The Gift of Giving

Listen to “Christmas Story -The Gift of Giving” on Spreaker.

In the cozy town of Hollybrook, nestled in a valley of snow-covered trees, Christmas was everyone’s favorite time of year. Lights sparkled on every rooftop, and the sweet smell of gingerbread drifted through the streets. But this year, something felt different to Emma.

Emma was an 8-year-old girl with a big heart. She loved Christmas but felt that something was missing. “Mom,” she asked one day, “is Christmas just about getting presents?”

Her mom smiled. “Christmas is about sharing love and joy. Sometimes, the best gift is one you give, not one you receive.”

Emma thought about this as she walked home from school, kicking up the snow with her boots. That’s when she spotted a boy her age sitting on a bench, shivering. His coat had holes, and his hands were red from the cold. Emma recognized him—his name was Max, and he had just moved to town.

“Hi, Max!” Emma said, sitting next to him. “Why are you out here in the cold?”

Max looked down. “I was hoping to see Santa at the town square, but I don’t have warm clothes to stay outside for long.”

Emma’s heart sank. She thought of her warm coat and her collection of scarves and mittens at home. Then she had an idea. “Wait here, Max. I’ll be right back!”

She ran home, her cheeks pink from the cold and excitement. Inside her closet, she found her coziest scarf, a pair of fluffy mittens, and a warm red hat. She wrapped them up in festive paper, added a big bow, and hurried back to the bench.

“Here,” she said, handing the package to Max. “A little early Christmas gift.”

Max’s eyes widened as he opened the gift. “For me? Really?” He pulled on the scarf and mittens, his smile brighter than the twinkling lights around them. “Thank you, Emma. This is the best gift ever.”

But Emma wasn’t done yet. That evening, she asked her parents if they could help make Christmas brighter for Max and his family. Her parents smiled proudly and said, “Of course.”

Over the next few days, Emma and her family secretly delivered small surprises to Max’s house: a basket of cookies, a little Christmas tree, and even a box of decorations. Each time Max and his family found the gifts, their joy seemed to light up the neighborhood.

On Christmas morning, Max and his parents knocked on Emma’s door. Max held a handmade card covered in glitter and stars. “This is for you,” he said, beaming. “Thank you for giving us the best Christmas ever.”

Emma hugged Max and his parents. “It wasn’t just me,” she said. “It was the gift of giving. And it feels amazing.”

That Christmas, Emma learned that the greatest gift wasn’t under the tree—it was the joy of making someone else smile.

The end!

Questions for Kids:

• Why did Emma decide to help Max?
• What do you think is more fun: giving a gift or receiving one? Why?
• How can you bring joy to someone this Christmas?