‘The Christmas Orange’ is a favorite holiday story of ours. The Christmas Orange is a tender story of an orphan boy and the camaraderie he shares with the other children in the orphanage where they all live.
We print out the story and along with a Chocolate Orange, give it as a gift to friends and family alike. It’s a bittersweet story that teaches the true meaning of giving at Christmastime. You can use our free Printable to share your gift of The Christmas Orange. The chocolate Christmas Oranges are available on Amazon. (affiliate link)
Jake was nine years old and for as long as he could remember he lived within the walls of an orphanage. He was one of ten children supported by what meager contributions the orphan home could obtain in donations from local townspeople.
Throughout the year there was very little to eat, but at Christmas there always seemed to be a little bit more than usual. The orphanage seemed a bit warmer and there was time for holiday enjoyment. But most importantly there was the Christmas orange!
Christmas was the only time of year that such a rare treat was provided and it was treasured by each child. They each enjoyed their very own orange and prized it as they slowly savored each juicy section. It was truly the light of their Christmas and the best gift of the season. Jake had been looking forward to his Christmas orange all year long!
On Christmas Eve, Jake somehow managed to track a small amount of mud from his shoes onto the new carpet in the orphanage. He didn’t even notice it had happened. But it was too late and there was nothing he could do to avoid punishment. The punishment was swift and grim. Jake would not be allowed his Christmas orange! It was the only gift he would have received from the harsh world he lived in. Now, after a year of waiting, it would be denied him.
Tearfully Jake pleaded that he be forgiven, but to no avail. He felt hopeless and totally rejected. Jake cried into his pillow all that night and spent Christmas Day feeling empty and alone. He felt that the other children didn’t want to be with a boy who had received such a cruel punishment. Perhaps they feared he would ruin their only day of happiness. Maybe, he reasoned, the gulf between him and his friends existed because they feared he would ask for a little of each of their oranges. Jake spent the day upstairs, alone, in the unheated dormitory. Huddled under his only blanket, he read about a family marooned on an island. Jake wouldn’t mind spending the rest of his life on an isolated island, if he could only have a real family that cared about him.
Bedtime came but Jake couldn’t sleep. How could he say his prayers? How could there be a God in Heaven that would allow a little soul such as he, to suffer so much all by himself? Silently he sobbed as he prayed for the future of mankind, that God might end the suffering in the world, both for himself and all others like him.
As Jake climbed back into bed from the cold, hard floor, a soft hand touched his shoulder, startling him momentarily. He was surprised when an object was silently placed in his hands. The giver disappeared into the darkness, leaving Jake with what, he did not immediately know!
Looking closely at the object in his hand in the dim light, he saw what looked like an orange! Not a regular orange, smooth and shiny, but a very special orange. Inside a patched together peel were segments of nine other oranges. Together they made one whole orange for Jake! The nine other children in the orphanage had each donated one segment of their own precious orange to make a whole orange for Jake.
Sharing what we value is the true spirit of Christmas. Our Heavenly Father gave us His beloved Son. May we, like the children in the orphanage, find ways to share His love with others.
– Anonymous
saminder gumer says
i love these christmas oranges. i can’t get enough of them. they taste great and i love to share them with the family.
Andrea M Orsini says
I was lucky enough to read this story a few years ago in a book gifted to me on Christmas from my mother. I cried thinking of all the wonderment the world can be, tears everytime I read this.
Thank you for the memory.
Merry Christmas and have the happiest of holidays from us to you.
Jonathan Baker says
I’d not heard that story about the Christmas oranges before, very cool. Will have to get that and share it with my oldest next year.
Crystal says
I hadn’t heard the story of the Christmas orange before, but it’s so sweet. I would love to be able to share it with my family and friends.
diane says
My mom brought home something like this when I was young and we thought it was amazing. I am a huge fan of all things chocolate!
Jennifer H says
I’ve never heard of this before now. What a neat idea.
Danielle says
I’ve never heard this story before, but admit I teared up a bit ready this. Such a great display of what the holidays are all about. This is definitely a story I’d like to incorporate into our holiday traditions.
Jenny says
What a fun story to share with kids at Christmas time!! I have never heard of this before!
Rhonda says
I’ve never heard this heart warming story! Thanks for sharing-
Scott says
I seem to recall an orange being part of our Christmas celebrations when we lived in West Germany. Can’t recall the lore behind it, just remember it and leaving our shoes outside!
Meagan says
This is one of my very favorite Christmas traditions! It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas orange.
Alicia says
For years I’ve enjoyed receiving a chocolate orange in my stocking. I never realized there was a story behind it!
Sarah says
I’ve actually never heard of this before! This might be a fun tradition to start with my kids, they’d enjoy the story behind it i’m sure.
Dawn Lopez says
That is such a sweet story! I really enjoy getting my chocolate orange every year but I didn’t realize there was a story behind it.