It was a cold December, at the end of the Great Depression, and things were tough. Mum had a 1 time raising us kids on her own. Looking back, I realize what Mum 2 sending us to school. Constant 3 was typical for my family, and it didn't look like we'd be in our current house much longer. Rent was $25 a month, but Mum couldn't pay it.
The holidays were fast 4 , and we received S25 for Christmas from social services. Mum said instead of buying food and Christmas gifts, she was going to pay back our 5 with it. That way we'd have a roof over our heads for a little while longer.
Unknown to Mum, I had been 6 Christmas trees, shoveling (铲) snow and doing odd jobs to earn enough money to buy a new pair of boots.
The 7 day came on Christmas Eve afternoon. I was very 8 as I hurried to catch the bus into town. On the way a house with Christmas decorations reminded me that at our house, we had no such things and no 9 for Christmas goodies. Suddenly, I felt a sense of 10 . Here I was going to spend S23 on a pair of boots, while Mum was probably home 11 , wondering how to explain why there were no 12 . As I arrived at the bus stop, the driver opened the door. I stood there for what seemed a century, until 13 the driver asked, "Son, are you getting on this bus or not?" I finally blurted out, "No thanks, sir. I've 14 my mind."
The bus drove off and I stood alone, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I went into a 15 across the street, with 16 and excitement. I bought a turkey, ham and all the Christmas trimmings. I spent every dime of my 17 money.
Two boys with carriers on their bicycles ran those groceries to our house. After we 18 piled (堆) the groceries against the door, I 19 the door. I could hardly wait to see my mother's face! When Mum opened the door, some of the groceries fell inside onto the floor, and she just stood there, extremely 20 . Holding back the tears, I yelled, "Merry Christmas, Mother! There really is a Santa Claus!"