Because of his severe stutter, Atticus never fulfills his childhood wish to make a joyful noise onstage at Christmastime. Now going by AC, the same problem isolates him with only his cat Spud for company as he forgoes the holiday season and personal, meaningful relationships altogether.<br><br>On their way to pass the yuletide in Mexico, AC and Spud encounter a stranded band who call themselves The 12 Drummers Drumming. Though AC tries to resist the urge to help, he’s somehow convinced to drive them back up north in his van to ensure they make their Christmas Eve gig.<br><br>AC immediately rates each guy, figuring on a one in twelve chance to at least score a holiday hookup. As he spends time with each, he sees them in less superficial terms. Sparks ignite, and by the time Christmas Eve arrives, AC has a whole new reason to believe in Christmas magic and romance.

12 Drummers Thumbing

Seven-year-old Atticus had been going to speech therapy three times a week since the beginning of his second year in kindergarten. His therapist, Wendy, was a jovial woman not much bigger than he. Her demeanor remained, even as the work they did together didn’t seem to be doing any good. When Christmastime rolled around during his initial try at first grade, Wendy suggested he try singing. “Many people with a stutter find it goes away completely when singing,” she claimed.


“R-r-r-really?” Little Atticus liked the sound of that. His parents had started taking him to church that same year. His favorite part was when the choir sang. “Make a joyful noise!” their leader would often say. Atticus loved the choir director’s enthusiasm and wanted to do as she said.


“Yes, Atticus. Really,” Wendy said, putting her forehead to his.


Later in life, AC had come across reports from her to his parents, stating the supposed benefits of singing, and why it would allegedly work.


Chapter 10