The Gift from Father Cristmas

It is night before Christmas: the big house is completely silent. The children are in a deep sleep in their little beds.

Suddenly, the loud ringing of bells breaks the silence.

At once, a little pair of bare feet jump out of bed and run to the window; a small face, topped with curly hair, squashes its nose against the freezing glass. Two big eyes look out and, lo and behold, there is a long sleight, pulled by reindeer and driven by a corpulent and capable father Christmas (Yes, it really is Father Christmas!). He jumps down from his sleigh.It is night before Christmas: the big house is completely silent. The children are in a deep sleep in their little beds.

Suddenly, the loud ringing of bells breaks the silence.

At once, a little pair of bare feet jump out of bed and run to the window; a small face, topped with curly hair, squashes its nose against the freezing glass. Two big eyes look out and, lo and behold, there is a long sleight, pulled by reindeer and driven by a corpulent and capable father Christmas (Yes, it really is Father Christmas!). He jumps down from his sleigh.

With surprising agility for his size, Father Christmas lets himself down the chimney, into the large and silent living-room. His bright red suit has large soon stains here and there, but his face, framed in his great white beard still beams.

Without delay, he sets to work and soon fills the long bright sock which hang from the fireplace. Then he pulls out all the bigger presents and, in a few moments, they are in position beside the tree.

Hurry!! The night is short! Father Christmas disappears quickly back up the chimney.

Once again the bells are heard, and the sleigh vanishes into the dark sky above.