to the wrohg house,” said four year old John.

to the wrohg house,” said four year old John.

“He’ll know where we live, dear,” said his mother.

“Santa Claus never brings me enough presents,” said Tom.

“Christmas is something more than giving presents, dear.”

“Dad would you write Santa and tell him I want more presents,” said Tom.

“Martha, tell him what Christmas is really about,” said his father.

“There was a poor lady named Mary...”

“If this is some story to make me feel guilty it’s not going to work.” Tom angrily left the room.

Six days passed and Tom talked only of getting presents. Whenever they tried to talk to him of the real meaning of Christmas he left. Finally it was Christmas Eve. Tom’s parents sat down to talk about Christmas so he left, but Tom stayed outside the door and listened.

“Mary was about to have a baby but...”

Tom listened through the whole story and suddenly presents didn’t matter.

The next morning he was pleased with what he got and thanked everyone. He even wrote a letter to Santa saying he didn’t need as many presents and thanked him.

A Christmas Long Ago

By ALISON MARTIN

Grade 6

. Washington

It was Christmas Eve at the Tuck’s small home in 1864. There were four Tucks in all, two adults and two small girls, named Jessica and Mary. Jessica had one awful disability, she was crippled but that didn’t stop their happiness. The two girls mother, Mrs. Tuck, was a plump, young woman with a round face and merry eyes. She laughed at the slightest thing and smiled alot but Mr. Tuck was a strict man with a stem face. He barely laughed at all.

That night after dinner they all sat around the table and prayed for Jessica. Then they all went to bed for a Christmas sleep.