On lonely wintry nights, she sat near the fireplace wrapping each of them in bright colorful paper. A delicate smile playing on her lips. Her cold hands struggled, but she kept on. Her skin was dry and pale like the hut she sat in. Outside, the snow fell and mingled with the white ground taking everything with it.
Her eyes drooped but she didn't stop. Somewhere a bell chimed and she looked up knowing it was time. She stepped out, shivering in her thin coat. She smiled again feeling the snow fall on her face. She sighed. Like every year on Christmas, she took off to distribute small gifts. She bought them with all the savings she had done for the season. She didn't buy any for self. She never did. She had stopped wishing for presents the day she lost all she held dear to her.
Every Christmas was quiet and she expected the same. But little did she know, like every Christmas he stood there, lurking in shadows. He followed her every Christmas night only to vanish in the morning. He took her in as she gently laid down the gifts outside the brightly decorated houses. The small town was a sight to see with Christmas trees everywhere and carols to be heard from every house.
And finally she stopped in front of the church. Beautiful and majestic in its own aura, the church was the life of the town during Christmas. But it was deserted at this hour as everyone was busy with the celebrations in their homes. She entered the church and knelled down with hands joined in a silent prayer before the Christ.
He stood before her, seeing how her head was bowed and tears streamed down her face. He had nothing to offer her, so he gently asked,"Mustn't you be home enjoying Christmas treats?"
She looked up, startled and shocked. After wiping her tears, she replied," I have no one to celebrate Christmas with."
He said," Would you celebrate with me?"
She looked at him skeptically. He said," Well, it is my birthday. I deserve a 'yes'. Don't I?"
She stood up and nodded her head. Smiling she said," Yes you do."
He took her hand and said, "Let's have ourselves a bit of Merry Christmas."
And they walked quietly into the lonely wintry nights.