19 Comments
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Ed Koenig's avatar

Thank you for such a special Christmas story and reminding me of my own father and his gentle strength.

Sharon Senkiew's avatar

What a nice story about your dad- he was a wonderful person! My most meaningful gift from my dad is a Christmas ornament from 1974 with a Norman Rockwell mailman on it. My dad was a mailman for 26 years.

Chris J. Rice's avatar

What a lovely story.

Nanette Madding's avatar

This made my Christmas Eve! What a loving, sweet soul. You are truly blessed to have such wonderful memories.

Ellen Hoover's avatar

He keeps giving! Thanks for spreading his joy.

Amanda Le Rougetel's avatar

A beautiful and loving remembrance of your father. And absolutely perfect for Christmas Eve. Thank you for sharing your dad with us this way. Happy Christmas to you and your family

M. Tonita Austin's avatar

This is the perfect Christmas eve story! I love how intentional he was about naming the house and in getting you all ornaments each year.

I cherish the ornament my father had made to commemorate the year my first child was born. Thank you for sharing his love.

Julie Scolnik's avatar

Beautiful! I have very a similar story about my dad.

Linda Bailey's avatar

I've just read your story on January 26, 2026 after having attended a vigil for Alex Pretti. I am heartbroken for the times we are in. Your sweet story was a balm. How lucky to have had such a precious father, kind, thoughtful, who loved Christmas. I did not have this kind of father. Thank you for sharing this story filled with such love.

Miss DP's avatar

We never know when that last Christmas will be, but when they happen, it seems impossible.

I love your memories of your dad. I love this sweetest of stories. He sounds wonderful.

My oldest brother died in November. I have never known Christmas without him. This year hit differently, and we missed him hard, but oh we were blessed with so many together. Eight decades. Can’t be too sad about that. :-)

JoAnn Nadeau's avatar

Thanks for this sweet story! It reminds me in many ways of my own dear dad. He also was loved by everyone who met him and loved babies!

Shavaun McGinty's avatar

Thank you for sharing this touching tribute to your dear dad. How special to have this ornament, carefully chosen by someone you loved so much.

Lisa Rizzo's avatar

This so reminded me of my own father who loved Christmas!

Amie McGraham's avatar

The perfect read on a dark and stormy Christmas morning. Cheers (and tears)!

Grace's avatar

Ciara, I was so overwhelmed with love for your Dad and your mom. Thank you for sharing that story. The pic of your dad carving the turkey is hanging proudly in my kitchen. Great man. Great family. Love to you.

Kathryn Sollmann's avatar

Lovely! Merry Christmas