The yule log burned brightly in the large kitchen hearth.

Every bedroom in their mansion was full.Imara ruled as she supervised her helpers as they gathered to tell their stories and catch up on their lives.

Gaia scanned the room smiling brilliantly as she watched Gloria crawl from one to the next.At nine months old, her little one was active and already threatening to stand up and walk.

Placido Pucci stood beside Imara, his silver head even with hers.They exchanged ways to make gravy, and roast fowl of all sorts.He showed her his specialty, of three birds split at the backbone, wrapped together each inside of the others.A huge turkey on the outside, a plump fat duck rested on top of it, and a chicken sat on the top of the pile.He slipped a butcher's string under them, pulling them together into a large log like roast.

"Interesting.The layers of onions, garlic, and spices between them will flavor it nicely, but what about stuffing?"Imara asked.

"Melinda makes it," He nodded toward his granddaughter where she stood with her husband as he cradled her back against his chest.Her pregnant stomach rippled under his hands.

Graham nodded."It is best made in a large baking pan from croutons baked in Italian spices.She adds the giblets from all the birds, and onions, some chestnuts, and just enough sour apples to balance it.Oh, of course, you need some sage and marjoram to finish it properly.Not to mention a pound or more of butter."

Melinda laughed. "It's ready to bake.I was up earlier to put it together.I love your kitchen Gaia, it's almost as big as the one in our restaurant."

Gaia watched as Harry placed the huge roasting pan with the dressing into one of the ovens.The roast of turkey, duck and chicken went into the oven next to it.

"This was the center of a large family.The original owners were tragically killed, but their murderer was revealed to us at Samhain.The District Attorney was able to charge the sole surviving murderer and he is now in prison for his heinous crimes both past and present." Harry explained to their guests from Boston.

Arya came through the archway from the front parlor and knelt to pick up Gloria.

"Your twins are awake, Ma'am." She touched Maxine on the shoulder."Do you want me to feed them or are you coming up?"

Maxine nodded."I'll be right up.Where are Bianca and Lirica?"

Salvatore answered, "Outside with the other children.Go on up, amore mio.I'll go out to watch them.Or perhaps, I'll join them.Soccer is a wonderful game."

"I'll take this little one up for her nap as well," Arya said, helping Gloria to wave goodbye as the two women left.

Gaia accepted those who were missing as unavoidable.Antonio and Vincenzo stayed behind to celebrate Christmas with their fiancés families.The twin brothers were engaged to identical twin sisters. She wondered if she would be able to tell them apart. They promised to attend next year.

The doorbell rang and she hurried out to answer.

As she opened the door, her eyes filled with tears.

"Mama, Papa, you made it!"

"Harry arranged the tickets.The airplane ride was endless, and the coldest part of the journey was landing in Greenland for fuel." Her father wrapped her in his arms, pulling her tight in his hug.Kissing her cheeks, he released her, and guided her mother into the foyer.

"I'll take their coats, Ma'am," Imara's husband said."I take it they are in the green room across from yours?"

"It's the only one still empty, so yes, Denzel."

"I'll take your bags as well.Go meet the rest of the guests." The tall slender black man tucked the coats under one arm and picked up the suitcases Liam and Aine Murphy dropped on the porch.

"What a wonderful home," Aine spun in a circle. "And the decorations!"

"Thank you, Mama.We harvested from the gardens and trees outside."

Aine reached up and pulled Gaia's face down to kiss her cheeks."I thought we wouldn't make it.But it smells wonderful in here."

"It's early still.The roast and stuffing just went into the ovens.Mama, it's everything I have ever wanted.Our housekeeper, nursery maid and groundskeeper are the best people.We have healed a community."

"So, your letters told us.Introduce us to them will you, daughter?" Liam

She led them back to the kitchen, and as they entered, applause broke out.

Maria Pucci hurried forward, and enveloped Aine in a hug before Gaia could say a word.

"Your daughter is now my adopted granddaughter.She saved us last Christmas."Nonna's charming Italian accent contrasted with Aine's when she responded.

"Then you have family in Ireland now as well, for those who cared for my daughter will always be welcome there.You too, Imara.And where is Arya?" Aine responded.

Gaia knew Aine recognized them from the photographs she sent.Her mother always knew exactly how to make everyone around her comfortable.

"Upstairs with the littlest ones. You'll have to wait to meet Gloria.She just went down for her nap," Gaia said.

"No matter," Liam said as he looked up at the archway.

Gaia smiled.Mistletoe hung from a chain.

She watched as her Papa kissed her mother and more applause erupted throughout the kitchen.

"Why thank you," Liam bowed with a grin.

"No, we thank you for all who gather here to celebrate, we thank you for your daughter.Without Gaia, none of us would have the happiness and love in our lives we have been gifted with."Placido Pucci opened the champagne bottle he held with the merest hint of a pop.

Turning to the counter, he filled the tall tulip flutes there with bubbling liquid and passed them out to the adults in the room.

"To Gaia and to her parents without whom this celebration would not be."Placido raised his glass as the others did, touching his to his wife's as he spoke.

As Gaia listened to the ringing crystal and sipped from hers, and spoke.

"And here is to a new tradition.This celebration of Yule is our gift to you all.Each year we will make sure those who can be here, will find their way to us.For there is no greater joy than the family we choose being together as we celebrate Yule and Christmas together."

Harry slipped under her arm, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Well said.I'll make sure we make it so."