noon.  It meant a lot to him.  What gift was more appropriate at Christmas time than at any other

time?  He shook his head.  He couldn’t think what it could be.

           When he arrived home, he walked in the house and went straight to the big package wrapped

with red paper.  What was in it?  He just sat there, looking at it.  He didn’t turn to see his mother

standing beside him.

            “Terry,” she said and knelt beside him, “you gave a curiosity as long as my arm.”

            “I know.  I can’t help it.”

            When Christmas day dawned, he rushed to the tree after breakfast.  He had the package

opened in ten seconds and stared at a red bicycle.  Terry wanted one ever since he could remember.

There wasn’t enough money to buy him one.  Now that he had his very own, he didn’t know what to

say.

            Terry looked at his parents’ smiling faces and hugged both of them.  “Like it?” his father said.

            “I love it, Dad.  Thanks.”  A thought occurred to him.  “It’s the thought that counts.”

             His mother nodded.  “If we weren’t motivated by love, we wouldn’t have given it to you.”

             Terry looked at her.  “That’s it!”

             “What?” his mother asked.

             “The real reason behind the  giving of presents is love.”

             “Of course.  There’s no doubt about that, Terry,” his father said.

             “I’ve been thinking about it.  I’ve wondered wy people give presents  at Christmas.”

             His mother put herseven-year-old son on her lap.  “I’m glad you found out the reason we

do it.”  She kissed his cheek and held him close.

                                                                                                                        The End

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