My Christmas doll

Julie’s Christmas Wish

In a small town down under, where Christmas was bathed in summer sunshine, there lived a little girl named Julie. Her family didn’t have much, but they had love, warmth, and the kind of joy that made their small house feel like the coziest place in the world. Julie’s parents worked hard, but things were often tight, and there wasn’t always extra for toys or treats.
One day, as Julie walked with her mother down the busy main street, her eyes were drawn to a little shop with a large window. Inside, displayed on a shelf beneath the soft glow of the afternoon sun, was the most beautiful doll she had ever seen. She had soft, curly hair, a white dress with bright pink flowers, and a tiny matching bow that made her look like a princess. Julie stopped in her tracks, her small hands pressed against the glass.
"Mom, look at that doll!" she whispered, her heart racing with excitement.
Her mother smiled, her eyes filled with love and the quiet sadness of knowing she couldn’t afford to buy such a gift. "She’s lovely, darling," she said gently, taking Julie’s hand. "But we’ll have to make do with what we have this Christmas, won’t we?"
Julie nodded, but deep in her heart, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed that doll. It wasn’t just a toy; it was her dream, a friend she could share her world with, someone to play tea parties with and confide in. As they continued their walk home, Julie’s mind thought of the doll, her curly hair, and that pretty white dress.
That night, after a simple dinner, Julie went to bed early, her head resting on the pillow, her eyes closed but her mind wide awake. She whispered softly to herself, "Santa will bring me that doll. I just know he will."
It was then that she began to sing a song she had made up in her head, a song filled with hope and dreams of Christmas joy:
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Julie sang the song over and over, her voice soft but steady as she imagined her doll sitting beside her, listening to her sing. "Santa’s bringing me a doll on Christmas day," she whispered one last time before closing her eyes. She could almost see the doll’s curly hair bouncing as they played together, her little hands cradling it as she hummed their favourite songs.
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The days passed slowly, but Julie’s excitement grew with each one. She counted the sleeps before Christmas, her anticipation building. On the fourth day, she ran to her mother, holding her hands up with a big grin. “Only two more sleeps until Santa comes, Mama! He’ll bring me the doll! I just know it!”
Her mother smiled, brushing a lock of hair from Julie’s face. "Santa’s magic is very special, darling. You’ve been such a good girl this year, and I know he’ll be watching over you."
Julie nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I’m going to have tea parties with my doll, and we’ll talk about everything: Mrs. Smith and Jenny and how the stars twinkle so brightly."
That night, Julie went to bed early, pulling the covers up tightly and whispering her song one last time. She felt a little flutter in her chest as she imagined the doll’s soft curls and her bright dress, ready for the Christmas morning ahead.
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Finally, Christmas Eve arrived. Julie lay in bed, listening to the sound of crickets outside, the warm summer evening air carrying the scent of pine and cinnamon. The house was quiet except for the soft rustling of the tree, decorated with homemade ornaments and sparkling lights. Julie’s parents tiptoed around, making sure everything was set for the morning.
Julie couldn’t sleep. She kept imagining Santa’s sleigh gliding through the stars, the twinkle of Christmas lights guiding him to her home. "If the chimney’s too small," she thought, "he’ll come through the gate."
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When Christmas morning arrived, Julie woke early, her heart racing. She hurried into the living room, and there, beneath the twinkling tree, was a small package wrapped in bright paper. She gasped, her hands trembling as she tore off the wrapping. And there, nestled inside, was the very doll she had dreamed of: curly hair, a white dress with pink flowers, and a tiny bow in her hair.
Julie’s face lit up with pure joy as she hugged the doll tightly, tears of happiness shining in her eyes. “Santa really did come! He brought me my doll!” she whispered, holding it close to her chest. Her heart was so full it felt like it might burst.
Her mother came in, her eyes filled with emotion. "I told you, darling, Santa knows just what you need."
Julie smiled, holding the doll up. “We’re going to have the best tea parties! And talk about everything all day long! Thank you, Santa!”
And as Julie played with her new friend, the world seemed to sparkle a little brighter. The magic of Christmas had come alive in her heart, and she knew that no matter how much or how little they had, love and hope would always be the greatest gift of all.