Jake lived in a run-down orphanage with nine other boys. At Christmas, the building always seemed a little warmer; and the food a little more plentiful. But more than this, Christmas meant an orange. Every year, each boy received as a Christmas gift, an orange. It was the only time such a rare treat was provided and it was coveted by each boy like no other thing they ever possessed.
Each boy would save his orange for several days, admiring it, feeling it, loving it, and contemplating the moment he would eat it. Some would even save it until New Year's Day to stretch the memory of Christmas.
This particular Christmas day, Jake had broken the orphanage rules by starting a fight. As punishment for breaking the rules, Jake's's orange was taken away. Jake spent Christmas day feeling empty and alone. Night time came and Jake could not sleep. Silently, he sobbed because of the loss of his precious gift.
In the night, without warning, a soft hand placed on Jake's shoulder startled him. An object was quickly placed in his hand. The child then disappeared into the dark to leave Jake alone to discover an orange. Not an ordinary orange, but a special orange, made from the segments of nine other oranges. Nine highly prized oranges that had to be eaten that Christmas night, instead of saved, admired, and cherished until a later date. This Christmas would be cherished forever.