The story begins with Joseph, Cody, and their friends discussing their plans for Christmas Eve. Joseph doesn't like Christmas because his parents stopped giving him gifts after he stopped liking Sam. The group decides to go Christmas caroling but it doesn't go well, and they end up getting kicked out by a cop who lives in one of the houses they visit.
The group then decides to make some hot chocolate, but things take a turn when Joseph accidentally throws boiling water on his friend, causing serious burns. The friend is rushed to the hospital, where he is treated for his injuries.
In the hospital, the doctor reveals that the friend's Christmas list included basic necessities like food, water, and a bed, which are all provided by the hospital. The group realizes that the friend's Christmas wishes have been fulfilled, albeit in an unexpected way.
Meanwhile, Cody and Junior start to suspect that "Santa Claus" might be a fake, and they soon discover that he is actually a thief who has been stealing presents all over town. The two boys team up with a police officer to catch the fake Santa, and they use "Taser cookies" to subdue him.
In the end, the group reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, realizing that it's not just about presents, but about spending time with the people you care about.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The story takes place on Christmas Eve.
2. The main character, Joseph, does not like Christmas.
3. Joseph's parents stopped giving him gifts.
4. Joseph's mom made him a Christmas sweater out of a rug from the bathroom.
5. Joseph's friend Cody wants to spend the night at Joseph's house.
6. Cody celebrates Hanukkah, not Christmas.
7. Joseph and Cody go Christmas caroling.
8. They sing "Jingle Bells" outside a random house.
9. The homeowner, a cop, chases them away.
10. Joseph and Cody decide to have hot chocolate instead.
11. Joseph does not know how to make hot chocolate.
12. Cody teaches Joseph how to make hot chocolate using milk.
13. Joseph has a list of things he wants for Christmas.
14. Cody and Joseph go to the hospital to visit their friend.
15. The friend is in the hospital with third-degree burns.
16. The doctor says the friend will be in the hospital for a month.
17. Joseph and Cody return home and go to sleep.
18. Joseph and Cody wake up to find that someone has stolen their presents.
19. They call the police and report the theft.
20. The police officer tells them that the thief is the "South Pole Santa."
21. Joseph and Cody help the police set a trap for the South Pole Santa.
22. The police use "Taser cookies" to catch the South Pole Santa.
23. The South Pole Santa is caught and arrested.
24. Joseph and Cody do not get any presents for Christmas.
25. They spend Christmas together and consider it a good Christmas despite not getting presents.