Two weeks before Christmas, I wrote down all the things that I wanted for presents. They were: a black kitten, rainbow hair bands, and nail polish. I really hoped that I got them all. I helped my little brother, Bennett, make his Christmas list to mail to Santa. He wanted an action figure, Nerf football, and Legos.  We filled out the envelope to Santa Claus. We gave it to our mom then she mailed it.

On Christmas Eve, the wind swirled the snow around and bounced it on my windowpane.  It was almost nine o’clock.  I tilted my head and saw the Christmas tree sparkling like stars in the night sky.  Everything seems perfect on this wonderful night. I just realized that I forgot to make my presents! Oh no! I raced downstairs and got started. I was right on it. I was weaving, sewing, glueing and more. Then I wrapped them in colorful paper and taped them shut. I gathered everything that I had made and neatly piled them under the Christmas tree. I took one last glance at the sparkling Christmas tree as I ran to my room. I can’t sleep, I’m so excited!! I will call my kitten Cinders.

I woke up early and excitedly since Christmas was here. I couldn’t wait to see if I got Cinders! But Bennett and I couldn’t go down stairs yet because our parents have to go first.  I peered out my window and saw that a blanket of white was draped over the trees and the ground. White, crystallized, sparkling snow had piled up on everything.

“Helen, come down for breakfast!” said Mom.

“I can’t wait to get all the presents that I wrote down on my Christmas list!” I exclaimed.

Bennett and I sprinted downstairs energetically and hoped that everyone would be at peace on this special day. I could clearly see that there were more colorfully wrapped presents then the ones that I had made the night before.

The smells of minty candy canes, freshly baked gingerbread, and muffins were in the air. After we ate the wonderful breakfast that mom and dad made for us, we ran to the presents. There were four big boxes waiting for us. One was for mom, another for dad, one for me, and one for my brother. We sat on the couch. I heard a meow! I must have gotten Cinders! But wait, that sound wasn’t coming from my box, Bennett’s box was meowing!

“Can we open them, can we open them!” I said excitedly.

“Sure,” Mom said.

Bennett slowly tore away the paper and opened the box. A black kitten jumped out and on to his lap.

“Oh look, its Blacky! I love you so much!” Bennett exclaimed. The kitten licked his face tenderly.  I solemnly opened My box. Inside, was a container of Legos. I smiled and said,

“Oh Bennett, I am so happy for you, you will love that kitten!”

Only then, did I realize the true meaning of Christmas.