The Box Being Empty
After Richard removes Mary's letters to Andrea from the box (after Mary's death), the box is empty, which is ironic because the empty box contains everything that Christmas is made of, as it containes the love that Mary felt for her daughter and the bond that they maintained even after her death, and it also contains the understanding that just as Jesus was the first Christmas gift to the world, later to be returned to God, just are the special people in our lives also gifts that will be returned in the same way, to wait for us. The box contains the message that family and our loved ones and the time we spend with them are what is really important. This is ironic because the box itself appears empty.
Sunday as a Day Of Rest
Sunday is proclaimed a day of rest, but this is ironic to the parents who attend church on Sundays and have a busy and active family to get ready, which is anything but restful.
Feeling Like Strangers In Mary's Home
When Mary has passed away, for the first time, Richard feels like a stranger in someone else's home. This is ironic, because when they actually were strangers in someone else's home, they felt as though they had known Mary forever and did not feel like stranger at all, but reunited members of a family.
Music Box
The box plays music when it is closed, but when it is opened, the music stops. This is ironic because most boxes perform in the opposite way, only playing music once the box is opened.
Keri's Feelings About Mary
Keri feels like she has known Mary all of her life, which is ironic because they have just met.
