America is in the midst of the Great Depression, and the Kamp family is struggling to get by, especially since Mrs. Kamp’s untimely death nearly a year ago. Eighteen-year-old Verna does her best to take care of the family while going to school, and seventeen-year-old Warren is anxious to work to earn money to help the family in spite of his father’s protests. But it’s the younger children — aspiring ballplayer Russell, Hopalong-Cassidy–fan Norman, and straight-talking little Ruthie — who struggle most with a bleak-looking future. Now, with their mother gone and their father, William, overwhelmed by the dismal economy and mounting doctor bills resulting from young Norman’s battle with polio, the Kamp siblings fully expect a Christmas without presents or festivities. But when William scrapes together a dollar in coins to use only for Christmas gifts, everything begins to change. As each member of the family comes up with a special gift that costs little or no money to give to another member of the family, the Kamps soon begin to see many of their dearest wishes come true. And just when Norman and Ruthie believe their hopes and dreams are dashed, small miracles of service and sacrifice bring them joy and teach the true meaning of Christmas giving. Perhaps a boy who struggles to walk can become a real cowboy after all.