The third in the "Children of Power" series, this book celebrates holiday spirit on Elisia and on Earth. Annual rains and music bring people together on the frontier, while food and family do the same on Earth.

The mid-term break at Smith Valley coincides with the Elisian Winter Festival, a time on Jenni's terraformed homeworld to celebrate the only annual rainfall the desert receives. Michiko meets Jenni's parents, neither of whom are deaf, along with friends and neighbors who all have varying degrees of signing ability. Jenni's twin sister Terra is their co-conspirator during the festivities.

Together they drum, dance, and learn how to relate to each other outside of the scool where they met. Michiko falls more in love with her roommate, and Jenni reassures her that they can have a future together after the term ends. Her community is unexpectedly welcoming and supportive.

The easy interaction Jenni shares with her family and friends makes Michiko worry more about her own. They have plans to celebrate Christmas with Michiko's parents before their vacation is over, but all of Jenni's sign languages are alien and Michiko isn't sure how her family will react. Her younger brother has never been offworld. Her dad didn't want her going to Smith Valley in the first place.

Even if they make it through extended family introductions, not to mention the question of sleeping arrangements, Michiko is worried that Jenni will feel excluded on Earth by her language alone.