Richard reflects on the Christmas Box that he discovered years earlier; he still feels that the lessons he learned from it are important.

The narrative goes back in time to before the events of the Christmas Box. Richard returns to the area he grew up in, a small town in the Salt Lake Valley, with his wife, Keri, and their three-year-old daughter, Jenna. Richard starts a business renting out formal wear; he is very busy with it.

Money is tight; the family lives in a very small, rented apartment. They increasingly struggle with the lack of space, especially as Jenna continues to grow.

Keri finds an ad in the classified section of the newspaper: An older woman is searching for a couple to live with her in her large home to help with light housework and meals. Richard and Keri decide to apply.

They go for an interview at the large, Victorian mansion. They meet MaryAnne Parkin, who asks to be called Mary. Mary describes the specifics of the arrangement: Richard and Keri will live in their own private wing of the house; Mary requires brunch and dinner.