The Lost Christmas Letter: Denis Finds Hope and a Child’s Wish in the Snow, Inspiring a Family’s Holiday Miracle

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 10 minViews 2

Letter

Walking home from work, I listened to the soft crunch of frost under my shoes. For some reason, it made me think of my childhood: sliding down snowy hillocks on an old satchel, epic snowball fights, tasting icicles, and that glowing feeling only the past can conjure. Golden days, those were.

Suddenly, a childs sobbing snapped me out of my reverie. I glanced about and spotted a young boy on a bench, wearing a worn brown coat and a grey woolly hat, weeping freely and smudging his tears across his ruddy cheeks.

I approached.
Hey there, lad, are you lost? Whats all this in aid of?

He sniffled, I lost my letter… I had it in my pocket and thengone, and began to bawl all over again.

Come now, no need for tears. Lets search for it together. What letter was it? Was your mum sending you to the post office?

No… I wrote it myself. To Father Christmas… Mum doesnt know.

Oh, I see. Well, thats a pickle… But never mind, you can always write another.

But it wont make it in time

Tell you what, you run along home so your mum doesnt worry, and Ill have a look around for your letter. Agreed?

Alright… Will you really send it if you find it?

I promise! I reckon Father Christmas knows everything children wish foreven without letters. If it turns up, Ill send it. If not, Im certain hell still bring you something wonderful.

The boy wiped his face with his coat sleeve and scurried off, the picture of hopeful trust.

Poor kid. He wrote that letter with his whole heart. I couldnt help but smile, remembering the thrill of finding gifts under the Christmas tree, believing Father Christmas himself had read my wishes and answered them. Seems so long ago.

Soon, my own son will take up that traditionthough for now, at four, he can barely scribble his name.

Carefully, I studied the ground as I walked onwards. Nothing. Shame, really; the boy must have pinned all his hopes on that letter.

Just as I was about to turn onto my street, I spotted the corner of an envelope poking out of the snow. I gently tugged it freeyes, this was it! The paper was damp, but I tucked it securely into my bag, determined not to tear it.

At home, my wife, Alice, was preparing dinner, and our son, Ben, was busy with his cars in the lounge. I adore my family, and returning to our warm little flat always cheers me after a long day.

Alice, youll never guess what just happened, I said as I came in. There was a boy of about eight sitting on a bench, weeping his heart out. Hed lost his letter to Father Christmas. But lookI found it. Shall we have a look at what he asked for?

I fetched the envelope. On the front, written in messy childish letters, it read: To Father Christmas, from Charlie Benson.

Shall we open it? I doubt the post wouldve sent it anywhere anyway.

Lets, Alice replied softly.

I carefully unfolded a sheet of squared notebook paper and began to read aloud:

Dear Father Christmas,
Its Charlie Benson here from 14 Victoria Road. Im nine, and Im in Year 4. I like football and running out on the green with my mates.
I live with my mum, Mary, and my grandma Betty. Weve just moved into an old cottage, kindly let to us by some lovely folks.
We used to live with dad in another city, but he drank too much and hurt mum. Sometimes he hurt me too. Mum and Granny Betty (thats Dads mum) always cried, and I cried with them. Things were bad with dad, so we ran away and took Granny with us.
Father Christmas, please can you help mum find a new job? She cleans floors, but bending down hurts her back. And please, if you can, a new dress for mum, as hers is all torn. Shes tall and slim, and ever so pretty.
Could you bring Grandma some medicine for her knees? She cant walk well, though shes not that old yet. Shed also love a warm, fluffy dressing gown, as shes always cold. Grandma is small and thin, you see.
As for me… I wish for a Christmas tree with sparkly lights and colourful decorations. We had one beforemum would set it up, and it was a proper holiday, but then dad would get drunk and knock it over…
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Charlie Benson.

I finished reading and looked at Alice, who had tears brimming in her eyes.

Oh Tim, thats so touching… Poor boy. They fled a drunk and now theyve nothing… What a kind, unselfish wishmainly wanting things for his mum and grandma. For himself, only a Christmas tree.

They must have been through so much, I said. And she took her mother-in-law with hershows what kind of people they are. Listen, Alice, what if we made Charlies wish come true? Shall we?

That would be wonderful, Alice replied. You know I grew up with a father like thatalways angry, always drinking. Mum never dared to leave. I wish shed gone when she had the chance.

