Christmas is for giving and sharing, for brightly covered gifts. But, mostly Christmas is for love. I had not believed this until a boy gave me a special gift one Christmas.
Without parents, Brian lived with his mean aunt. I had not noticed him particularly until he began to help clean up the room after school, at risk of being punished by his aunt. During those hours, Brian spoke mostly of his mother, a kind, gentle, loving woman who always spent time with him.
As Christmas came near, however, Brian didn't stay after school. I looked forward to his coming. One afternoon, I stopped him and told him how I had missed him. I saw his eyes lit up. I explained how he had been my best helper and this made him more excited. "I was making you a surprise. It's for Christmas." He became embarrassed and ran away.
Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Brian entered the room with his hands hiding something behind. "I have a present for you." He held out his hands, and a tiny box was lying there.
"It's beautiful, Brian. Let's see what's in it."
"Oh, you can't see what's in it," he said, "and you can't touch it, but mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, warm on cold nights and safe when you're all alone."
I looked into the empty box. "Brian, what will make me feel so good?"
"It's love, and mother always said it's best when you give it away."
Yes, Christmas is for celebrations, songs, and gifts. But mostly, Christmas is for love. So now I still keep the small box.
1. What is Brian like?| A．He is gentle. | B．He is mean. | C．He is helpful. |
| A．Because he felt too tired to do that. |
| B．Because his teacher didn't need his help. |
| C．Because he might be punished by his aunt. |
| A．He felt embarrassed. | B．He became happy. | C．He fell sick. |
| A．The writer values the present from Brian. |
| B．Brian's mother had little influence on him. |
| C．Brian was used to spreading love at Christmas. |
| A．Giving Is Receiving | B．Rules of Gift Giving | C．Christmas Is for Love |
