The next morning, Christmas Day, the clear sunny skies encased the landscape of New York with bright light and warmth from the sun. Chip rose to find Dale already out of bed. He pulled a cardigan from the closet and walked out to the living area where the rest were gathered on the sofa around the tree.
"Good morning, Chip." Every said individually.
Gadget handed Chip a mug of coffee as he sat next to Dale. Chip placed his arm around Dale's shoulder and glanced at him. "Ready?" He asked.
Dale nodded back in agreeance. "Yes." He replied
"Well, go on then." Chip said, gesturing Dale.
Dale jumped forward onto his knees and began tearing up presents that were wrapped under the tree for him. Some included clothing items from Chip. A sweater, hat, and even some mittens. Also in the midst, some comic books and even some treats as well.
Later in the morning, after Dale was finished and the others were busy preparing for dinner, Dale sat down on the couch again next to Chip who was watching TV. "Did you enjoy your gifts, Dale?" He asked.
"Yeah." Dale replied.
Chip turned. "You didn't like them?" He asked.
"No, they're great, I just learned that being here for Christmas with you and everything else is what I enjoyed most." Dale replied.
Chip sat upright. "Well, Dale, there is more to Christmas than just presents. Christmas is about love, peace, hope, joy, and above all the celebration of birth of God's only son, Jesus Christ." He explained.
"Gee, I never thought about it like that." Dale said.
"Most, don't. Although Mom told me that story years ago, and now I'm telling it to you to tell to others in the future. Gifts are great, but there is more to Christmas than just presents." Chip said.
Dale nodded. "I understand now." He said.
Chip turned the TV off and stood. Dale began to think of Earl being alone on Christmas day. He looked to Chip. "Chip, there's something I'd like to do." He said.
Chip looked to Dale as the scene transitioned to him and Dale at Earl's house in the northern portion of the park. They knocked on the door. Earl answered. "Dale, what a surprise!" He said.
"Merry Christmas, Earl." Dale said with a big smile.
"Merry Christmas to you too. Please, come inside." He said, offering them inside.
As Earl closed the door behind them, Dale was the first to speak. "I came to invite you over to our place for Christmas. I know you live alone and I don't think anyone should be alone on Christmas." He said.
Earl smiled. "I'd be happy too, Dale." He said.
As Earl joined Chip and Dale in the celebration of their Christmas feat, both learned valuable lessons about what the true meaning of Christmas is really about. It is not about the gifts, the lights, or the grand feast that awaits. Nor is it about the decorations. They learned that peace, hope, joy, love, and Christ are the true symbols of Christmas, and sharing it with family and friends yields greater virtue than that of just presents.
"Merry Christmas to all!" Chip penciled in his journal before closing it.
The End!