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I was late getting off work on Christmas Eve and I hurried across to the Department store, hoping it was still open.I had to buy a scarf as a last minute gift for my daughter, which she just had to have she had told me this morning.

The snow was falling heavily, with the wind swirling it around, reminding me of dancing angels. I pulled my collar up about my face and as I was about to enter the store, I noticed a small boy, about seven years old with his face pressed against the window. He was dressed in shabby clothes, with only a sweater to ward off the cold.

I approached the child and said. “You shouldn’t be out in weather like this.” He turned towards me and I could see the tears in his eyes.

“I was wishing that I could buy that for my Mother, because she is so sick.” he said as he wiped his eyes on his shirt sleeve.

I glanced in the window to see what he meant and saw that it was a mirror, comb and brush set.

“Can’t your dad buy it for you to give to your mother? I asked.

“No,” “My dad doesn’t have any money. He works as a janitor and all his money has to pay bills.” he replied.

The price of the set was five dollars and I wondered why he couldn’t spare such a small amount for his child.

My heart went out to the little boy. I took his hand and said. “Come on in with me while I do some shopping and then I will take you home. “My name is Ann. What is yours and where do you live?” I asked him.

I live at 210 Elm St, apt 2 and my name is Ben Sanders, but I don’t think my dad will like you to take me home. Ben replied. “Let me worry about that.” I said.

We entered the store and some of the people glanced at the child with a look of distaste. How could they look at a small child like that, especially at Christmas time. I asked myself.

I did my shopping with the boy close behind me and just before I was ready to checkout , I passed the display with the mirror set. I picked up one of the boxes and placed it in my cart. As I did this the child looked up at me with an excited smile.

I returned his smile as we proceeded to the checkout and I placed the items from thecart onto the counter.

After leaving the store, we went to my car and I put the all the packages in the backexcept for the mirror set., When we were in the car, I gave the package to the boy.

“Give this to your mother for Christmas.” I told him.

He looked at me, then his sad face broke into a smile.”You mean it?” he asked.But the smile faded almost as soon as it had appeared as he said.

“But my dad won’t like a stranger giving me things. He will think that I was begging.

I pulled out of the parking lot and headed in the direction of the address that the boyhad given me.I didn’t know much about that area of town, but I drove while Ben directed.

We turned onto a street where the houses were close together and some of the yards were cluttered with junk.

‘There!” He said. I pulled into the driveway of an old two story house that was badly in need of paint.

There was clothes piled on the front porch , along with papers strewn over the lawn.“

Ben said. “My dad says it isn’t much, but we have to live here.” Then he jumped out of the car and turned to me and said. ”Come on please Ann, we have to go upstairs.”

We went around the side of the garage and up some rickety stairs. Ben opened the door as he called out.”Dad, I’m home and I have a lady with me.”

A tall slim man came through a door from another room. He was unshaven and his clothes were rumpled. He looked as though he hadn’t slept much.

“Hello,” “I ’m Ann Marshall and I brought your son home because the weather is bad and he wasn‘t dressed for it.” I said.

“Thank you, but he shouldn’t have been out.” he replied.

“She bought this for mom.” Ben said as he held out the package to his dad.

“We don’t take charity and you shouldn’t be begging. He said sharply to Ben.

Ben hung his head as he left the room.

“I didn’t mean it to be charity, I just wanted to help.” I said as I turned to go.

“Wait, please.” “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I am sorry.” he said.

“My wife had leukemia and her time is short. I can’t take care of her and Ben because I have to work There just isn’t enough money for everything. I can’t seem to do everything that needs to be done.” he said in a choked shaky voice as he turned away.

“Mr. Sanders everyone needs help sometimes. You should accept it, please let me help you and your family.” I said. He nodded his head apparently unable to speak.

I went home, told my husband and daughter the story about this family. I made some telephone calls to some of my friends, with them all telling me they would be glad to help.

When we arrived back at the Sanders’ apartment, my friends were already there. The small kitchen was packed with groceries and gifts for the family. It was arranged to have someone care for Mrs. Sanders and Ben while Mr. Sanders worked. We also took up a small collection among us for some bills.

As we drove home, I leaned back in my seat and let out a sigh of relief, as I said. “This is truly what Christmas is all about, Giving the Gift of Christmas.”

Linda Thomas says, "I began writing about two years ago, because I was showing my daughter the basics of writing and I wrote my first children's story. I have a wonderful husband by the name of David and a great eleven-year-old daughter named Shanda." She is looking forward to becoming a published author.

Christmas Poems

writer's support group

The Grey Knit Vest
by Linda Caroll
Grandpapa always read to me.
It is my sincere hope that sharing this story with you will inspire you to share something of yourself. How wise the words, "Sharing makes everything better." The need to reach out to another human being is instinctive, and as necessary as the air that we breathe.
Please read on

"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Challah"
Interweaving interfaith religions & traditions
by Beth Bruno & Deirdre O'Gorman Goldsmith
Many families interweave the traditions of different religions. My friends, Scott and Deirdre, who were raised in Jewish and Roman Catholic families, respectively, combined their religions when they married and now look ahead to educating their children, families and friends through the richness each religion brings into their lives. Find out more with a wonderful essay from my friend Dierdre.

Great Gift & Fundraising Idea
Brownies in a Jar Gift
Everyone loves brownies.  Brownies are the perfect gift and you'll love our Brownies in a Jar. All you need is a one quart jar that you can pick up at your local craft store.  Just take the ingredients for the Double Fudge Brownie Mix and fill the jar.  You can make the jar festive by using a colorful ribbon to tie on the recipe instructions along with a note from you.  Using a small piece of material you can also cover the lid of the jar add the ribbon and you have "wrapped" your gift!

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