This story is a part of Martin & Sylvia's Twelve Days of Christmas Story Collection.

In these stories, Martin and Sylvia explore what it means to celebrate the traditional "Twelve Days of Christmas," inspired by twelve delightful tales from 18th century Maine. Each story contains a "story-within-the-story" - about the colonial town of Tullyport as the founding families create Christmas traditions and celebrations that are unique, delightful and rich with community connection.

This story is Day Eleven: Feast of Eleven Sails.

It’s the twelfth day of Christmas, and Martin and Sylvia’s family is preparing for the Twelfthnight celebration. Everyone has their own task to do, and oh, how the preparation is wonderful! When it all comes together — the lights, the fire, the food the music, the friends — it couldn’t be better. Except, when a surprise visitor arrives to delight them all.

From “Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas”: “Lighting the Way”

“The lighthouse must be done by Christmas,” insists Francis Tully, now 65 years old. His eldest son Carrick is coming home from Ireland, despite the unpredictable winter weather. Once it is built, Francis stubbornly insists on staying in the lighthouse, keeping the lamps lit for Carrick’s ship. He would miss all of Tullyport’s Twelve Days celebrations, were it not for the family and friends that bring the celebration to him. And when Carrick arrives, the full Twelfthnight celebration begins.

The story explores the love and commitment of family and community, and how ‘together – they can do anything!’