December 1950

Happy shouts filled the air as children and grandchildren skated around the ice, laughing and calling to each other and seeing who could achieve the best jumps. Nathan smiled, taking it all in from his spot on a log. As he watched his ever-growing family, he remembered once telling Elizabeth that twenty people at a Christmas celebration was a lot. He chuckled. They'd blown past that number years ago. Their children alone accounted for six, eight when he and Elizabeth were added to the mix. With their children's spouses, the number jumped to fourteen. All the various grandchildren pushed it to thirty-nine. Their granddaughter Colleen had married a little over a year ago, making the number double what Nathan had once proclaimed was a lot.

He looked at the baby girl in his arms. "And you make forty-one, sweet Christy."

His first great-grandchild yawned. Her little eyes remained closed as she snuggled closer to him in her sleep. He felt the same awe over this newest member of the family as he had when each of his children and then grandchildren were born. Christy represented the fourth generation of Hope Valley Grants, and he was grateful to have everyone nearby.

The town had grown in the thirty-five years he'd lived in it. No longer was it a tiny town, barely a blimp on a map. Hope Valley was a thriving, successful business town, though it retained its charm and neighborliness. Main Street was largely the same, but multiple new buildings had gone up in streets around it. There was a movie theater, at which the entire family had gathered yesterday evening for a viewing of It's a Wonderful Life. It was now the fourth year they had watched it at Christmastime, and it had yet to get old. There were five restaurants, a hospital, a stage theater that Lee had finally built for his wife, two banks, four schools, a large furniture store, and many other enterprises. The town kept getting bigger, just like their family, though by big-city standards, it was still small. Nathan hoped it stayed that way. He liked the variety they now had, but he hoped they retained the sense of community that had long been a hallmark of Hope Valley.

Colleen walked up to him, breaking into his thoughts as she sat beside him on the log. "How are you holding up, Papa? Is Christy behaving herself?"

He smiled. "She's an angel, as always."

His eldest granddaughter smiled back. She was barely twenty, but she possessed a maturity that never ceased to amaze him. He wondered if it was partly the result of her having so many younger siblings. Allie and Harper had six total, four of which were boys. Nate, Devin, Tommy, and Levi had given Colleen fits throughout their childhood, as Jack, Jude, and Jordan had often done to Allie. His granddaughter had been thrilled when she finally received a long-awaited sister in Teresa, the baby of the family.

"Where's Nana?" Colleen asked.

Nathan nodded toward the house. "She's inside, baking cookies with the younger kids."

Colleen lit up. "Do you think she would like some help?"

He chuckled. Elizabeth would never turn down help. "That I do."

She jumped up, then paused. "Are you okay holding Christy a little longer?"

He smiled. "Absolutely. If she needs her mama, I'll be sure to bring her to you. Though her grandmother might want a chance to hold her soon." He'd already seen Allie eying him and the baby multiple times as she skated by with Harper.

Colleen laughed. "Mama does like to hold the baby. Not that I blame her." She leaned over her daughter, eyes soft. "She is a wonderful baby."

"Colleen!"

Their gaze turned to the ice, where Jack's daughters waved. "Come skate with us!"

Helen and Marianne were close to all their cousins, but Colleen was one of their favorites, even though nearly a decade separated them in age. Even Jack's two youngest, Luke and John, favored their oldest cousin. Nathan knew it was because of how close Allie and Jack were.

Colleen put her hands on her hips. "Well, I guess I'll be skating again for a bit. Maybe Helen and Marianne would like to help Nana with the cookies too."

"I'm sure they would. All the kids seem to enjoy cookie decorating."

Her plan seemed to work. After one skate around the pond, the three cousins took off their skates and made their way to the house. As expected, Allie soon made her way to him. "Hey, Dad."

"Hi, honey. Are you having fun?"

She nodded, brown eyes sparkling. "This has been a wonderful Christmas so far. I know everyone is here this year, but it feels very relaxed and special."

He couldn't agree more. "It has felt like one of our best Christmases."

A far-off look etched itself over Allie's face. "Can you believe how far we've come?" She glanced out over the ice. "It used to be just you and me. Now look at our family." She waved a hand. "I never thought this would be possible when I was a ten-year-old girl wishing for a mother."

He wrapped one arm around her shoulders, careful to keep Christy secure in his other one. "It feels like a miracle, doesn't it?"

She nodded. "One I'm extremely grateful for." Her attention turned to the baby in his arms. "Dad … I don't suppose you'd mind …?"

He laughed, passing her the sleeping baby. "Not at all, Allie-girl. Enjoy time with your grandbaby." He stood. "I think I'll get out on the ice again."

She grinned. "Good. The nieces and nephews kept asking when you were going to be back." A little chuckle escaped. "They said Christy was hogging your attention."

