Crumbly and the New Year

Crumbly the little mouse lived in a small burrow with his mother, Gray Mouse. He was born on a hot summer day, had never seen snow, and didn't know what winter was like.

Mother Mouse often told stories about how harsh and long winters could be, how difficult it was to find food because deep snowdrifts covered everything, and there was nothing edible at all.

At the beginning of winter, lots and lots of snow fell. The entire forest was covered with a blanket of snow. The little mouse had never seen snow because he was very afraid to leave his burrow.

One day, while Mother was busy with her mouse errands in the forest, she returned to the burrow and said:

How beautiful the forest is in winter! Snowflakes slowly twirl in a gentle waltz and quietly settle on the ground. And there are so many different animal tracks in the snow! It's so interesting! Would you like to see?

No, no, I'm scared!

Crumbly huddled in the corner of the burrow.

After some more time passed, Mother Gray Mouse said:

Soon there will be a big holiday! The New Year will arrive. Crow Matryona has already decorated the Christmas tree at the edge of the forest. Father Frost will ride through the forest past our burrow.

Mommy, I really want to see Father Frost and the beautifully decorated tree. But I'm so scared!

Crumbly called out.

Father Frost is a real Good Wizard who gives gifts to everyone. You should ask him for something to cure your fear, so that you, Crumbly, finally stop being afraid….

On New Year's Eve, Mother Gray Mouse jumped out of her bed and began to listen….

I hear it—I hear it, Father Frost is coming! How brightly the little bells on his sleigh harness ring!

Crumbly was so happy that he forgot all his fears and bravely jumped out onto the street from his burrow.

On the snowy clearing, he saw beautiful painted sleighs pulled by three snow-white reindeer. In the sleigh sat a giant—Father Frost with a white beard and a red coat. In his right hand he held a staff, and in his left hand a large sack.

The Wizard had a very kind face. Noticing the tiny mouse, he winked, pulled a gift from his sack, and tossed him a small shiny box as he rode by. Father Frost was in a great hurry, and the sleigh with the reindeer quickly disappeared into the snowy forest.

Crumbly looked around: the snow sparkled in the moonlight, animal tracks were everywhere, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood at the edge of the forest and shone with bright lights. All around was such beauty and not scary at all!!!!

Mommy, mommy, Father Frost really is the Kindest Wizard in the whole world! He gave me a gift!

Crumbly cried out joyfully, running back into his cozy burrow.

And winter isn't scary at all! And Father Frost brought the New Year to everyone!

Mother Gray Mouse gently kissed her beloved son on his shiny black nose, tenderly hugged him with her paws, and Crumbly fell asleep. He had a very kind dream.

From that day on, the little mouse was no longer afraid of winter. He was happy about the white snow, looked at snowflakes and animal tracks at the edge of the forest.

What do you think—what gift did Father Frost give to Crumbly? What was in the shiny box?