Christmas is usually a day filled with presents, food and holiday cheer, but for the Harts, it’s one thing and one thing only this year – family.

After a fire on Dec. 17 destroyed their home and their Christmas tree and presents placed days before, Mike and Tammy Hart and their four children are learning a different meaning.

&#8220We’re together – that’s the best thing we could have,” Tammy Hart said.

The fire was reported at their Standard Hill home at 11:56 on that cold Saturday night. The family was at home, but all escaped without injury. Their two cats and three dogs didn’t survive.

So the family is continuing to put their lives back together after living there for 23 years.

&#8220Some things can’t be replaced – it’s just like a life,” said Holly Kuhn, Tammy Hart’s mother. &#8220I just thank God that everyone got out.”

Kuhn drove from Carthage to deliver aid for the family after the fire. She is among many who have come to the family’s rescue in their time of need and the season of giving.

&#8220Vicksburg has been great. The Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the kids’ schools have all helped,” Tammy Hart said. &#8220If everybody had a community like Vicksburg, they’d be doing good.”

The Warren County Highway Department, where Mike Hart is employed, donated clothes to the family. People in the community have donated food, clothing, school supplies and gifts. Still, Christmas won’t be quite the same.

&#8220We won’t be at home,” Tammy Hart said.

The family still looks forward to a &#8220country Christmas,” which is how they describe their normal traditions – being with family and having a good time.

For 7-year-old Michael Hart, a different sentiment has come over him since the fire. A cell phone, a CD player and a trampoline topped his list this Christmas, but, after the fire, he wasn’t sure what he’d want.

Instead, he’s looking to a new year.

&#8220We’re going to restart our life,” he said.

Tammy Hart said she and her husband had a broken spirit just after the fire, but they were uplifted by Michael and their three other children, 16-year-old April, 12-year-old Jennifer and 19-year-old Holly.

&#8220That’s what Christmas is all about anyway – kids,” Kuhn said.

The family is living temporarily in a mobile home on Crockett Road, compliments of Mike Hart’s brother, Tony, and gifts have helped fill it, and plans are being made to renovate another home for the family.