They waved to Jonathan Ebersol, who was walking across their backyard to milk the goats and feed and water the horses and pony.

“Denki!” Susie called to him, and he waved back. “We’ll return home tomorrow night, Lord willing.”

Jonathan waved them on. “Have yourselves a gut time. Hallicher Grischtdaag!”

“Merry Christmas to you, too,” Susie replied.

Rachelle greeted them warmly as they opened the van doors, and Susie urged Britta to sit up front in the passenger seat, knowing how fond she was of the driver. Anything to encourage Britta’s connections here in Hickory Hollow, Susie thought, settling into the second seat behind them.

The smell of baked ham filled Henry and Polly’s farmhouse as Susie stepped inside the back door and removed her snow things with Britta.

Polly came right away to greet them, a white work apron over her full black one. “Almost suppertime,” she announced, giving each of them a quick hug.

In the kitchen, Henry stood dressed in his church clothes at the long counter, mashing a mound of potatoes by hand. “Yous are just in time,” he said with a smile.

“I’ll call the Kinner.” Polly removed her small apron and left it on the counter as she headed toward the front room.

“It’s so gut to be here,” Susie said, moving to the sink to wash her hands.

Henry nodded. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Soon the children came into the kitchen with Polly. Towheaded Joey flew past his mother and straight to Britta. Little strawberry-blond Nellie Ann, now nearly three, rang a silver bell on a red ribbon and smiled up at Susie to show her. And nine-year-old Junior came over and shook their hands. “Nice seein’ yous again, Aendis.”

“Look at you, Junior—you’re getting so tall!” Susie marveled. “Ach, bein’ with family is best.” She turned to her older sister. “Anything I can carry to the table?”

“Oh, Henry and I’ll do that,” Polly said, encouraging them to take their seats.

Susie took her usual spot at the table while Britta washed her hands at the sink. Little Joey stood nearby, holding the hand towel and looking mighty pleased to be able to wait on his favorite Aendi.

By now, Polly was bringing over the glistening ham on a large platter, and Henry carried the enormous bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes, a pool of melted butter on top. There were also serving dishes filled with various vegetables, including cooked carrots and baby onions flecked with parsley, buttered lima beans, and chow chow, as well as a large gravy boat.

Once everyone was seated, including little Nellie Ann, who climbed into her booster seat and sat quietly, Henry folded his callused hands to ask the blessing. All of them bowed their heads in silent reverence and gratitude for the splendid meal on this cold and snowy day before Christmas.