Once there was a little girl named Elisabetta who believed in Santa Claus. During the month that brings Christmas, Elisabetta secretly whispered to him every night before falling asleep.
“Dear Santa,” she would say. “Please bring me a kitten.” And then she would fall into a contented sleep dreaming of kitten-elves making toys in the North Pole.
While Elisabetta was talking to Santa, her mommy and daddy were talking to each other.
“I want to buy Elisabetta the perfect gift,” said her mother. “One that will make her the happiest ever.”
“But she is happy,” replied the father.
“I know, but I don’t want to disappoint her.”
So it came to pass that Christmas morning arrived. Elisabetta could hardly contain herself and ran to the tree to check her packages. Elisabetta’s mother could hardly contain herself, either, as she raced to the tree. She had found the perfect gift for her precious daughter and wanted to see happiness light the child’s face.
She was quite surprised, therefore, at Elisabetta’s reaction. As the child looked at the life-sized doll that looked like her, her shoulders dropped. She raised her head slowly, looking at her mother. “Thank you,” she said, but only halfheartedly. Her mother held back her own disappointment.
Suddenly, from outside came a weak meow. Elisabetta’s father ran to the door and came back instantly with a newborn kitten. He handed it to Elisabetta as she sprang from her spot on the floor.
She held the baby animal close to her heart, snuggling her nose in its fur.
“Can I keep him?” she asked.
“Yes,” her father nodded.
* * *
You can imagine the rest of this story as everyone lives happily ever after:
Elisabetta’s innocent faith brings her heart’s desire. Father’s belief in goodness allows it to happen. Mother’s love for her daughter overcomes an imperfect situation.
After all, isn’t that what happened in a stable many years ago, when there was no more room at the inn.
A Christ-child was born filled with innocent faith. A Father’s belief in goodness allowed it to happen. A Mother’s love overcame the imperfect situation.
May this Christmas find you filled with innocent faith, belief in goodness and love!
Beautiful Blog, Gayle. It is amazing how powerful love is… and you expressed it so well. Have a wonderful Christmas and see you in January at the workshop.
Thanks, Sandi. Some of my friends will have a better Christmas due to your art! Merry Christmas
Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Canda! Merry Christmas to you.
Merry Christmas, enjoy your day, and may your heart be content.
Blessings to all.
I was thinking of you last night, dear friend. We have shared so many good times–some of my best! Love, Gayle
Thank you Gayle
A wonderful story!
Hope you had a warm and happy Christmas.
Hi Lynda,
Christmas was full of good cheer, thank you! Your notes and book added much to our enjoyment. I absolutely love your art! Will I see you at the watercolor workshop in January?
Yes actually I will be there… I was hoping you would be. I remember meeting you at my very first workshop… You were so kind to me. It will be fun!