Christmas can be a bittersweet time, and the world can often feel hopeless and lonely, but there is a kind of magic about Christmas that brings hope and togetherness, or at least that possibility, which I think is hope. Although this story is framed in the context of a relationship, the larger themes and longings are more universal. We all need hope, and we need each other. I started the song with my husband. He had the melody, the arrangement, and even the chorus. Together we worked on the verses. We’re a pretty cool writing team, which came together naturally over time, and it’s been really fun. We finish each other … sandwiches. This song is beautiful, and it was great having Sufjan jump in and make it even richer of course – our little Christmas miracle himself.