It was three days before Christmas day and little Nate was not very excited, shockingly. No one ever understood, even his parents, why Nate never really enjoyed the lovely feeling of Christmas. Nate was a tiny, eight year old boy that was adopted when he was three and he had a horrible personality. He was rude to his family and a Grinch-sense of humor. His sister, Alice, was the total opposite of Nate. She was sweet and always friendly to all, which is one reason why Nate hates his family. They love Christmas and each other.
The next morning, Nate and his family woke up and got bundled up in warm sweaters and scarves. They were getting prepared to go spread the Christmas joy to the entire town by caroling. Of course, Nate was very agitated by this. So whenever his family and he walked up to a house to sing, Nate would stick out his tongue and yell “Have a not-so-merry Christmas” and then he would trot away in a selfish manner. He even gave a little old lady a mouth full of snow.
On Christmas Eve Nate’s family gathered around the fireplace, wrapped in cozy blankets, and read Christmas stories. Nate, however, sat in his bedroom and thought for a while. “I hate Christmas. Everyone is so happy and cheerful and it makes me sick!” said Nate. Nate’s father walked into Nate’s room and sat on the stool next to Nate’s bed. “Tell me Nate. Why do you dislike Christmas?” said Nate’s father. “Because….” said Nate. “Nate. You can say it” said his father. “All right, fine. The reason I hate Christmas is because of my parents.” “Did we do something wrong?” Nate’s father replied. “No. I mean my old parents. Every year, on Christmas day, my parents would hand out gifts to Alice. She received clothes, a doll, and even a new bicycle. All I got was an ugly, gray hat. Ever since those years I have hated Christmas because it makes me feel like I am not special to anyone” explained Nate. “Well trust me buddy. Your mom and I will make sure you have the best Christmas in history of Christmases. So, let’s go finish those Christmas stories your mother was reading.
“It’s Christmas Day!” shouted Alice. She jumped out of her bed and rushed downstairs where she found a tremendous amount of gifts. Nate slowly slipped his feet down the stairs. “Go see what you got, Nate” said his father. Nate opened up a small box, wrapped in blue, glittery paper. His eyes opened wide, but in confusion. Inside was a small green collar. Nate glanced up at his mother and father. His father quickly ran to the door and when he opened it, a surprise flew in. A short, brown, fluffy puppy scurried in. He ran straight to Nate and gave him a big, wet lick on the cheek. Nate giggled. He picked up his new puppy and went to his parents. “Thank you” Nate said calmly. “What are you going to name him?” asked Nate’s mother. “Oliver” Nate said. “That’s a great name. Why did you pick Oliver, though?” said Nate’s mother. “That was my father’s middle name. Garrison Oliver Smill,” answered Nate. Nate walked over to the Christmas tree and grinned pleasantly. Then he looked at Oliver and whispered “Welcome to your new home, Oliver. Merry Christmas.”
