The shops were bright with Christmas cheer
And crowded streets stretched far and near
With tinsel, lights, and laughter loud
And carols sung by every crowd

A boy walked home beneath the snow
No gifts to give, no place to go
The frosty air around him stung
Yet in his heart, a warmth was sprung

He saw an old man on a bench
With frozen hands and eyes a-french
No coat to shield the biting cold
No story left to be retold

The boy approached with quiet grace
And offered him his woolen space
A scarf he wrapped around the man
A gentle act, a simple plan

The man looked up, his eyes grew wide
A smile broke free he could not hide
No ribbon tied, no paper bright
Yet it was surely Christmas night

The stars shone down, the streets grew still
A warmth spread out that none could chill
For sometimes gifts need not be bought
The truest love cannot be sought

And as the boy walked home alone
He felt a joy he’d never known
For giving, simple, pure, and kind
Leaves light and wonder in the mind