Winter is a time of miracles. When light white snow falls to the earth, and the wind playfully dances with intricately carved snowflakes, real magic happens.
Few people know that every year Grandfather Frost chooses himself a new helper. You probably thought it was one of the elves, but no, Grandfather chooses one of the children who write him letters.
And the number of applications for this position grows year after year. Who wouldn't want to spend New Year's Eve with a real Grandfather Frost, rather than with a costumed father or grandfather. But the winter wizard needs a responsible person. Grandfather's memory is quite poor; without a helper, he might deliver presents twice to the same house, or worse still—completely forget to bring a gift to some little one from the list.
And Grandfather needs help decorating the windows of houses with snowy patterns. He can't paint all the windows alone. And this work begins long before New Year.
"I've read every letter the children sent me, but I couldn't find a suitable helper. What should I do? I can't manage alone!" thought Grandfather Frost, sitting at a large oak writing desk. On his nose sat blue spectacles with large lenses, so he could tell who was telling the truth about their behaviour this year and who was fibbing. If a child wrote a lie, through the spectacles nothing would be visible except beautiful snowflakes.
Grandfather Frost pondered, scratched his head, and decided to go personally to find himself a helper. But how could he appear on the street in his New Year attire? Everyone would recognise him, and before New Year it's not allowed for children to see Grandfather, or the New Year miracle won't happen. There was nothing for it but to wear an ordinary fur coat and warmer felt boots. So that none of the children would recognise him on the street at all.
"Where should I look for him? A good, kind, responsible and brave helper?" pondered Grandfather, standing on a beautifully decorated square near the Christmas tree. His gaze wandered over the children passing by. But not a single child fitted Grandfather Frost's high standards. One girl was tugging her mother's sleeve, begging for ice cream; another boy refused to pull the sledge himself; and near a stall with New Year toys, some mischievous child was making a real fuss, demanding to buy him a New Year lollipop.
Unexpectedly, Grandfather Frost's gaze caught sight of a small, thin boy among the other children, who was dressed in a thin jacket and decidedly un-winter boots. In such cold, the boy surely must have been frozen to the bone. But the lad didn't complain or cry; he held in his hands colourful handmade New Year baubles. And apparently, he was offering them to passing people to buy from him.
Grandfather Frost hurried through the crowd to the boy to find out what had made him stand alone in such frost. Hardly had he approached the boy when he cried out:
Handmade Christmas tree decorations! Inexpensive!
Hello boy, where did you get such beautiful New Year baubles?
Straight from Grandfather Frost's workshop! Christmas tree decorations of the highest quality. Would you like to buy some? I'll let them go cheaply.
Grandfather Frost looked carefully into the boy's eyes and noticed in them the reflection of those qualities he had been searching for in other children. But there was no need to rush with a decision; he needed to check everything thoroughly. And he said:
From Grandfather Frost's workshop, you say? Interesting... Let me have a look, — grandfather took one red bauble in his hand; on it, with a thin white brush, intricate patterns had been carefully drawn, resembling snowflakes.
Do you like my toys? Usually everyone just walks past... — said the boy, and his eyes were filled with both hope and sadness.
You know, I believe you. I once happened to visit a wizard's New Year workshop, and the toys that the elves make there are far less colourful than yours.
So will you buy this bauble from me? — the boy's eyes glistened with tears welling up.
More than that, my friend, I'll buy them all and even more, but you must answer me one important question. And answer honestly.
Anything you want to know! — the boy was ready to do anything, just to sell those baubles that he had so carefully painted for several nights in a row.
Tell me, what made you spend your incredible artistic talent on selling Christmas tree baubles in the square on New Year's Eve, and in a jacket that barely protects you from the wind?
The boy didn't answer for a long time. He lowered his head and felt so ashamed before this generous adult who was ready to buy all his Christmas decorations. He searched for the right words, but couldn't bring himself to tell the truth.
I can see that something troubles you, but you can trust me. Believe me, I know how to keep the most important secrets. But if you don't want to, you don't have to answer. I'll buy your New Year toys anyway; just name your price.
No, that wouldn't be honest. I promised I would tell.
I value your honesty, and I want to thank you for it.
Grandfather Frost's words touched the boy so deeply that he took a deep breath of frosty air and said:
I sell toys in the square because I need money to buy food. I wear this old jacket because I have no other clothes. I'm wasting my talent because I can't afford to develop it. I'm homeless, only please, don't pity me. Just buy the baubles.
You're a very brave boy. Forgive me, I didn't catch your name.
My name is Tema. I've kept my part of our agreement.
What if I offered you much more than just buying baubles? I'm ready to offer you help. Offer you work and lodging. Only don't think I pity you.
But why me?
You see, I need a helper. Someone like you—a brave, kind, responsible boy.
What do you do for work?
I... How should I put it... I'm Grandfather Frost.
The boy laughed, but Grandfather Frost didn't hurry to stop him.
You're joking, aren't you? That can't be!
Don't you believe in Grandfather Frost?
I do believe, but... No Christmas miracles have happened to me for a long time.
Then it's time we put that right!
Grandfather Frost snapped his fingers and a heavy snowfall began. Tema couldn't believe he had witnessed such magic.
Now do you believe that I'm Grandfather Frost?
Yes! I believe you!
So will you accept my offer?
Of course, I agree!
Then take your New Year toys and we'll head north to prepare for the holiday. There will be plenty of work, but together we'll definitely manage.
But do you really need my Christmas baubles? You're a wizard, and your elves surely...
I've never seen such beautiful Christmas decorations. And believe me, I've seen a great many... And these baubles I promised to buy, so they're rightfully mine. And I'll hang them on my New Year Tree.
Thank you! — the boy only said, and joyfully hugged Grandfather Frost.
Needless to say, Grandfather had never had such an honest and responsible helper. Tema pleased the wizard so much that he offered him to stay and work for good!
