My family was so poor we couldn’t afford a gift, so I wrapped one of my dad’s old books and gave it to my classmate. She had given me the latest Barbie. When she saw my gift, she started crying.The next day, her mom came to school. I was nervous, but she surprised me with a smile and a bag of gifts—Barbie’s matching car, a Ken doll,

and holiday clothes. I was overwhelmed.Then she invited me to lunch with her daughter—it was my first time in a restaurant. Her daughter, once upset, became my friend, and we’re still close today at 24.That mother’s kindness showed me the magic of Christmas. Now that my family is stable, I pay it forward every year by helping a child in need.