The Giving Tree – December 10 – Advent Calendar 2024

This illustration captures a festive night scene with a child admiring a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The child wears a cozy yellow sweater, blue jeans, brown boots, and a red-and-white striped knit hat with a pom-pom, adding a cheerful holiday touch. The Christmas tree is adorned with colorful ornaments, a red ribbon, and a glowing star on top. The background is a deep blue sky with twinkling star-shaped string lights, snowflakes, and wrapped presents, creating a warm and magical holiday atmosphere.

The Giving Tree

by Aaron Aaronsen

The town square was alive with holiday cheer. The tall Giving Tree stood proudly in the center, its branches draped in twinkling lights. Beneath it, gifts of all shapes and sizes were being stacked, ready to be given to families who needed them most this Christmas. Monti J. Monti stood nearby with his parents, watching as people carried brightly wrapped packages to place under the tree.

“Look at all those presents,” Monti said, tugging at his red-and-white beanie.

His father nodded. “It’s a beautiful tradition. The Giving Tree reminds us to share what we have with others. It’s about helping those who might not have as much to celebrate this year.”

Monti thought for a moment. “Can I donate something too?”

“Of course,” his mother said, smiling. “Think about what you’d like to give, and we’ll help you wrap it.”

Back home, Monti went to his room and opened his toy chest. He rummaged through piles of cars, action figures, and board games. At first, he grabbed an old puzzle that was missing a few pieces. “This should be fine,” he muttered. But as he looked at the worn box, a pang of guilt hit him. Would anyone really want a broken puzzle?

He set it aside and picked up a stuffed animal he hadn’t played with in years. It was fine, but it didn’t feel… special. Monti frowned, realizing he didn’t want to give away something meaningless. But the thought of giving up something he cared about made his stomach twist.

“Why does this feel so hard?” he muttered, flopping onto his bed.

The next day at school, Monti spotted Leo carrying a neatly wrapped gift box.

“What are you donating?” Monti asked.

Leo smiled. “One of my favorite books. It’s about a boy who goes on adventures with his dog. I’ve read it so many times, I know it by heart. I think another kid would love it as much as I did.”

Monti blinked. “But it’s your favorite. Doesn’t it feel weird to give it away?”

Leo shrugged. “A little. But it also feels good. I know it’ll make someone happy.”

Monti nodded slowly. He thought about his own belongings. Was there something he could give that would really matter to someone else?

That evening, Monti sat in his room, staring at his small silver compass. It had been a gift from his grandfather and had guided Monti on countless hikes and adventures. He loved it, but a voice in his heart whispered, Someone else could love it too.

He turned it over in his hands, feeling the weight of his decision. “Okay,” he said finally. “This is what I’ll give.”

The next morning, Monti showed the compass to his parents.

“Are you sure?” his father asked, surprised.

Monti nodded. “I think it’s time for this compass to guide someone else. It’s special to me, and I want it to be special to whoever gets it.”

His mother smiled, her eyes glistening. “That’s a beautiful choice, Monti.”

At the Giving Tree, Monti carefully placed the wrapped compass under the glowing branches. As he stepped back, a warmth spread through his chest. It wasn’t the kind of happiness he felt when receiving a gift—it was deeper, quieter, and somehow brighter.

Nearby, Leo waved at him, pointing to where he’d placed his book. “We did it!” Leo said.

Monti grinned. “Yeah, we did.”

That evening, Monti thought about his compass and how it might be in someone else’s hands soon, leading them on their own adventures. He realized that generosity wasn’t about giving what was easy to part with—it was about giving something meaningful, something that could bring joy to someone else.

As he drifted off to sleep, Monti felt proud. The Giving Tree had taught him something important: the joy of giving came not from what you gave, but from the love and thought you put into it.

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