It was a quiet Christmas Eve.
The streets were lined with simple lights, and families rushed home with last-minute gifts.Emma, a college student living away from home, was working late at a small café downtown.
She had planned to spend Christmas alone this year—no decorations, no big celebration, just a cup of hot chocolate before bed.Before closing, a mother and her little daughter came in.
The girl held a small squishy reindeer in her hand, squeezing it happily while waiting for their drinks.When they were about to leave, the girl suddenly walked up to Emma and said,
“Here… Merry Christmas,”
and gently handed Emma a tiny squishy snowman from her pocket.Emma was surprised.
“Are you sure?” she asked.The little girl nodded.
“You looked tired. This helps me feel better. Maybe it helps you too.”After they left, Emma stood behind the counter, slowly squeezing the soft little snowman.
It wasn’t magic—but somehow, the stress in her chest eased a bit.She put the squishy on her desk at home that night.
It stayed there long after Christmas—
a simple reminder that small things can make holidays feel warmer,
even when you spend them alone.