Theres an admin job going at my office, I remembered. Much better pay than cleaning, and no mopping floors. I could offer it to his mum, Mary.

Lets borrow Christmas costumes from the Harrisons, Alice suggested. Well go to their house as Father Christmas and his helper, bring Charlie a real bit of magic this year. Ill get arthritis medicine for Grandma Bettythe kind mums doctor prescribed. Plus a fluffy gown and a dress for Maryshe sounds about my size and there are pre-Christmas sales everywhere. We have enough moneylets do it!

Thats the spirit, I beamed. Youve got a heart of gold, darling.

We embraced, the kind of embrace only full understanding can grant to a couple.

The next day, Alice bought a handsome dark green dress for Mary, a soft pink dressing gown, medicine for Betty, a big bag of chocolates, satsumas, and baubles for the tree. I picked up an affordable smartphone for Charliehe almost certainly didnt have one. We borrowed the Father Christmas and elf outfits from the Harrisons and bought a small, bushy potted tree, one for Charlie and another for ourselves.

When evening came, we packed the gifts in a big sack, loaded the car boot with the tree, and drove to 14 Victoria Road. Our son Ben was spending the night at his grannys.

The cottage was old, set behind a wonky garden gate. Lights shone through the curtainssomeone was home.

I took the tree, Alice slung the sack of gifts over her arm, and together we knocked softly at the door.

Who is it? called out a tall, fair-haired woman of about thirty-fiveI knew at once she was Mary, Charlies mum.

Sorry, I think youre at the wrong house. We didn’t order any entertainers…

Is Charlie Benson here? I asked in my best Father Christmas voice.

Yes, that’s my son…

Mum, whos at the door? came a voice from inside. Charlie, in tracksuit bottoms and a jumper, bounded into the hallway. When he saw us, his jaw dropped.

Its… Father Christmas!

Good evening, Charlie. I got your letter, and here we aremy helper and me! May we come in?

Mum, mum, he got my letter! That man found it and sent it on, like he promised! Please, come in! Charlie shouted in delight.

Mary smiled broadly and welcomed us inside. Betty, small and neat, appeared from the lounge, looking surprised. Charlies face lit up when he saw the Christmas tree.

Thats our tree? Its beautiful… It even smells like Christmas!

Yes, Charlie. Every home needs a beautiful tree at Christmas. Here are the decorations and fairy lightsyoull have to do the honours yourself. But before the presents, youll have to tell us a story or sing a song; thats the tradition with Father Christmas, you know!

Charlie suddenly went shy and couldnt remember a thing. He just gazed at Father Christmasthat is, mein amazement.

I know youre a good boy, Charlie, I told him, deepening my voice. The robins told me all about you. You love your mum and gran and help them every day.

Now, fetch the gifts from the sack!

Charlie glanced at his mum for confirmation. She nodded, and he gently untied the rope, reaching inside with wonder. First outBettys dressing gown, wrapped with a bright red ribbon. Charlie carefully passed it to her.

Gran, this is for you! Just as I wrote!

Me? Oh, my days… said Betty, astonished, slipping the gown on and beaming with joy. Thank you, Father Christmas and helperI’ve never had something so lovely!

Next, Charlie handed his mum the new dress and gran the box of tablets. They stared at the gifts in disbelief.

Then Charlie pulled out a massive bag full of chocolates and oranges. On top, a box with the new smartphone.

Really? For me? My own phone? Charlie squealed. Thank you, Father Christmasyou really do exist! I just knew youd make it happen…

Wishing your family health and happiness. Now we must be off, I said, as Alice and I gathered up our empty sack.

Charlie was glued to his phone box, trying to open it.

Mary and Betty followed us to the door.

Please, can you tell uswho are you? Mary asked. How do you know Charlie?

I found his letter and promised him Id send it. Together, my wife and I wanted to make his wish come true. Youve got a smashing lad. Please, take his letter and my cardtheres an admin position at my office, and I think youd be perfect for it if youre interested.

Thank you… just, thank you so much. Charlie dreamed of a miracle, and youve brought it tonight.

The car ride home was quiet, but a quiet full of warmth. That night, I felt something simple and true: its often much more satisfying giving presents than receiving themespecially when you see the sheer, honest joy in a childs eyes. The money spent was nothing. You can always earn more, but those feelings? Those you can never buy at any price.

