He suggested that the family come to my house for Christmas Eve dinner instead.

My first thought was to say yes and immediately begin planning everything myself.

Then I remembered how often I had spent the holidays cooking until midnight while everyone else relaxed.

“I’d love to host,” I said, “if you and Claire share the work and bring part of the meal.” Daniel laughed.

“We can do that.” I told him I wasn’t joking.

He said he understood.