The Blue Ornament is the story of nine-year-old Andrew MacClean, who seems to awaken in the middle of the night to the sound of someone singing. When he goes downstairs to investigate, he discovers a boy about his own age near the Christmas tree. Alarmed at first by the presence of an intruder, Andrew soon finds that the boy's kindness calms his fears. The stranger finally says that he must leave, but reassures Andrew that he will return only once Andrew has succeeded in giving the perfect gift Then the stranger disappears into a mysterious blue ornament hanging from the tree. Andrew sets about to explore the mysterious past of the blue ornament and to fulfill the stranger's request in hopes that his success will insure his new friend's return. Andrew's search brings him closer to understanding each of his family members' deepest hopes and dreams as they give him some idea about what a perfect gift would mean to them. On the basis of what they tell him, Andrew satisfies the mysterious boy's request, thus setting the stage for the stranger's return.