In a small, lively neighborhood, a group of children gathered under the shade of a grand mango tree. Among them was Ivan, a boy whose infectious smile and boundless energy made him the heart of their games. Ivan wore a shirt a size too big and shorts patched at the knees, but he didn’t mind. Despite having no shoes, his feet knew every pebble and blade of grass in the village.
"Let's play tag!" Ivan shouted, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The children cheered and began to chase each other, their laughter mingling with the rustling leaves.
Ivan’s Mother, a warm-hearted woman with gentle eyes, stood in the kitchen preparing the holiday feast. Every year, she would bring out Ivan's special gift—a hopping frog toy that had become a cherished tradition.
"Ivan, it's time," she called, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation. Ivan rushed inside, his face lighting up at the sight of the familiar toy, vibrant green with eyes that seemed to twinkle in the dim light.
Ivan carefully unwrapped the hopping frog, his fingers tracing its contours with a mix of reverence and joy. He placed it on the floor and watched with delight as it sprang across the room, its mechanical legs clicking rhythmically. Ivan laughed, his heart swelling with happiness as he played, his world momentarily perfect.
"Hop, hop, hop!" he chanted, clapping his hands in time with the frog’s jumps. His mother watched from the doorway, her heart warmed by the simple joy the toy brought to her son.
Ivan sat on the floor, his gaze lingering on the toy that would soon be wrapped up until next Christmas. Yet, there was no sadness in his heart. Instead, a sense of gratitude for the happiness it had brought him filled his soul.
"Thank you, froggy," he whispered, a promise in his voice that they would have many more Christmases together.
Ivan bounded outside, joining his friends once more under the mango tree. Though the frog toy was tucked away, the spirit of joy it instilled in him continued to shine.
"I can't wait for next Christmas," Ivan declared, already dreaming of the adventures yet to come. His friends nodded, knowing that the magic of the season would return, bringing with it the treasured hopping frog.
