The Paper Bag Christmas Read Online Free PDF

cane.” There was more than a hint of disappointment in her voice. The paper bag covering her head slumped forward. “Oh well. It was probably a silly idea anyway. I just didn’t want to be the only one not dressed up.”
    “But . . .” I said slowly as my mind raced to find something to say, some way to take back what had just come out of my overly honest mouth. “But you do look like a candy cane. I was just joking,” I lied. “See, I have one right here, and you look just like it!” I stepped quickly forward, holding up the long red and white candy for her to see. “I brought it just for you.”
    Just then the curly-toed booties that I had struggled with all night finally got the better of me and I tripped. As I fell to the floor the candy cane flew up in the air in the general direction of Dr. Ringle and Katrina. Dr. Ringle did all he could to stretch out for it, but the confines of his wheelchair prevented him from making a saving catch. The candy cane crashed to the hard tile floor, breaking into countless tiny shards.
    From my position on the floor I heard a whimpering cry coming from somewhere beneath the white paper bag that hovered above me. I wasn’t sure whether it was the broken candy on the floor or my comments about her costume that ignited the tears, but one thing was certain: I was to blame for two shattered candy canes that night. One remained splintered on the cold tiles while the other stood sobbing in coiled fluffy sheets of toilet paper.
    “Molar,” sighed Dr. Ringle at long last. “I think it is probably time for you and Aaron to go change your clothes. Your father will be here soon. I’ll give Katrina the Christmas list and meet you downstairs in a few minutes.”
    “Yes Santa,” I said quietly as I shuffled my way carefully back to the hallway.
    I rode the elevator with Aaron down to the first floor and changed out of my elf costume without saying a word. My mind was again full of questions: What did Katrina look like under the bag? Why didn’t she visit Santa with the other kids? And why wasn’t her room decorated for Christmas? Along with the questions in my head was a pit in my stomach, a gut-wrenching regret for what had happened in Katrina’s room.
    I was busy thinking about it all when Dr. Ringle entered the locker room. He had already taken off his beard and Santa suit, but his red hat still sat on his head.
    “I’m sorry about the candy cane,” I said immediately.
    “I know, lad,” he replied. “Accidents do happen sometimes, even for elves.”
    “And I’m sorry for what I said about Halloween.”
    “I know.” Dr. Ringle did not look up.
    “Dr. Ringle, why is Katrina in the hospital? And how long has she been here?”
    “I think you should ask her those questions yourself the next time you see her. I told her you’ll be coming by on Wednesday to pick up her Christmas list.”
    “You mean I have to go see her again?” I asked. The last thing on earth I wanted to do was face that girl again after making her cry.
    Dr. Ringle just smiled and said, “You’ll be fine, Mo. You’ll be just fine.”

Chapter 5
    Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
    —Calvin Coolidge
    O n the way to the hospital on Wednesday night, I had my mom stop by the grocery store so I could buy the largest candy cane I could find. I paid for it out of my allowance but figured it was worth every cent if it helped show Katrina that I was genuinely sorry for the mess I’d made of everything on my first visit.
    Dr. Ringle was not waiting for us when we arrived, so Aaron and I made our way to the locker room by ourselves where we found a handwritten letter taped to our locker.
    Dear Aaron & Mo,
    Thanks again for your help on Monday. I have spoken to the Chief of Staff, and if you would like to go upstairs without the surgical masks and gloves from now on that will be fine, so