[Short Story]

It's Christmas again!

by Husna Inayathullah

Aaliya, Hebron and Aanya were siblings from a rich family in the town. It was December with all the joys of Christmas. They were all busy preparing for Christmas after the summer school holidays.

It was so cold outside as the winter season had already started. There was snow in the yard.

Christmas trees in houses were decorated with fairy lights and there were gifts wrapped in colourful papers under the trees.

The children were so happy and excited to celebrate Christmas. There were lights in the windows, cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, stockings hanging in the living room and there were shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who passed in the streets.

There lived a very poor family next to Aaliya, Hebron and Aanya's house. Their house was not full of lights and happiness, instead it was dark and dull.

It seemed like Christmas was a time of sorrow for them. Julius was the only child in their family and he had written a note to Santa asking for a Christmas present and it said, "Dear Santa, Please help my mom and dad to find enough money to celebrate Christmas.

We are finding it really difficult even to have a good meal on Christmas Day. I love you Santa. Merry Christmas!"

Julius had written this letter and kept it on the side of his window. Suddenly a heavy wind blew, the letter and it had flown into Aaliya, Hebron and Aanya's house.

Hebron read the letter and he was so unhappy. He ran with the letter and showed it to his sisters Aaliya and Aanya. So all of them decided to tell their parents about the letter and help Julius celebrate Christmas.

There were seven days more for Christmas. While Aaliya was playing outside the garden, she overheard Julius's mother crying, "I feel so unhappy. I do not know how we could make our son, at least happy by preparing a good meal and getting him a Christmas present. We do not have enough money for anything. Oh! Jesus please help us. I wish we have sufficient money to celebrate Christmas."

"Mom, shall we go to Julius's house today as decided and hand over the money to his mother as a present. Let's make it quick mom because Christmas is nearing. I heard his mother crying in the morning while playing outside," said Aaliya.

Aaliya's mom said, "Yes my dear. That is a good idea. We shall go in the evening and hand over the money. They will be happy and surprised. And you know my dear, Christmas is all about sharing and caring. God sent Jesus to us so that one day he would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story is one of truth, love and hope."

Aaliya, Hebron, Aanya and their mom went to Julius's house. Julius and his mother were surprised to see them. They welcomed them saying "Merry Christmas." Aanya's mother handed over the money to Julius's mother.

She was so happy and grateful and served them some biscuits and juice. Julius's mother said all her worries and the desperate situation they faced disappeared with the gift She prayed for Anya's family for giving the gift at this time. Julius thought to himself, that Santa had replied his letter fast.