
After Charlotte Maya lost her husband to suicide, she and her young children were used to receiving unexpected visitors. But when her doorbell rang one evening in mid-December, no one was there.
Instead, on her mat was a gingerbread house kit with a note that simply said, “The first day of Christmas. …”
In this week’s Modern Love essay, “When a Doorbell’s Ring Means Hope,” Ms. Maya describes how a series of mysterious deliveries drove her family through their darkest days.
Join the 7 Day Happiness Challenge.
Research shows that the most important driver of happiness is the strength of our relationships. Sign up for a week of New York Times Well desk exercises that will help you prepare for a happier, more connected year.