Elderly widow Marguerite wants only to be left alone for Christmas. Celebrating with her family exhausts her, so she plans a quiet evening at home that is interrupted when her doorbell rings. She fears the Grim Reaper, but it's only a dad whose car is stuck in the snow and needs to call for a tow. After, she watches as the family unwraps presents in their car, but by the time she prepares a snack for them, they've gone. Still, Marguerite is energized by her interactions with the family. Blanchet's riveting illustrations have a flat, retro feel (plaid draperies, midcentury-modern furniture, a wall-mounted telephone), and the choice of a suburban setting is fitting, given Marguerite's self-imposed isolation. This won't engage those looking for a Hallmark moment, but Desjardins leaves her audience with much to ponder, including the marginalization of the elderly and the importance of maintaining human connections. Sensitive, empathetic, and occasionally funny, this Bologna Ragazzi Award winner will be appreciated by those who enjoyed Stian Hole's Garmann's Summer (2008).