Christine, Kate, Lisa, and Maribeth were all friends. Today they were meeting in front of the mall to go Christmas shopping. Maribeth was so excited, she was jumping up and down, thinking of all the presents she would get at Christmas. "Maribeth, settle down," Lisa told her with a laugh. "I can't! I'm thinking of presents," Maribeth told them, as they passed a family clothed in rags. "You know, Christmas isn't all about presents. Take for example, that family we just passed. All they probably want is nice warm clothes, and a nice house." Christine threw a smile at the poor family. The two little girls smiled. Christine gave them each a quarter. Kate and Lisa nodded in agreement. " Oh, come on! What can Christmas possibly be about if it's not about presents? Present's that are big and small, fat and skinny." Maribeth laughed. Lisa and Kate exchanged worried glances. "No, wait don't answer that!" Maribeth said. The other's ignored her comments about Christmas. "Hey I know! Instead of shopping, let's all go home, gather our old games and clothing and things like that together, and then ask our neighbors to also gather things. Then we can give it all to charity as soon as we've collected it all," Lisa said. "That's a great idea! Let's go!" Kate said! The other's agreed that it was a brilliant, ingenious idea, and they wanted to do it. "I don't think so! I'm going shopping! You guys go do your thing, and I'll do mine!" Maribeth made a pouty face. "Aww, c'mon, Maribeth! It's for charity!" Christine persuaded. "Charity, schmarity! I don't give a care!" Now that did it. She had irritated her friends with her mean remarks. "Fine! You go shopping, and we'll do charity work to help others instead of thinking of just ourselves," Kate snapped. "Fine!" Maribeth knew they were mad now. She then turned and ran to the mall entrance. Kate, Lisa, and Christine were so excited about their new project they ran all the way to their separate homes! They each had at least two and a half boxes by the time they were done. Then they went around their neighborhood, and left reminders to leave out old clothes and canned foods and things like that with neighbors and explained their project to them. They said to put the things in bags or boxes if they would fit, then the next morning put them out on the front porch and they'd come around to collect. Meanwhile, Maribeth is a bit lonely, and shopping isn't as fun as it is with her friends. "Where are all your friends, Maribeth?" "Huh?" Maribeth looked around, but saw nobody. She continued walking. "Over here! In the Photo Department!" Maribeth turned and saw her neighbor, widowed Mrs. Weaver. "Hi Mrs. W! My friends chose some stupid charity thing over me! And with the stupid charity, I have a feeling we won't have our usual gift exchange!" "Oh, I wouldn't worry! They'll still do gift exchange. Although that isn't what Christmas is about. It's about much more than just some silly gifts." "Yeah? In my words Christmas is about getting Christmas presents under the tree and in my stocking," Maribeth sneered. "No, that's not what Christmas is about Dear! Christmas is about giving, sharing, family time, friendships, and charity. It's about celebrating Jesus' birthday! Not just about presents." The icy glare still remained. Then, the poor family walked in. Their clothes were shabby and had rips. Their fingers and ears were red from the cold. Suddenly, Maribeth saw the true meaning of Christmas. She smiled, then said, "Thanks, Mrs. Weaver. Thanks for informing me of the true meaning of Christmas." Maribeth turned towards the exit of the mall. "Hey, where are you going?" Mrs. Weaver wondered. "Gotta find my friends!" Mrs. Weaver smiled. Maribeth joined the project and it soon became annual. Every year on December 20, they remind people to collect items and leave them on their front porch. Lisa's father and Kate's mother have a truck (Lisa's father) and a van (Kate's mother). They put things in the vehicles, and when they are done collecting, which takes three days in all, (21, 22, and 23) they donate them to orphanages and charity centers. Maribeth is now informed on the true meaning Christmas, they're hearts are fulfilled when they know they're helping someone. And, they still have a gift exchange. So in the end, it's still a happy ending. For everyone.