It was a little too early for Christmas music, but Tina couldn’t help herself. She loved everything about the holidays, and the songs never failed to put her in a happy mood. Without a doubt, this would be the best holiday season she’d known in years.

Carol of the Bells was playing now, a melody that had always made her think of snow queens and ice castles when she was younger. She allowed a giddy sense of whimsy to take hold of her and spun around in the kitchen in a partnerless waltz in the direction of the stove, where she had stuffing and pie still baking, distracting Angelica from her food and making the toddler laugh out loud. "Again, Mommy!"

Tina obliged, twirling around with a flourish and bowing in a low curtsey before her princess’ highchair throne, to Angelica’s squealing delight. Still laughing and a little dizzy, Tina bustled around the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on several dishes. She had really outdone herself this year, wanting to make a real traditional Thanksgiving feast for her anything-but-traditional circle of friends. Looking at the spread, she wondered if perhaps she had gone a little too far in making sure there was enough food for everyone to have their fill. Oh, well, she thought. What was Thanksgiving for if not a flimsy excuse to gorge once a year?

The next song began, and Bing Crosby mournfully began to promise someone he would be home for Christmas.

Angelica gradually quieted down and stopped chattering to herself. The tune had a sobering effect on Tina as well, and her thoughts turned to each of the women that would drift into her home within the hour. She understood all too well how hard it was to be alone during the holidays, how acute the loneliness could be. She cared too deeply for them to allow them to go through that.

Out of nowhere, Tina’s memory recalled a childhood Thanksgiving in Texas, with her mother’s laughing admonition that no, she still didn’t need any help, and would Christina please get out from under her feet so she could get this food ready? Tina had complied, watching her mother rush around the same way Angelica was watching her now. Finally, Tina’s mom had found her a job – pinching the dough on the crust of the pies. Tina had been so happy doing it, and so pleased with herself when her mommy had thanked her with a big kiss and a tickle. Tina’s mother had been younger then than Tina was now.