Saving for Christmas

“Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way!” Charles went caroling in November. His friends laughed at him. “Hey, Charles! We just had Halloween! Why are you getting Christmasy so soon? Hahaha!”

One night, he unexpectedly came upon his classmate Zach’s house. Zach was surprised to see who the caroler was. “Wow, Charles! I didn’t know you could sing so well! That was beautiful! But isn’t it too early to be doing this?” Zach asked.

“Not really,” Charles replied. “Our Christmas party in school is in a month and I have to prepare some money for the gifts that I want to give my friends.”

“Really? That’s a great idea! Would you mind if I joined you?” Zach couldn’t help but ask.

“No, not at all,” Charles happily accepted his offer. “It would be great to have some company.”

On the last evening of their caroling, Charles was so happy to have received lots of money. He was smiling from ear to ear while looking at his shopping list. “Zach! You won’t believe this! I think I can buy all of these now!”

Charles jumped up and down when – thump! He accidentally tripped over his guitar. In his excitement, he forgot that he had placed it by his feet while counting his money. His heart sank. He was caught in between tears of joy and sadness. He couldn’t say anything for a moment. But when he saw his friend looking at him, he smiled and called out, “Never mind! I got what I needed. Let’s go shopping now!” They took the broken guitar home and went to the mall together.

Charles was so busy getting everything on his list. Zach said to him, “Actually, there aren’t many things that I want to buy, so if it’s okay with you, I’ll go home first.”

“Okay, see you at the party tomorrow!” Charles tapped Zach’s shoulder and continued shopping.

All the children were having a great time at the party. Before they knew it, it was time for gift-giving. They were all delighted to receive presents from Charles, who was also very happy that they loved what he gave each of them.

Then, suddenly, Charles remembered his guitar. His tears were starting to fall when someone tapped his back. When he turned around, it was Zach. He was carrying a brand-new guitar. “This is for you, buddy.” He gave it to Charles who was still so caught up in the moment that he just stood there with his mouth wide open.

“Oh, thank you, Zach! You don’t know how much this means to me. You really are a true friend! Merry Christmas!” He hugged his friend so tight.

“Merry Christmas, too, Charles!” Zach said with equal joy.