A Present
Well, son, how are you? How was your day?
James, just home from work, lifted five-year-old Oliver onto the sofa beside him, ruffling his soft, light brown hair. While Emma, his mum, prepared dinner, James spent time with their cherished and only child. The flat was cosy and warm, and in pride of place in the lounge, between the murmuring television and the bookshelf, a small but splendid Christmas tree twinkled with colourful lights. Only a day remained until New Years Eve.
Im fine! Oliver announced happily. But my friend Harry isnt.
Whats wrong with Harry, your mate? James asked. Is that Harry from the next block?
Yes, him, Oliver nodded.
He didnt get a present at the nurserys Christmas party today, Emma interjected, appearing from the kitchen, surrounded by the scent of roast chicken. Poor boy. Now, wash your hands, gentlemendinners ready.
How come he didnt get one? James looked surprised as he got up from the sofa. Were gifts handed out to everyone but Harry? Thats odd.
Yes, everyone got presents, except Harry, Oliver confirmed, sliding off the sofa behind his dad. Father Christmas and the Snow Maiden handed gifts to all, but skipped him. He waited so hopefully.
What kind of Father Christmas and Snow Maiden would leave a child out? James said, now visibly upset as he pulled up his chair.
Its probably not them, Emma shrugged, dishing up crispy chicken. Perhaps Harrys mum forgot to pay for his gift, or maybe she couldnt afford it. Lifes hard sometimes. Oliver, have you washed your hands?
He has, James replied, slicing the chicken methodically. We were in the bathroom together. But honestly, if it was a matter of missing payment, how could Mrs White, the nursery manager, allow such embarrassment? To let Father Christmas and the Snow Maiden overlook that poor ladright in front of everyone?
Mrs White was the Snow Maiden herself, Oliver chimed in. And Father Christmas was the caretaker!
Thats even worse! James couldnt calm down. Couldnt they have found one spare present and sorted it out with the parents later? Wheres their compassion?
Apparently, they couldnt, Emma sighed. If I were in their shoes, Id have found a way.
And what about Harrys own parents? Why let their child go without? I dont get it. By the way, Oliver! James turned to his son, who was munching a chicken leg with gusto. I hope you shared your gift with Harry?
Oliver looked at his father reproachfully.
I wanted to. So did Sophie, Ben, Maisie, and the others. But Harry wouldnt take anything from anyone.
Hes proud, isnt he! James was taken aback. So he didnt even cry when left out?
I dont knowI didnt see him, Oliver admitted honestly.
What a lad! James admired. He didnt deserve that.
Yes, poor Harry, Emma remarked sympathetically. I bet he felt dreadful.
I think we should set things right! James declared suddenly, a flush rising to his cheeks and a determined glint in his eye.
How? Emma asked, dabbing her lips. Both Oliver and Emma looked expectantly at James.
Well figure it out, he replied cryptically. Do you know which flat Harry lives in? Oliver?
No, Oliver shook his head. We only play together in the garden and at nursery.
I can probably find out, Emma said after a pause. My friend Alice knows nearly everyone in our building. Ill call her and see. But why?
Call her now, please, James urged.
Alright, Emma agreed, standing up. You two are on washing up duty!
A few moments later, she returned. Number thirty-five. Their surnames Baker. His mums Victoria. Theres no dadwell, he left, or she sent him away. Either way, its just the two of them now.
How do you know all this? James smirked.
Alice, thats how! She knows everythingshes on the tenants committee. All the gossip comes her way.
Makes sense, James nodded. Oliver, did you eat all your present?
Not all, Oliver replied with a sigh. Mum said too many sweets arent good for me.
Shes right, James approved. And your gift bag is still so?
Yep! Oliver said. I opened it carefully.
Splendid. James patted his sons head. Can you put whats left into another bag and give me yours?
Why? Oliver hesitated but fetched the bright gift bag from his room and emptied its contents on the tablesweets and biscuits rolled out in shiny wrappers.
Emma watched the commotion for a while before speaking.
So, you two want to cheer Harry up with a proper gift? When? And wholl give it to him?
