1. A Gift Exchange Gone Wrong

At age 8, the writer joined a class Christmas exchange but came from a family that

“was so poor we couldn’t afford a gift.”

They wrapped one of their dad’s old books.

Their classmate had given them “the latest Barbie”

and cried when she saw the mismatched gift.

2. An Unexpected Visit

The next day, the girl’s mother arrived at school.

Instead of scolding, she smiled and handed the writer a bag containing

“the Barbie’s matching car, a Ken doll, and brand-new holiday clothes.”

3. A First-Ever Treat

She then invited both girls to lunch, which was “my first time ever in a restaurant.”

The girls became friends and stayed close into adulthood.

4. Lasting Christmas Kindness

The writer says “that mother’s kindness was the first time I truly felt the magic of Christmas.”

Now financially stable, they help a child in need every holiday season.