Chuckling, Nathan put on his skates and walked onto the ice. A chorus of greetings met him. "Papa! Papa!" He was instantly surrounded by Amy's entire brood. Her twin girls flanked him on either side. Rosie and Beth were inseparable, much like their namesakes still were. The three boys - Rick, Harry, and Danny - crowded in front of him. "Snap us, Papa!"

The request came from four-year-old Danny. Nathan felt a grin form on his face. "Alright. Everyone join hands."

The five children immediately complied, giggling all the while. A line formed. Nathan took Rosie's hand, pulling her along while she in turn pulled the rest of the children. He slid to a stop, using his arm strength to "snap" the children down the ice. Shrieks of laughter commenced as they went round and round in circles. Soon the rest of the grandchildren wanted to join in. With so many kids, they had to form a few groups. Jack took charge of Jude's two oldest boys, Matthew and Jason, along with Jordan's two oldest, Gemma and Eric. Amy took on April's oldest, Emma, along with Jack's boys. The three lines "snapped" for almost half an hour, earning lots of laughter from the children and adults alike.

After a while, the group decided to troop to the house. Gemma was standing beside Nathan when her brow knit. "Papa, what are Daddy and Uncle Jude doing?"

He glanced toward the house to see his twins rolling large snowballs in their hands. They were pushing thirty, but the slight mischievous streak that appeared when they were together had yet to disappear. Before Nathan could answer, Jordan yelled out, "Snowball fight!"

Lee stepped up behind Nathan. "I don't think those two are ever going to fully grow up."

Nathan smirked at his friend. "Takes one to know one."

Lee grinned in response. "That's right!" He scooped up some snow and ran into the playful fight.

The Coulters often joined the Grants for Christmas since their two children married into the family. Amy and Patrick had been the first, and Jude married Lily a few years later. Rather than have separate Christmas celebrations, the two families decided to simply enjoy the holiday together.

Skirting the snowball fight, Nathan headed for the warm house. The older he got, the more easily he grew cold. They'd been outside for a couple hours, and he was ready to de-thaw by a warm fire.

Elizabeth looked up when he came into the house. A welcoming smile lit her eyes. He made his way to her and pressed a kiss to her lips. "Hello, love."

"Ewww!" All five of their youngest grandchildren squealed their disapproval, while Colleen, Helen, and Marianne laughed.

"Why do you kiss Nana all the time?" Little Eva, Jude and Lily's youngest, looked up at them with the wide blue eyes characteristic of the Grant family.

Nathan lifted her into his arms. "Because I love her." He pressed kisses to her cheek, making her giggle.

Elizabeth laughed, washing some icing from her hands. "You're just in time to help us decorate the cookies."

Martha and William - Jordan's two youngest - grabbed his legs. "Hewp us decowate, Papa," Martha said.

"De'wat!" William's attempted pronunciation made Nathan chuckle. He let them lead him to the table, where's April's youngest children, Carrie and Joseph, were already situated. Plates of cookies waited to be iced, while the frosting itself sat in various bowls according to color. Nathan was about to sit when he suddenly sneezed.

Elizabeth was instantly at his side. "Children, let's let Papa get warm before he helps with cookie decorating, alright?"

The kids nodded. The older girls began helping the younger children with frosting, while Elizabeth led Nathan to the fire. "You get warm, love. I'll make you a hot cup of tea." She slid his jacket from his body and went to hang it up. Nathan snagged her arm, kissing her again before letting her go. "Thank you, sweetheart."

She smiled and headed off. Nathan spent a few minutes by the fire, coaxing feeling back into his hands and feet. When Elizabeth returned, she had a steaming mug of peppermint tea sweetened with honey. A few sips had Nathan feeling normal again. He slipped an arm around his wife's waist.

"You're the best."

She grinned cheekily. "I know." Lifting herself on tiptoe, she kissed him gently. "Shall we join the grandchildren? I think there's some frosting just begging to decorate your nose."

Nathan laughed. "Alright, Mrs. Grant. Lead the way."

Elizabeth basked in the feelings of contentment and love sweeping through her. They had just finished their Christmas dinner, a meal that consisted of glazed ham, mounds of potatoes, crispy vegetables, and a delicious Black Forest cake with a side of grandchildren-decorated cookies to finish things off. For another hour after the meal ended, they sat around the table talking while the children played in various rooms throughout the house.

Nathan stood, clinking his glass to get everyone's attention. "Are we ready for caroling?"

"Yes!"

