Elliot's Christmas traditions were not happy. Each year he tried desperately to hide from all of the festivities. His father was a bitter handicapped ex-athlete and his mother had become a successful journalist. Elliot was a pawn in a dysfunctional family. Now he's a teacher, searching for his own peace. His life takes an amazing turn when an unlikely visitor shows him a new direction... and a series of events brings a new Christmas tradition to Mr. Thaddeus Stanford Elliot... and the changes bring a rippling effect on the residents of this little Virginia town. Merry Christmas, Mr. Elliot!