Christmas Eve used to be one of Petra Hartlieb's favorite days of the year - until she became a bookseller. Now, Christmas begins for her in early November. Together with her colleague Eva, she spends an entire evening stacking and organizing until the miracle is accomplished and the bookstore seems to burst with merchandise: every table, every shelf, every tiny free space is filled with books for the holiday season. Customers can come. They come in droves - and often in a panic. They ask obscure questions, play fun title guessing games with the booksellers, are rushed, desperate, and sometimes simply grateful. Many regular customers have now become good friends, bringing much-needed food, assistance in every form, and good cheer. Thus, the most dreadful time of the year also has its beautiful moments. The most beautiful day.