Christine Strongi

Christmas is more than a tradition with my family, it's a business. My grandparents opened a store which celebrates it year round. I know it sounds amazing but it's not. You see... my name is Shane. Shane Claus, and I own a Christmas store in Cherry Grove, SC. Yes, at the beach. But this year, I'll be spending the holidays in the snow, or so my daughter Sophie hopes! We lost her mom five years ago and for the first time since, she's asking for a present. To visit the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.

You know that old saying…. He's the next big thing. Yeah, that was me. I was a rising star, and I couldn't have been happier. Fame, money, women at every turn. I had it all, until the day my world came crashing in. I never fathomed this would be my life. But here I am, a single dad at 28, and I have no clue what I'm doing. I pray every day I'm giving her the best life, 'cause it's the only one I know. The minute I had lost everything and had nothing left to give. Charlee showed up.

Have you ever wanted to go back? I’ve contemplated it every day, for the last six years. Knowing that once I did, I’d wreck everything all over again, but still - I dream. Until last night. My past came back to me. As I finished my set, looking through the smoke and flashing lights, I see him. The wreckage still written on Chord’s face tells me hell’s coming.