A/N: Whoa, that's a lot of reviews :) Thanks!

December 19th

Mittens

It was common knowledge that the Overlands didn't have much money.

In the little town in Pennsylvania, they were probably the poorest. In money though, not in spirit.

The father had passed away some time ago, and that was when the money troubles started, but they managed to get by.

The mother was the best seamstress in town, and kept the family afloat with her income. She was well-known for her cheerful attitude and ability to think of others, even in her own times of need.

The boy - Jack - was a bit mischievous, but had the biggest heart anyone could have. He shepherded the family's flock and tended to their small patch of farmland, all the while keeping a grin on his face.

Emma was the sweetest girl in the whole village, and probably the smartest too. She was preparing to take over her mother's business when she was older. Her brother loved her to death, and would do anything for his sister.

Yes, they didn't have much money, but they loved each other. That was enough for them.

"Good day Miss Johnson." The Overland siblings chorused as they walked in the door of the schoolhouse.

"Good day children! Go ahead and have a seat."

The young teacher smiled as they sat, happily ringing the bell to signal the start of class.

The day went by fast, with Emma quickly soaking up new information, beyond what her normal class would be. All the children would have envied her, except for the fact that she was so helpful and nice. Jack kept quiet in his seat, scribbling on his board, smiling at his sister when possible.

After the school day was out, Miss Johnson called Jack to her as the other students filed out of the door. He came when beckoned, and politely asked what he could do for her.

"Well Jackson, the floor is getting very dirty with all the dust from that new trail, and I was hoping I could ask for your help to clean it out."

A silent look passed between them as the boy realized that his teacher was giving him an opportunity to earn some extra money. He accepted, asking his sister if she would be alright walking home by herself today. The girl agreed, cheerfully skipping out the door. Grinning at the young woman, he dutifully picked up the broom, whistling quietly as he went about his work. After the job was complete, she called him over, giving him the money owed. As he counted out the coins, he looked up at his teacher, pushing it back toward her.

"You've given me too much."

Shaking her head at the boy, she curled it back into his palm.

"No I haven't! I'm sure that no one else would do the work as well as you. Keep it, please."

Silently warring with himself, he slowly accepted the money, not wanting to accept charity, but knowing that his family could use the money.

"Thank you Miss."

"You are welcome Jackson, get on home now, your mother will worry." He smiled at his teacher once again before racing out the door.

That Christmas promised to be very small for the family. The crop hadn't done very well this year, and the sheep wool hadn't sold for as much as they wanted. But, they had a tiny tree, with a tiny pile of presents underneath. On Christmas morning, they woke to open them.

Emma shook the package in front of her, smiling at Jack as she carefully pulled open the paper. A gasp were heard from the girl as a pair of elegant winter mittens tumbled out. Jack's smile couldn't be any bigger.

"Jack! How did you afford these?"

"Well Em, I've been saving up all year from the jobs around town that I do. Mama said I could keep a bit of the money, and I bought you those."

"But Jack, I didn't do anything to deserve these!"

" 'course you did, you are the best sister I could ever have."

Laughing at her two children, Felicity pulled them together in a big hug.

"You two! You know Christmas isn't about presents. It's about being a family!"

Nodding at their mother's words, they squeezed each other, grinning all the while.

They were a family. That was enough.