You gather everyone in the living room like a true detective. The Christmas tree glows behind you, and a few ornaments twinkle as if watching the investigation.
"Someone," you say dramatically, "has eaten all of Santa's cookies. And I'm going to find out who!"
Mom looks up from wrapping presents. Dad raises an eyebrow over his eggnog. Your little brother looks extra nervous… and extra chocolatey. Even the dog looks guilty, his tail wagging slower than usual.
You start pacing like they do in detective shows.
"Now then," you say, "where were each of you an hour ago?"
Your brother stares at his video game controller, avoiding your eyes. The dog lets out a suspicious burp. And from the shelf, you swear you see the nutcracker tilt its head just a little.