Gift for Annie

MOST people said, "Aah! Christmas!!"with a big smile. But not JasonMathews. The poor man invariably said, "Oh, no! Christmas!"

- Malini Kanal

He had a reason — his daughter Annie. The ten-year-old was probably the most difficult person to buy a gift for. It didn't help that her family was very well off and could get her really wonderful presents. It didn't help that her parents would spend months thinking about and choosing her gift. Annie was never pleased.

"Oh!" she would say, and make a face.

The maids in the house would often talk about this. "I don't think I've ever heard her say, ‘wow’,” said one. "Has she ever said ‘thank you’?" and the other would reply, "So ungrateful. So thoughtless!" They would then shake their heads sadly and sigh, "It's no wonder she has no friends!"

That was true. Annie was rude. Her classmates didn't like her much. Nor did the children from the neighbouring buildings.

A week before Christmas, Jason walked into his office, pondering over what present he could possibly get his daughter. Suddenly, something on the table caught his eye — it was a little Christmas tree. It was unlike any Christmas tree he'd ever seen! Its leaves were a strange colour, neither green, nor red, nor gold...and right atop the tree was the most beautiful star ever!

"Mrs. Dutta!" he called out to his secretary, "Where did this tree come from?"