It was 24 days before Christmas, and the house smelled of saffron and pistachios melting with butter and sugar. Christmas music was playing while the sun melted the night frost. Few snowflakes were falling, but we wished for more. We sensed that this Christmas would be different, as the news came that we will have to stay home almost alone. I lightened up the lights and ordered a Christmas tree, as joy and light were all we needed this year. Together with gingerbreads, saffron bread mulled wine, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.