It was December 1st, and town was full of eager shoppers. Rushing in and out of the stores, people were full of holiday spirit. Bags were full of gifts that would soon be under the Christmas tree. Children ran to the Annex store to see Santa and to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. But not one little girl: this little girl had more important things to do. She stood on Reid Street with a little tin can singing Christmas songs hoping to receive enough money for that one special gift she must buy.As the days passed the streets seem to grow louder and busier. This one little girl stood on the sidewalk of Reid Street daily for many hours. She sang the same three songs over and over because these are the only ones she knew. A mother and her daughter were on their way to Gibbons Company when the beautiful sound caught their ears. They waited for her to finish and applauded her wonderful voice.“You are a wonderful singer!” the mother told this little girl.She blushed and thanked them. She introduced herself as Anna and told them that she is trying to save money to buy her dad this tie that he always admires as he walks past the display in the window. The mother gave Anna a 50 dollar bill and again complimented her singing. As they walked away, Anna could hear the daughter complain that the money was supposed to buy her a dress for her Christmas party.As Christmas was approaching Anna decided that she has to do more to be able to buy this tie for her dad. She decided to start caroling from door to door in hopes of donations. She entered into Fairylands and knocked on the first door singing with all of her might. She received a donation and continued on. She approached her second house and knocked. She was so shocked that the daughter of the generous woman answered that she forgot to sing.“What are you doing here? I'm guessing you need more money,” said the daughter.Anna could not answer, she felt belittled.“Who is at the door, Rebecca?” asked the mother as she approached. “Anna is that you? It is lovely to see you! How can I help you?”Anna didn't know what to say, so she replied, “Sorry I have the wrong house.” She was covered in goose bumps as she felt Rebecca looking down on her.“Anna, it is Christmas Eve, and you are standing alone in the cold streets. Please come in for a nice warm mug of hot coco,” urged the mother.Anna knew she had to agree because she would not want it to seem as if she were a snob.They all were sitting around the fire in the luxurious living room as the tree flickered its beautiful lights. The mother was busy in the kitchen preparing the hot coco as Anna and Rebecca sat in silence. Rebecca could not understand what this girl off the streets was doing in her house. She was infuriated with her mother. Rebecca stormed into the kitchen feeling enraged by her mother's actions.“Mother, I do not understand why you are letting this nasty street kid sit on our brand new leather couch. She should be outside begging as she does every day. You do not know what she is capable of; she could be stealing our belongings right now.”Anna could overhear everything that Rebecca was telling her mom. Anna knew she did not belong there, so she grabbed her coat and headed for the door. The mother stopped her asking what was wrong.“I just remembered that I had to go somewhere,” Anna replied. “Please forgive me.”The mother knew that Anna overheard Rebecca.“Anna, I must apologise for Rebecca's behavior, she does not like things out of the ordinary.”“Thank you, but I do not need your help, I do have a family and I am quite happy with my life.”Anna stormed out of the house not only hurt by Rebecca's uninviting behavior, but also devastated how the mother talked down to her.“She called me out of the ordinary,” Anna cried to herself. I am just as normal as them. “I was stupid to even go inside.”After a long day Anna laid in her bed in the one-room broken down apartment that the church let her family live in for free. Her mom was working hard catering at a big Christmas event. Her father was out in the streets singing to all of the last minute shoppers in hope to collect donations. Anna felt alone and upset as she drifted off to sleep.It was Christmas day; Anna woke up to a quiet apartment. Her mom and dad were still asleep, so Anna made sure to creep around the small room. She could not forget about the evening before, she felt as if she was disrespectful to a woman that wanted to help her. Anna decided to go back to the house and apologize. As she approached Fairylands she wondered why she was doing this. She knew how Rebecca treated her was wrong. But Anna was always taught to respect others, and her behavior was unacceptable in her eyes. Once she got into the proximity of the house she could see many cars outside. These were not normal car, they were expensive cars. Anna was to scared to go in, she felt embarrassed. She peeked through the window and saw the dining room table set for many people. The house had crystal glasses all over it. The house looked spectacular, even better than it did the night before. Anna could see Rebecca; it seemed as if she was complaining to her mother.At that very moment Rebecca stared out the window and saw Anna. She made a large cry.“Mother, that little dirty girl is looking into your window, what does she want now!”“Rebecca, that is not a way to perform in front of your guest. I do not see anyone at the window,” Yelled the mother.Anna had run away the second Rebecca's eyes caught her. It was at that moment that she knew she was the lucky one. Even though she does not have fancy cars or a huge house, she does have a loving family.She rushed back home, walked in quietly and got the Gibbons Company bag from under her bed. She slowly placed that expensive tie in news paper and wrapped it for her dad. She knew this year her dad will be full of joy. She is already thinking of what to get her mom next year.She then filled out a card that said:I am sorry for the way I acted. Thank you for your donation.AnnaOnce her parents woke up, Anna rushed over to wish them a Merry Christmas.That year was a very Merry Christmas because Anna finally appreciated what she had and that was family and love. Anna realized that Money cannot buy happiness!