John bounces out of bed on Christmas morning and charges into Harry's room. Twelve-year-old Harry is groggy at first but perks up at the mention of presents. She goes to the kitchen to start tea while John awakens their parents and visiting Aunt Louise.
When the family crowds around the Christmas tree, John can't help but notice that the pile of presents is much smaller this year than it was last year. Both children get a few books and clothes, but neither gets the gift they asked for. Harry spends the whole day scowling at Mum, who pretends not to notice. Mum overcooked the roast and everyone else pretends not to notice.
After dinner, Harry stomps off to her room to sulk. Tentatively, John comes in and asks Harry if she's upset because she didn't get what she wanted. He tries to comfort her by saying that lots of kids are poorer than they are.
"Daft twit. We wouldn't be poor if Mum didn't drink all our money!"
John gapes in silence.
"Dad gave her money for our Christmas presents and she spent it on beer! I saw her!" Harry buries her face in the pillow and tells John to go away.
John's greatest fear is that his sister is right.