He sits on the step of the store
Watching everyone that passes by him
They are all dressed in furs and expensive jackets
He is dirty and dressed in rags

I look at him from across the street near the bus stop
And feel a rush of pity overcome me
What did this boy do to deserve
Such a sorrowful burden

At night, the boy is nowhere to be found
So I walk inside the store
I spot a toy remote-control car
Every little boy?s dream present

I buy the little toy
And bring it home to wrap it
Then I place it in my safe-keeping closet
And wait

On Christmas day, I bring the toy to the store
And place it next to the boy on the step
"Merry Christmas," I say happily
The boy takes it and runs away

The next day, as I wait near the bus stop
I feel a tug on my coat
I look down and see the boy
A huge smile shows on his face

"Thank you, ma'am," he says
"Thank you so much for the present you gave me . . .
And I don't mean the toy," he says
His face glowing with joy

This little boy taught something that day
He taught me that Christmas is not just about presents
It's about love, compassion, and kindness -- the "presents" I gave him
And that is the holiday's true meaning