The cry was unanimous, as Elizabeth had known it would be. She suspected their children's favorite tradition was caroling around the family outdoor Christmas tree. The first Christmas she, Nathan, Allie, and Jack spent as a family, they had planted a pine cone from their tree in the front yard. Over the next thirty-plus years, it had grown into a mature pine tree. Every December, they decorated it with ornaments from their different collections, so it was truly a Grant family Christmas tree.

It took almost fifteen minutes for parents to bundle their children warmly in coats, hats, and scarves, but it was a time full of anticipation. One by one, they made their way to the front yard. They gathered around the Christmas tree, forming a large circle. Everyone joined hands.

"Who remembers which song is first?" Nathan asked, a smile on his face as he surveyed their grandchildren.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen!" Luke was the first to call it out, beaming as he did so.

"Alright, Luke, you get to start us off."

The boy began the song. "God rest ye, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay!" The next line boomed throughout the valley as the rest of the family joined in. When that song was complete, requests began pouring in. They sang for over an hour, heedless of the cold. Some of the youngest children played within the circle of family members, but most remained hand-in-hand. Finally, the last song was announced, as was tradition. Elizabeth smiled. O Holy Night remained her favorite all-time carol. She loved that they opened each caroling session with Nathan's favorite and ended with hers. It was a tradition they'd carried on through the years, and it was one the entire family loved.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth;

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!

O night divine! O night when Christ was born.

O night, O holy night, O night divine.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, letting the sound of over three dozen voices wash over her. This was by far her favorite moment of the night. Gathered with her entire family, standing hand in hand, singing a song of praise to commemorate the birth of the Savior.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming;

With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand:

So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land,

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,

In all our trials born to be our friend;

He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King! your King! before him bend!

As the final verse began, everyone sang a little louder, a little more joyfully as they brought their caroling session to a conclusion.

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,

And in his name all oppression shall cease,

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;

Let all within us praise his Holy name!

Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

When the last note died away, there was a period of silence. Nathan clasped Elizabeth's hand tightly in his. In response, she moved a little closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. Soon enough, a cacophony of noise sounded again as parents started to round up their children to head home for the night.

"Thank you for hosting, Mom." Amy kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "You and Dad always make Christmas feel special."

Elizabeth hugged her daughter. "We're just grateful that we can all be together."

Amy smiled. April came up next, and the hugs and kisses began again. Jack was the last one to hug her goodbye. "Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you."

Tears stung her eyes as she took in her eldest son. "I love you too, Jack."

When everyone had gone, she and Nathan made their way into the house. By silent agreement, they headed for the living room and the warmth of the fire. Nathan stoked the flames to get them roaring once more, then sat beside Elizabeth on the settee. "What a wonderful day."

She nodded, curling up beside him to use his shoulder as a pillow. "I think we're going to need a day or two to recover after having so many people at our home."

Nathan chuckled. "That's supposed to be my line."

She laughed. "I think it applies to both of us now. This was much easier when we were younger."

"True." Nathan drew her a little closer. "But I'd say life has gotten better with each passing year."

She nodded. "It has. We've been incredibly blessed."

He kissed her forehead. "It has been such a pleasure living this life with you, Elizabeth. I'm thankful God saw fit to bring us together."

Her heart warmed. "Me too. You've been such a gift, Nathan." She smiled at him. "You live up to your name."

He chuckled. "So you've said."

She knew he was trying to lightly deflect the praise, so she sat up and cupped his face in her hands. "I mean it. These years with you have been full of ups and downs, but our love has only gotten stronger. We raised six children together and got to see them give us twenty-five beautiful grandchildren, plus our little great-granddaughter. Even with all that to keep us busy, we kept the flame of love alive." She nuzzled his nose with hers. "I didn't think it was possible to love you any more than I did on the day we got married." She chuckled. "How wrong I was."

Nathan leaned forward the few inches necessary to kiss her. Elizabeth savored the feeling. Throughout their three decades of marriage, his kisses never got old. He could still prompt butterflies in her sixty-two year old stomach. She wouldn't have it any other way.

When they pulled back for air, she settled against his shoulder once more. They silently watched the fire flicker and pop, enjoying the quiet after a busy, bustling day.

It was the perfect end to another beautiful Christmas together.

A/N: I apologize if this chapter sometimes felt like a litany of names – there were a lot of Grants to mention! :)

Thanks for following along with this Christmas story. I hope you all had a wonderful season.

Merry Christmas, Amy! (Today is the seventh day of Christmas, so I can still say that, right? :D) It was a pleasure taking your ideas and turning them into a look at the Grant family over the years. And thank you for the wonderful story you wrote. If any of you haven't read Amy's fanfic What Child Is This?: A Grant Family 1st Christmas, check it out! It's sweet and heartwarming and everything their first Christmas together should have been.

Happy new year, friends. Have a happy and healthy 2023!

xoxo Lauralyn