The only home little Rose has ever known is the orphanage, but Mrs. Hartley cares for all the children as if they were her own. When Mrs. Hartley dies, Rose is sent to a new orphanage, which is as cold and cruel as her previous home was kind.

Gradually, Rose makes a few friends, and she learns that every Christmas a generous neighbor donates a box of oranges for the children.

An orange is an unknown luxury for little Rose, and she waits in eager anticipation. But on Christmas morning, Rose is brokenhearted when she learns that there is no orange for her.

However, Christmas is a time of friendship, of love, and of miracles ...