The gift I'll never forget: TCW readers share their most memorable Christmas presents.

The holidays are a great time to stop and reminisce about thoughtful gifts, cherished traditions, and precious times in life. We asked TCW readers to recall their favorite Christmas gift and tell us why it was so meaningful to them. Let their heartwarming stories put you in a festive mood!

--the Editors

THE GIVING TREE

In 1980, I was a single mom on welfare with a five-year-old son, Jake. I didn't know how we were going to celebrate the holidays without extra money for decorations or gifts. I ended up buying a spindly tree that we decorated with tinsel "icicles," since its limbs couldn't even hold the few ornaments we owned.

Just before Christmas, my sister, Katie, and her boyfriend, Carl, came to visit--and brought with them a big, gorgeous Christmas tree along with boxes of ornaments! Tears welled in my eyes as they lovingly set everything up and let Jake help decorate the tree. Seeing them share what little money they had with us so my son and I could have a Christmas with all the trimmings was the first time I recognized God's gift of love for me.

Karan Hillberg, Minnesota

DENIM DELIGHT

When I was growing up, my family moved frequently, making relationships with friends and teachers scarce. So when we lived in one place long enough to be around for our school's Christmas party one year, my sister and I were excited. When our teacher began talking about a gift exchange, however, …