"Oh, mind your own business," Maeve says at the same time as Steve speaks, the door already partly open. She can see her neighbour's dirty look, though, and she's not interested in it. Not on a regular day and not on Christmas.

She smiles, bright and false, and adds, "Happy Christmas!"

The family goes on their way and Maeve switches her gaze to Steve, her smile growing smaller, but also much more genuine. "Hi," she says to him, reaching out to take some of his burdens so he can come inside easier. "Happy Christmas."