I remember a holiday season
When I learned the true meaning of
The joy of unselfish giving
From a stranger - done out of love

We'd chosen the spruce tree in summer
When our hopes were running so high
Totally, blissfully unaware of
The disaster that was drawing nigh

Jobs were lost in the autumn
When the world was glowing and bright
My life grew dark and incredible cold
As I fought my way to the light

Christmas was coming, but money was not found
To pay for the lovely spruce tree
So we called and said we could not come
The man said "For you, it's free"

He'll never know the gift he gave
That day to a family of four
A gift of Christmas, a gift of joy
And of love for ever more