Unwanted Child – So, have you chosen a name for your little one? The elderly doctor, wearing a practiced professional smile, looked at his young patient. – We haven’t actually picked a name yet, – interrupted Natalia, seated on a chair by the bedside. – It’s an important decision; Dasha needs time to think carefully. – I don’t want to pick one. – The young mum spoke up unexpectedly. – In fact, I’m not taking her home. I’ll be signing her over. – What are you saying? – The woman leapt up, shooting her daughter a furious glance, then turned to the doctor. – She doesn’t know what she’s saying. We’re definitely bringing the little one home. – I’ll drop by later, have a rest for now. – The doctor had no desire to witness a family dispute. As soon as the man left the room, the woman rounded on the girl. – How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? Moving to this town was enough of a scandal. That child must remain in our family. – And whose fault is that? – Dasha stared her stepmother down. – If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I would’ve finished school and gone to uni. So if you want that baby, you have her. Dasha turned her back, making it clear the conversation was over. Natalia tried for another few minutes to get through to her, but a nurse soon popped in and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Now Dasha was alone in the ward. She sobbed quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she could think of just to make it all end. A timid knock made the girl dry her tears. She took a deep breath and said, “Come in.” She expected a nurse or perhaps even her father, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger. – Is there anything I can help you with? – Dasha struggled to maintain a mask of calm. – I overheard… quite by accident! The doctors were talking in the next room, – the woman hesitated, unable to voice her question outright. – Yes, I want to give the baby up. That’s what you wanted to know, isn’t it? – I saw your mum… – She’s not my mum! – Dasha snapped, losing her composure. – Just my stepmother with far too much to say. My real mum works abroad. – Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, – the woman faltered. – It’s just, I have three children and I spent my whole childhood in a children’s home. I feel so sorry for your little girl – she hasn’t done anything wrong! – They say babies that little get adopted quickly, – Dasha shrugged. – I can’t even bring myself to hold her, let alone anything else. If Nat had kept out of it, I wouldn’t even be here. – But you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, aren’t you? You’re over fifteen? – “Such shame!” – Dasha mimicked the stepmother. “How will we ever show our faces to the neighbours?” – I don’t understand… – Let me tell you, – Dasha gave a crooked smile, – maybe then you’ll stop judging me. **************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school was a disaster. Not only had her boyfriend Pasha been conscripted, their class had taken in a new boy – a flashy city lad, banished to their small town by his father as punishment for his behaviour with girls. He didn’t care about relationships, just racking up numbers. That was why he’d been sent away; his escapades were ruining his father’s reputation. Makar handed out expensive gifts, took girls clubbing and to fancy restaurants. One by one, her classmates fell for the act, each hoping to become the “prince’s” bride. Dasha was the only one who didn’t fall for his tricks – she was in love with Pasha and wanted no one else. Had the new boy finally got the message? It seemed so at first. How wrong she was. In late December, a friend held a birthday party. The whole class attended, including Makar, who paid the event special attention. But his intent wasn’t to celebrate the birthday girl. During the party, Dasha took a call out in the hallway. When she returned, Makar was sitting in her seat. She didn’t think much of it, until she suddenly felt very unwell… She woke in the morning, barely able to open her eyes. Beside her lay Makar, grinning. – See, all that effort for nothing, – he said casually. – Consider this my compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pashka’s a real loser. Getting home was a struggle. Dasha could hardly walk in a straight line; passersby stared at her with disgust. She rang the doorbell instead of fishing for her keys; she knew her stepmother would be home. – Where on earth have you been? – Natalia snapped. – You didn’t come home, wouldn’t answer your phone, and just look at the state of you! If your father spotted you now… – Call a doctor and the police, – Dasha interrupted. – I want to make a formal complaint. He should be put behind bars. Natalia stiffened. Putting two and two together, she reached her own conclusion. – Who? – Makar, who else? – Dasha could barely speak. – No one else would dare. Call them, or I will. – Wait. – Natalia paced. She always looked for an angle. – They’ll get him off. We’ll do things my way. I’ll contact his dad and ask for a settlement. – Are you insane? – Dasha could hardly believe it. – A settlement? I’m going to the police now! – No, you’re not! – her stepmother grabbed Dasha’s arm, dragging her into the bedroom. She was too weak to resist. – You’ll be the one blamed; townsfolk will point and whisper. Leave it to me. Dasha had lost her phone somewhere along the way, or maybe left it at her friend’s. She was effectively trapped. Natalia locked her in, and her head spun worse than ever; she collapsed onto the bed… A couple of days later, Dasha got sent to her grandmother, who lived a hundred kilometres away. She didn’t want to worry the old lady, so she pretended everything was fine. A month later, she got the awful news. That night had left her pregnant. Natalia was thrilled. This baby would secure them an easy life! Granddad would pay, as he always had, covering for his son’s mistakes. Just keep it quiet until the fifth month. Dasha’s wants weren’t considered. The moment she suggested ending the pregnancy, Natalia flew into a rage and began watching her like a hawk. Granddad wasn’t thrilled, but handed over a hefty sum and promised regular payments. ***************************************************** – Do you understand now? I’ve suffered so much because of this baby. Pasha dumped me; he didn’t believe a word I said. Friends turned their backs, we had to move, and I didn’t even finish school! – I’m sorry for judging you before I knew the whole story, – the woman admitted, ashamed. – But the baby isn’t to blame. – Dasha, we need to have a serious word! – Natalia swept into the room, dragging her husband. – I’ll have to ask visitors to leave. This is a family matter! The woman gave a sympathetic look and left, closing the door firmly behind her. – I won’t let you ruin my perfect plan. Leave the baby here and you’re not coming home again. Where will you go then? Your dear granny’s dead, her flat went to your uncle. You’ll be out on the street. – No, she’s coming home with me. – An elegant woman entered the room. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. – Mum! You came! – Of course I did, I couldn’t leave you in trouble, – Albina hugged her tight. – If you’d told me, I would’ve brought you home long ago. I only thought it would be easier here for you to finish school. – I thought you didn’t want me, – Dasha sobbed. Despite everything, she was still just a child. – Someone kept telling me you wanted nothing to do with me. My presents were returned unopened, I could never get through to you. I thought I’d upset you. But never mind, – her mother said briskly, wiping away tears. – We’ll go home, and you’ll forget all about this… ****************************************************** Dasha left. Natalia took the baby, hoping for an easy ride. But when the powerful grandfather found out, he came and took the little girl for himself, making Makar finally own up to paternity. As for Dasha, she’s happy at last. She’s with the one person who’ll always help and never betray her…

