The story revolves around the Christmas festivities at Mr. Lee's house, where siblings Frank and Flora eagerly anticipate the arrival of their city cousins, Henry and Sarah Vernon. The children are excited about the holiday celebrations and the prospect of spending time together. Flora, however, is preoccupied with a secret plan she has been contemplating for weeks, which has made her unusually serious. Flora's plan involves helping a poor widow, Mrs. White, and her children, who are struggling to make ends meet during the harsh winter. Flora shares her idea with her cousins and brother, suggesting they pool their money to buy essential supplies for the widow's family. The children enthusiastically agree, contributing their savings to the cause. With the help of their father, Mr. Lee, the children organize a procession of wagons loaded with food, wood, and other necessities for Mrs. White. On Christmas morning, they deliver the supplies to the widow's home, bringing joy and relief to the family. The act of giving fills the children with happiness, reinforcing the lesson that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The story also touches on the importance of discerning genuine need when giving, as illustrated by an encounter with a beggar who misuses the money given to him. Through their charitable act, the children learn valuable lessons about empathy, generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1868 · Genre: Children's Literature, Christmas/Holiday Fiction, Moral Fiction · 4 chapters