As the clock was ticking, there was an hour left before it would be Christmas… It was the only festival she enjoyed, neither because of all the gifts nor because of the sweets and the chocolates. It was the only festival; she felt, was when her whole family was together. As Christmas was a worldwide holiday, her parents did not have to work and her siblings came to town for the day. It was the only day when the whole family managed to eat a full course meal. Her family was not as well off as her friends. Her dad tried all the possible jobs. He was a sweeper, watchman, driver, gardener and any other daily wage worker. Her mom was a maid in 3 to 4 big homes. She earned enough for one daily meal. Her two brothers were studying in college and rarely came home, not wanting to burden their parents. She herself studied in the town’s smallest school. Most of her classmates were going to different towns and cities to celebrate their Christmas.
She did not have a lot of her own items. She had to wear an old uniform given by their landlord. She didn’t even have her own books; they were all her brothers’. After school, she would go to the local library and help sort out books. She earned very little. She kept all the money for a little surprise….
Her mom was cooking in the kitchen. The aroma of baked beans and lemon cake was floating around the house. She set the table and couldn’t resist the craving smell. Her brothers were talking to her father about further studies. Her father was hesitant. Finally, her mom came into the room with the food. There was only one room and a kitchen as a part of their house. The roof leaked only when it rained. Everyone sat on the floor to eat. Each person got one serving and were satisfied with themselves. They laughed and talked as they ate their meal.
Then, all of them went out to see the colorful Christmas lights. Her mom and dad were holding hands while her mom rested her head on her father’s shoulder. It was the best Christmas gift to see them so happy. She went in and brought a hastily packed gift, one for her mom and one for her dad…. There were tears in her parents’ eyes!
This was the true spirit of Christmas…
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