A Christmas Wish

A Christmas Wish

Snow fell gently outside, coating the town in a soft, shimmering blanket of white. On Maple Street, every house sparkled with festive lights, except for one—the old house at the corner where twelve-year-old Emily lived with her grandfather. Their decorations had been packed away for years, stored in a dusty attic that hadn’t been touched since Emily's parents passed away.

This year, Emily decided things would be different. “Grandpa,” she said one evening, tugging at his sleeve. “Can we put up a tree this year? Maybe some lights?”

Her grandfather sighed and smiled wistfully. “Emily, the lights won’t change much. But if it makes you happy, we’ll try.”

With the little money they had, Emily bought a small tree and a strand of lights from the thrift shop. That night, she stayed up late, crafting ornaments out of old buttons, paper, and ribbon scraps. As she worked, her mind drifted to the wish she made every year—one she had never shared with anyone. She wished for her family to feel whole again.

Christmas Eve arrived, and Emily carried their tiny tree to the front window. “It’s not much,” she said to herself, “but it’s ours.”

Later that night, as she drifted to sleep, Emily heard a soft knock at the door. Grandpa shuffled to answer it, and through the crack, Emily caught a glimpse of two familiar faces—her aunt and uncle, who had moved far away after her parents’ funeral.

“We saw your tree,” her aunt said, tears in her eyes. “It reminded us of the ones we used to decorate together.”

Emily’s heart leaped as they stepped inside, carrying gifts and warm hugs. For the first time in years, laughter filled the house, and Emily realized her wish had finally come true. It wasn’t the tree or the lights that made Christmas magical—it was the love they shared.

That night, Emily sat by the fire, surrounded by family, and smiled. Christmas had brought her something far greater than decorations—it had brought her hope.