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 night with a real Grandfather Frost, and not with a costumed dad or grandfather. But the winter wizard needs a responsible person. Grandfather's memory is quite poor; without a helper, he might deliver gifts twice to the same house, or even worse—completely forget to bring a gift to some little one on his list.
And Grandfather needs help in decorating house windows with snowy patterns. He alone cannot paint all the windows. And this work begins long before New Year's.
"I read every letter that 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 desk. On his nose sat blue glasses with large lenses, so he could tell who was telling the truth about their behavior this year and who was fibbing. If a child wrote a lie, through the glasses he would see nothing but beautiful snowflakes.
Grandfather Frost thought it over, scratched his head, and decided to go personally search for a helper. But how could he appear on the street in his New Year's outfit? Everyone would recognize him, and before New Year's it's forbidden for children to see Grandfather, or the New Year's miracle won't happen. There was nothing to do but wear an ordinary fur coat and warmer felt boots. So that none of the children would recognize him on the street.
"Where should I look for him? A good, kind, responsible and brave helper?" Grandfather Frost wondered, standing on a beautifully decorated square near the Christmas tree. His gaze wandered over the children passing by. But not a single child fit Grandfather Frost's high standards. One girl was tugging her mother's sleeve, begging for ice cream; another boy refused to pull the sled himself; and near a stall with New Year's toys, some mischievous kid was putting on quite a show, demanding to buy him a New Year's lollipop.
Suddenly Grandfather Frost's gaze caught among the other children a small, thin boy who was dressed in a thin jacket and not at all winter boots. In such cold, the boy surely should have been frozen to the bone. But the boy didn't complain or cry; he held in his hands colorful handmade New Year's ornaments. And apparently, he was offering passersby to buy them from him.
Grandfather Frost hurried to the boy through the crowd to find out what made him stand alone in such frost. As soon as he approached the boy, he shouted:
Handmade Christmas ornaments! Inexpensive!
Hello boy, where did you get such beautiful New Year's balls?
Straight from Grandfather Frost's workshop! Christmas ornaments of the highest quality. Would you like to buy? I'll give them inexpensively.
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 he shouldn't rush to a decision; he needed to check everything carefully. And he said:
From Grandfather Frost's workshop, you say? Interesting... Let me see, — grandfather took a red ball in his hand; on it, with a thin white brush, intricate patterns were 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 New Year's wizard's workshop, and the toys that the elves make there are far less colorful than yours.
So will you buy this ball from me? — the boy's eyes shone with tears welling up.
Moreover, my friend, I will buy them all and even more, but you must answer me one important question. And answer honestly.
Everything you want to know! — the boy was ready to do anything just to sell those balls 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 balls 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 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's toys anyway; just name your price.
No, that would be dishonest. I promised I would tell.
I appreciate your honesty, and I want to thank you for it.
Grandfather Frost's words so moved the boy 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 balls.
You are a very brave boy. Forgive me, I didn't learn your name.
My name is Tema. I've done my part of our agreement.
What if I offer you much more than just buying balls? I'm ready to offer you help. Offer you work and shelter. 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 tell you... I'm Grandfather Frost.
The boy laughed, but Grandfather Frost didn't rush to stop him.
You're joking, right? That can't be!
Don't you believe in Grandfather Frost?
I believe, but... No miracles have happened to me in a long time.
Then it's time to fix that!
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 agree to my offer?
Of course, I agree!
Then take your New Year's toys and we'll head north to prepare for the holiday. There will be a lot of work, but together we'll definitely manage.
But do you really need my Christmas balls? You're a wizard, and your elves surely...
I've never seen such beautiful Christmas ornaments. And believe me, I've seen a lot... And these balls, I promised to buy, so they're rightfully mine. And I'll hang them on my New Year's 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 forever!
