Tom, a small boy bundled in a red coat and oversized mittens, tiptoes outside his house, his breath forming clouds in the crisp morning air. He pauses to marvel at the sparkling snow, his excitement bubbling over as he remembers it’s Christmas Day. The world feels peaceful and expectant, as if waiting for a miracle.

Tom kneels down and gently brushes away the snow, revealing a small, trembling puppy with soft, floppy ears. The pup’s fur is dusted with frost, its eyes wide and full of sadness. "Hey there, little one. Are you lost?"

Tom smiles, his heart swelling with empathy. He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a small sandwich, breaking it into pieces and feeding them to the hungry puppy. "It’s not much, but you can have my breakfast. I think you need it more than I do,"

The smell of cinnamon and pine fills the room, but Tom’s gaze never leaves his new friend. "I’m glad you’re here for Christmas. Presents are nice, but... having you here feels even better," He gently strokes the puppy’s head, and the pup lets out a contented sigh.

Tom thinks about the morning and the joy he’s found, not in presents, but in caring for another. "Christmas isn’t about what you get. It’s about love, kindness, and sharing joy with others," he whispers, a gentle smile on his lips.

Tom closes his eyes, feeling warmth and peace fill his heart. "Merry Christmas, little friend. This is the best Christmas ever," he murmurs, as the spirit of the holiday wraps around them both like a soft, endless blanket of snow.