I think I went 38 years without reading this unless I read it in screwl and just don't remember it. I really enjoyed it, and instead of elaborating on it, I suggest you just read it yourself. It's quite short; not even four pages in a Word document. 
 And now for the important part. It's thanks to this that we have Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas! This is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Most of my family and friends can't stand it, but what do they know? They're just jealous because they lack my sense of appreciation for fine art and music. I just don't understand how one can't love such timeless classics as "Ain't No Hole in the Washtub" and "Riverbottom Nightmare Band?" Just check out those bell bottoms on the weasel. What's not to love? 
 And then there's the absolutely beautiful song "When the River Meets the Sea." 
 Oh, and the story is similar to the story in "The Gift of the Magi." Check it out. (Both this story and Emmet Otter).