When I was young, we didn't have a Christmas tree. My mother said that we weren't going to have one1 we couldn't afford it.
About three days before Christmas, I was out collecting my pocket money from my neighbor. It was2 and very cold. I went to the apartment building to meet the lady who owed (欠) me seven dollars. She3 me in and not only did she pay me, she also gave me a dollar tip! It was a surprise for me—I now had4 whole dollars.
On the way home, I walked past a Christmas tree5 and an idea hit me. I wanted to buy a Christmas tree! I didn't really want to spend all my money, but the tree was so6 that I didn't control myself.
I dragged (拖) the tree all the way home. The snow was much heavier, but I didn't7 . You can't imagine how proud and8 I was. When I got home, I asked Mom to come to the front door and I9 the lights on the tree.
"Where did you get that tree?" my mother cried in surprise. "I bought it up on Main Street." I said, trying to control my excitement. "10 did you get the money?" Her tone (语调) was quite different. "From my pocket money." I explained. "So you spent all11 money on this tree?" she shouted.
Without waiting for my answer, she went into her bedroom12 . I just stood there, feeling awful and began to13 .
Years later, I truly understood my mother. My family was really poor at that time. In her eyes, it was a waste to buy such a tree. What she14 only was to give us a more comfortable life. Now I had my own family. And I knew the15 of supporting a family. Though there were no Christmas trees, it was best to stay with family.
