Christmas story. Рождественская история.

An extraordinary adventure of an ordinary boy. By Zhenya Gromov

On an ordinary day before Christmas, a very ordinary family was preparing for the holiday. But this year, they were not preparing for Christmas in the usual way. Instead, they found themselves aboard a very unusual train—Santa's Train! They wanted to experience Christmas in a magical way, setting out on a journey to Santa’s residence.

The trip lasted four hours, but it felt much shorter because there were so many amazing and interesting things to do and see on the train. Suddenly, the train came to a halt; their adventure had arrived at its destination. As they stepped off the train, they were greeted by Santa and his cheerful elves, ready to begin the excursion. It was even more enchanting than the train ride itself.

They explored Santa's huge living room and dining room, but the most incredible place was Santa’s workshop. There, the elves were busy packing presents that would soon be delivered to children all over the world.

As the tour progressed, one little boy from the ordinary family felt a strong desire to stay behind. He was fascinated by the presents and wanted to see how the elves made them. More than anything, he wanted to try on elvish clothes. Were they comfortable? What did it feel like to wear them? Were they convenient?

Curiosity led him to wander through the factory in search of elf suit. Suddenly, he spotted a large wardrobe. He opened the door quietly and saw several elf jackets and pants hanging on coat hangers. Quickly, ensuring no one was watching, he slipped on an elf's outfit and began to walk around the workshop as if he was an elf.

However, his playful adventure was interrupted when The Great Wise Elf approached him. Mistaking him for a lazy elf, the Great Elf immediately ordered the boy to start working. The boy tried to explain that he was just a regular child, but the great elf was not convinced. Angrily, he instructed him to help Santa pack presents.

Reluctantly, the boy joined the other elves in their task, working hard to pack gifts and load them onto Santa’s sleigh. Summoning all his courage, he approached Santa and confessed, “I’m not an elf; I’m just an ordinary boy from an ordinary family.”

Santa chuckled warmly and replied, “Honesty is the best policy! Thank you for helping me with the presents.” He then handed the boy a special gift. “Now it’s time for you to return to your family.”

The boy hurried back to his parents, who were waiting for him with smiles on their faces. Together, they set off to celebrate Christmas. The boy promised himself that he would never lie again, cherishing the magic of that unforgettable night.