ON CHRISTMAS EVE, Eddie shook his snow globe one last time and placed it on the dresser beside his bed. He watched the snowstorm swirl and thought about the one gift he wanted most for Christmas—a new bicycle. As the final snowflakes drifted away, he heard a soft knock at his door.

Eddie turned and saw his grandfather tiptoeing into the room. He was wearing his favorite fluffy red hat—a hat that used to make Eddie think his grandfather was Santa Claus himself.

“What did you find, Grandpa? Am I getting the bike I want?” he asked.

Grandpa looked around to make sure they were alone. Then he whispered,...