Tonight, if possible! James decided. What do you think, Oliver?
Yes! Tonight! Oliver beamed, gathering some of his treats to give.
As long as youre happy to share, James smiled approvingly.
Shall we go together? Oliver asked, packing sweets back into the bag.
You did offer him sweets earlier, but he wouldnt accept, James mused. Hes proud. Lets try a different approach
James went to his room, and moments later returned dressed as Father Christmas himselfred suit trimmed with white fur, boots, hat, a fluffy beard, and a staff. He held a golden-starred red sack, but it was empty.
Oliver stared, then realised,
Dad, was it you who played Father Christmas last year? And before, too?
It was me, James admitted. Sorry I didnt tell you sooner. Youd have figured it out. My work asked me to play Father Christmas once, and now I do it each yearfor three years now, Ive been everyones Father Christmas. I love congratulating you and Mum most. Did you enjoy last years visit?
It was brilliant! Oliver praised, hugging his fathers knees. Glad we have our own Father Christmas!
Emma added extra sweets to the bag and tied a bright ribbon around it. James placed the present inside his sack and, straightening his beard, said,
Well, may I deliver a gift to Harry, the lad who was left out?
Certainly! Emma and Oliver responded in chorus.
Can I come too, Dad? Oliver asked.
As the Snow Maiden? James teased.
As a rabbit! Oliver laughed and dashed off, reappearing in his nursery bunny costume: a white onesie with sticking-up ears, a tail pompom, and a card mask with whiskers.
Alrightbut wear a coat, bunny boy! Its cold outside, even for white rabbits! James said begrudgingly.
Father and son set off. Emma barely stifled her laughter at the sighta tall Father Christmas with his staff accompanied by a small rabbit, coat and floppy ears, dragging the present bag nearly along the ground as hed been trusted to carry it.
Ten minutes later, James returned alone, looking perplexed.
Wheres Oliver? Emma fretted.
Dont worry; hes fine. Hes with Harry, theyre playing. Ill fetch him in half an hour. James wiped his sweaty face with the Father Christmas beard, then dropped onto the sofa, exclaiming,
You wouldnt believe what happened!
Apparently, he and Oliver had been the *sixth* visitors that night, bearing gifts for Harrythe unfortunate lad! And not the last, evidently. Mrs White herself, the nursery manager, had left just before, apologising profusely to Harry and his mum for the mix-up with the present.
Seems someone took a video of the party and posted it online on the town website. Thousands viewed it with endless comments in hours! James explained, removing his costume.
Really? Emma said, surprised. We should watch it.
But that’s not the point, James continued. Turns out Harrys mum paid a little late for the gift
Shes partly at fault, Emma said reasonably, But living alone is hard. Surely the nursery couldve improvised a present for her son.
Instead, the staff crossed her boy off the present list without any fuss, James sighed. An innocent child got hurt.
Id sack Mrs White if it was up to me, Emma said sadly. Such harshness shouldnt be allowed.
Maybe shell be let go, James agreed. Or maybe shell realise and make amends. People who work with children shouldnt behave like that.
He paused, lost in thought, then added, Even Harrys dad showed upwith gifts and apologies, nearly in tears!
No way! Emma exclaimed, delighted.
Just then, Oliver appeared at the door.
Why did you come home alone? James asked. I was meant to pick you up
Im not a baby! Oliver protested. Besides, I got bored.
How come? James asked.
Harrys mum and dad started arguing, then crying. Harry and I came into the kitchen, and they were hugging. When Harry hugged them, all three cried together. A bit odd, really! They didnt even notice when I left
James and Emma exchanged glances and laughed with relief.
Alright, lets have some tea, Emma said. Then, if were awake, well see the New Year in. May the coming year bring happiness to everyone!
May it! Oliver agreed generously.
And so, in the warmth of their home, the family realised that sometimes, kindness is contagious: one small act can inspire many, and even turn sadness into joy. True happiness comes not from receiving, but from givingand remembering that everyone needs a little magic, especially when its most unexpected.