The Unwanted Child “How would you like to name your baby girl?” The elderly doctor smiled with professional courtesy at his young patient. “We haven’t decided on a name yet,” interjected Natalie, sitting on the chair beside the bed. “It’s a big decision—Dasha needs time to think.” “I don’t want to name her at all,” the young mother suddenly replied. “I’m not going to keep her. I’m going to sign her away.” “How can you even say that?” the older woman jumped up, shooting a furious glare at the girl before turning to the doctor. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll take the baby home.” “I’ll come back later—you should rest.” The doctor was clearly uninterested in witnessing the family drama. As the door closed behind him, Dasha’s mother unleashed a torrent of rebukes. “How dare you say such a thing? What will everyone think of us? We’ve already had to move to this city just to keep things quiet—this baby belongs in our family.” “And whose fault is that?” Dasha looked her stepmother square in the eye. “If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I’d have finished school and moved on. If you want this baby so much, you take her.” She turned to face the wall, ending the conversation. Natalie tried a few more minutes to change her mind, but a nurse poked her head in and told her to leave; the patient needed rest. Dasha was left alone, muffling her sobs in the pillow, wishing it would all be over. A timid knock at the door made her wipe her tears. She took a deep breath and said, “Come in.” She expected a nurse, or maybe her father, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger. “Can I help you?” Dasha struggled to maintain her mask of calm. “I overheard… completely by accident! The doctors were chatting just outside my room.” The woman hesitated, clearly reluctant to ask her question. “Yes, I want to give up my baby. That’s what you want to know?” “I saw how your mother—” “She’s not my mother,” Dasha cut in sharply. “Just a stepmother, and a self-important one at that. My real mum works abroad.” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” the woman faltered. “It’s just… I have three kids myself and I can’t understand your reasons. I grew up in care and I’m so scared for your little girl… she hasn’t done anything wrong.” “Little ones like her get adopted quickly, or so I’ve heard,” Dasha shrugged. “I can’t make myself even hold her, let alone more. If Natalie hadn’t interfered, I wouldn’t be here.” “But you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, over fifteen, right?” “It’s such a disgrace!” Dasha mimicked her stepmother’s voice. “How will we ever show our faces in town?” “I don’t understand…” “I’ll tell you,” Dasha smirked. “Maybe then you’ll stop judging me.” ******************************************************** Dasha’s final year of school was an utter disaster. Not only had her beloved Pasha been called up for service, but a new boy arrived in their class—a posh Londoner, banished to their small town by his influential father as punishment for too many ‘adventures’. He pestered all the girls, not after a relationship but a ticked box for his list. That’s why his father had sent him away in the first place—he was damaging the family’s reputation. Makar showered them with expensive gifts, took them to clubs and fancy restaurants. One by one, the girls gave in, each thinking she’d become the ‘prince’s fiancée.’ Dasha held her ground. She was in love—no one but Pasha existed for her. Soon enough, it seemed Makar realised she was off-limits and moved on. Or so she thought. She was wrong. At a friend’s birthday party in December, the entire class gathered, Makar among them. But he wasn’t there to wish the birthday girl. In the thick of the party, Dasha took a call in the hallway. When she returned, Makar was sitting at her place. She thought nothing of it—until she began to feel ill… In the morning, Dasha barely managed to open her eyes. Next to her lay Makar, grinning smugly. “Well, you finally gave in,” he said, as if nothing had happened. “Think of it as compensation. I always knew your precious Pasha was a fool.” Getting home was a struggle for Dasha. Her whole world was spinning. Passersby shot her looks of disdain. She rang the bell—her stepmother would be home. “Where have you been?” Natalie snapped. “You didn’t come home, ignored your phone, and just look at the state you’re in! If your father saw you like this—” “Call a doctor, and the police,” Dasha interrupted. “I want to file a report. Let them arrest him.” Natalie stiffened. Putting two and two together, she came to her own conclusion. “Who?” “Makar, obviously—I couldn’t imagine anyone else being so brazen. Call them, or I will.” “Wait.” Natalie calculated rapidly; she always looked for personal advantage. “He’ll just wriggle out of it. We’ll do something else—I’ll contact his father. He can pay us off.” “Are you mad?” Dasha was aghast. “I want justice, not hush money! I’ll go to the police myself.” “You’re going nowhere!” Natalie grabbed her arm and pulled her into the room. Dasha was too weak to resist. “You’ll be blamed, the whole village will gossip. I’ll sort everything.” Dasha had lost her phone somewhere, or maybe left it at her friend’s. The door was locked. Her head reeled—all she wanted was to lie down… A few days later, Dasha went to her grandmother’s, a hundred kilometres away. The old woman knew nothing—Dasha just pretended everything was normal. A month later, Dasha’s whole world collapsed—she was pregnant from that night. Natalie was overjoyed. This baby would mean financial security! Granddad would pay up handsomely to make the problem go away. Just say nothing until after five months… No one ever asked Dasha what she wanted. When she suggested having the baby adopted, Natalie exploded in a furious tantrum and refused to let her out of her sight. Granddad was not happy, but produced the cash, and promised more. ********************************************** “So now you see,” Dasha finished. “I’ve been through hell because of this baby. Pasha dumped me—he didn’t believe a word. Friends abandoned me. I had to move, didn’t even finish school!” “I’m sorry—I was judging you without knowing the facts,” murmured the woman. “But the little girl still isn’t to blame.” “Dasha, we need to talk!” Natalie appeared, dragging her husband along. “If you don’t mind, this is a family matter.” The stranger gave Dasha a sympathetic look and left, closing the door tightly. “I won’t let you spoil my plans. If you leave the baby here, don’t bother coming back home. Where will you go? Your precious gran is gone, her flat’s your uncle’s now. Will you beg on the streets?” “No, she’ll come with me.” An elegantly dressed woman swept into the room. Dasha’s eyes lit up with hope. “Mum! You came!” “Of course I did. I couldn’t leave you alone,” said Albina, wrapping her daughter in a hug. “If you’d told me everything earlier, I’d have taken you home ages ago. I wanted you to finish school here, thought it’d be easier.” “I thought you didn’t want me,” Dasha sobbed, suddenly a child again. “Someone told me you didn’t want to see me. Presents came back unopened, you never answered… I thought you couldn’t forgive me. But never mind,” Albina said cheerfully, wiping Dasha’s tears. “We’ll go home together and start fresh…” ********************************************************************* Dasha left. Natalie, hoping for a comfortable life, took the baby. But when the influential grandfather found out, he came and claimed his granddaughter. Makar, reluctantly, had to acknowledge the child. Dasha, though, is happy at last—living with the one person she can truly trust to always be there for her.