I am a big and strong bear. I have many good and cheerful friends. A little rabbit, hedgehog, squirrel – we live in the forest in neighbouring houses. We often wander through the forest as a friendly group, humming songs. And, of course, we constantly visit each other.
We celebrate all holidays in the forest together. All except one — New Year. The thing is, I love to sleep very much, and as soon as winter arrives, I crawl into my house, cover myself with a warm down blanket and fall into a sweet sleep. And in spring the rabbit, hedgehog and squirrel tell me how wonderfully they celebrated New Year.
Mishka, this year we'll have a big, big New Year's tree decorated with berries and pine cones! — the rabbit told me happily when we gathered at my house and drank tea with honey.
And we'll play snowball fights and dance in circles! — the hedgehog snorted merrily.
I felt a bit sad that my friends would have fun without me, but bears must sleep in winter — it's a great law of nature. I didn't want to upset my friends, so I simply said:
Wow. I'd like to celebrate with you too, but I'll sleep as usual.
Mishka, but maybe this time you could sleep after the holiday? — the squirrel asked me.
I don't know, I'd have to stay awake for a whole month, — I answered, — I'm not sure I can do it.
But then you'll be able to see Father Frost! — the little animals exclaimed.
I didn't know who this Father Frost was, but my friends told me so much about him. They said he was a wizard with a beautiful blue coat and a big grey beard. The hedgehog even shared a secret about how he once saw Grandfather Frost on New Year's night. And the squirrel told me that he brings gifts to everyone in the forest.
But to get a gift, you have to behave well all year. I thought:
