Best Christmas Gift

It was Christmas and George and his wife Maria and his parents Mr and Mrs, Mathews and son Prakash came home after the mid night mass. Christmas was a festival of joy and happiness and a time for giving and sharing.

There was a big Christmas tree in their main hall, beautifully decorated and illuminated with lights. Since in India it does not snow, Prakash had put some cotton to appear like snow. There were some gift boxes under the tree but Prakash noticed that they were lesser in number, he wondered why? But did not say anything.” There must be some reason. Mr. and Mrs Mathews also noticed that other than the gifts kept by them there were no other boxes except for a small red box hanging strategically on the tree.

The entire family got ready for the breakfast at about 8.00AM. It was customary to exchange the gifts and open them before breakfast. They all assembled in the hall near the Christmas tree, and they saw a car came into the driveway and about 12 years old boy got down from it. George went out and brought the boy inside the home. He was introduced to the entire family. The boy’s name was John and he needed a major heart surgery. George and Maria were gifting the boy the surgery this Christmas on behalf of the entire family.” Papa and Mom and Prakash, we took this decision on every ones behalf and we decided to do away with expensive gifts for all of us and arranged everything for the surgery tomorrow. Every year we end up buying expensive gifts which we really do not require. Instead we wanted to have the happiness and joy of giving. We kept it a secret as we wanted to give you all a surprise.” said George.

Prakash and his grandparents had no words to express their joy. They were too overwhelmed with emotions and said, "this is the best gift we ever gave ourselves.” They hugged John The special red box, kept for John was opened by him. It contained the receipt for the entire surgery from the best hospital in town.

They all had a sumptuous breakfast and both the children played for a while and Prakash hugged his new friend and said that he will come back from hospital fully recovered and they both will be friends forever. By evening the boy’s parents came and they all went to the hospital to admit him for surgery the next day.

After they came home, Prakash told his parents,” Dad and Mom, I never knew giving someone could be so very satisfying and can give so much joy. I am very happy and proud to be your son. Thank you for this wonderful experience. Let us try to make this a tradition in our family” They all were more than satisfied that Christmas.