Christmas Gifts and Wishes

Christmas Gifts and Wishes

When I was a young boy, I always put aside some of my pocket money and the money I earned from my paper rounds to buy Christmas presents for my family.

This particular Christmas I went off to the toy store with my savings of two shillings and sixpence to buy my younger brother, John, his present.

I looked through the store for some time and happened upon a wonderful train set.  The prices of this train set was 'two and six' and thrilled that I had exactly that amount I hoisted the train set and took it to the counter.

The lady serving looked a little lost and asked, "How much does this cost? What did the sign say?"
"Two and six," I said and handed over my carefully counted savings knowing I had gotten John a lovely present.  The lady took my money without any further questions and I went on my way.

When I got home my parents were surprised by the enormous package I was carrying unsteadily into the house.

"What have you got there, son?" asked my father.
"A train set for our John." I said proudly.
"Where did you get the money for that then?"
"I saved it and it cost me two shillings and six pence."

My father comes over and has a good look at the present.
"This would  have cost a lot more than that, it's a proper running train set."
"Well the sign said two and six and that's what I told the lady and she took my money, so it must have been right.” I explained.

My father pondered this for a while and then said, "It must have meant 2 pounds and 6 shilling."
"Oh!" I exclaimed, my eyes as big as saucers.

Well, what do you think happened? That year my brother John got the most wonderful train set for Christmas and we all got to play with it that Christmas day.

Word count: 330