if I could stop by to visit you and she was good enough to welcome me.  How about that?"  Adam winked at the woman and stood to hug her.  "Why don't we all thank Catherine?"

Catherine blushed as mothers, children, and Dyelanders all broke into applause.  "Well, who doesn't want Santa stopping by?" she demurred once the cheers died down. 

As Adam made a show of squeezing his bulging bag through the door, Andrew noticed one girl of about nine who kept her distance.  He knew her name was Mandy and that she and her mother and little brother had been at the Phoenix for two weeks.  He approached her.

"Hi there, Mandy," he greeted.

"Hi, Andrew," the girl responded, still gawking at Adam.

Cira drew nearer, worried the girl was feeling left out.  "Mandy, would you like to go see Santa?"

Mandy bowed her head and declined to answer.

"I could go with you," the angel offered, sensing the girl was shy.

"I-I don't believe," Mandy confessed quietly.  "I don't believe in Santa.  When I was younger, I saw this statue at a store.  It was Santa Claus kneeling by baby Jesus.  I thought that meant he knew Jesus and could get to Heaven.  So last Christmas, when we were in the van, I left Santa a letter to take to my daddy in Heaven.  But when I woke up...  The letter was still there.  Santa didn't come.  And this morning I-I saw Mom wrapping our presents in the dining room.  One said from Santa.  So I know there's no Santa.  It's just Mom.  But seeing him... I miss believing." 

Cira looked to Andrew, panicked.  She didn't have any idea how to respond.

Andrew knelt down to be at eye-level with the girl.  "Mandy, there was a real Santa Claus and he lived a very long time ago.  Back then he was known as Nicholas.  He was very generous and loved to bring joy to people.  And when people are that loving and that kind, they continue to have a presence in the world... even after they go to Heaven.  So now, every year, Santa's spirit touches people.  He inspires them and they become Santa to each other.  So, yes, in that way your Mom is Santa.  She loves you and she wants you to feel that love Nicholas felt so strongly."  Andrew smiled across the room at Adam who was unloading his bag and greeting every child by name.  "And that man: he's full of that love Nicholas knew... and still knows... so well, too.  And do you want to know something else I know, Mandy?"

The little girl nodded, her eyes beginning to sparkle.

Andrew squeezed her hand.  "It's not just Nicholas who is still with us.  Mandy, your dad is still with you.  In your heart.  And when you want to write to him, you don't need Santa Claus to carry your words to him.  He'll know.  God will see to that.  Okay?"

Mandy nodded and hugged the angel.  "Thanks, Andrew.  That makes me feel a lot better.  So... in a way... that is Santa?"  She pointed to Adam.

Andrew nodded.  "He sure looks like him, doesn't he?"

Transfixed by Adam, Mandy nodded.

Andrew smiled and patted her head.  "Why don't you go say 'hi'?"

With that, Mandy dashed off and into the throng of children. 

"Mandy!" Adam cried.  "I was hoping you'd come to see me!  I have something for you here..."

The little girl, enchanted, was all smiles as Adam rifled through his bag in search of her gift.

Looking away, Cira turned towards Andrew and brushed at some tears.  "That was beautiful.  I wasn't sure how to handle that but you... it was just really beautiful."

"Thank you.  It was the truth."

"I do have one question..."

"Yes?"

Cira lowered her voice.  "Do you know St. Nicholas?"

Andrew grinned.  "Where do you think Adam got that costume?"  He laughed as Cira's jaw dropped.  He put his arm around her shoulders.  "Merry Christmas, Cira."

Still gaping, Cira nodded.  "Uh huh..."

"Come on."  Andrew chuckled some more then led Cira over to introduce her to Father Christmas. 

JenniAnn ushered her parents in.  She hoped they didn't intend to explore the tunnel long enough to discover it led directly into Andrew's basement. 

"So where does this tunnel lead?" Robert questioned.

JenniAnn cringed and noticed that Rose looked a little alarmed, too.  Just then they heard the faint sound of the doorbell ringing.  More than a chime, it sounded like a miracle to them!

JenniAnn knew her parents would be less inquisitive and more reserved with Rose.  It seemed logical for her to go check on the door, taking the time to plan her answer.  "I better see who that is.  Be right back!"  Before they could say any more, she leapt up the steps.

"Uh oh."
~from Andrew's letters to God