Franklin's Christmas Gift (2 page)

When Franklin got home, there was a gift for him under the tree. It was from Great Aunt Harriet.

Franklin was so excited that he forgot all about choosing a gift for the toy drive.

Franklin squeezed the present and shook it.

“No peeking,” laughed his mother.

“Do you know what it is?” asked Franklin eagerly.

“It must be something special.” His mother smiled. “Great Aunt Harriet always gives presents that mean something to you and to her.”

“Like last year,” said Franklin.

Great Aunt Harriet knew that he loved to put on plays. And she gave him two puppets that had been hers when she was little. It was one of Franklin's best presents ever.

The next day at school, the collection box was brimming.

“You've all been very generous,” said Mr. Owl. “Do you know that your gift might be the only one somebody receives this holiday?”

Franklin gulped. He'd never thought of that. He had to bring a present tomorrow!

Franklin raced home after school and looked through his toys again.

Somebody else might love Elephant, but she was worn from so much hugging.

And Franklin wasn't sure that the red car went fast enough.

Franklin was upset. At first, all of his toys had seemed too special to give away. Now, nothing seemed special enough.

Franklin played with his puppets and thought about how Great Aunt Harriet chose her gifts.

“The best presents are special to give and to receive,” he whispered.

Then Franklin saw his marble collection and he knew that the marbles were special enough for the toy drive.

Franklin polished them and put them into a soft purple bag.

He wrapped the present and made a gift tag that read:

These are lucky marbles.

Merry Christmas

The next morning, Franklin put his present on top of the collection box.

Then Franklin and his friends hauled the box to the big tree at the Town Hall.

They placed each present under the tree.

Franklin knew he would miss his marble collection. Still, he didn't feel at all sad. Instead, he felt good all over.

On Christmas Eve, Great Aunt Harriet came to visit and Franklin was allowed to open her present.

He ripped of the paper.

“It's perfect!” said Franklin. “Thank you.”

Great Aunt Harriet beamed. She had made a stage for Franklin's puppet shows.

“Now open yours,” Franklin insisted.

Great Aunt Harriet unwrapped her gift slowly and carefully.

Inside was a play, written by Franklin and dedicated to her.