My first key, which was...

...all I could acquire at the time, placed me in Virginia in November. I hoped that I would find someone who had already decorated their home for Christmas, but that was not the case. I did, however, meet a lovely family who welcomed me into their home and insisted that I join them for dinner (I told them I was a traveling salesman who had become lost and needed directions). Our conversation lasted into the late hours of the night, and I was invited to stay, which I did. Upon leaving the next morning, the family invited me to return at Christmas. I accepted and returned bright and early Christmas morning. Their  cabin had not changed on the outside, but the inside overflowed with handmade decorations, a fresh-cut Christmas tree, and stockings (filled of course by St. Nick) that had been stuffed with oranges and peppermints. To my surprise, there was an orange and peppermint waiting for me too. It was the sweetest and most meaningful gift I ever received. 

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