Choosen Poem - Bulgaria

A short story for Christmas

Christmas is the most beloved holiday by children all over the world. It brings a lot of joy and happiness to both little kids and adults. The Christmas preparations for this marvellous holiday usually start almost at the beginning of December. You can feel it by looking at every shop's window, adorned with plenty of festoons, alder branches and wreaths. The frosted streets are full of passers-by who hurriedly choose presents for their friends and relatives. Time flies and here comes December 24-Christmas Eve.

Tonight Grandmother Elena has invited to her festive table her grandchildren Petko, Mitko, Radostina and the cat Cleopatra. They eagerly were waiting for the cat and made a Christmas wreath for Cleo. The children decorated the wreath with red ribbons and some paper toys. When it was put on her neck Cleopatra's eyes filled with tears of happiness.

Then the Grandmother and her grandchildren entered the large hall; the jolly fire was burning there, the dry firewood were crackling and blowing a shower of sparkles. Grandmother Elena had arranged on the table thirteen Lenten fares-beans, pepper filled with race and raisins, fresh and dried fruit, etc. A big Dobrudja ritual round loaf with pieces of luck was put in the centre of the table and a holiday candle was set nearby. There were a lot of other guests and relatives. Grandmother Elena took the censer with white incense, fired it and walked around the table as her ancient Bulgarian ancestors did centuries on end. The divine fragrance spread around the room; then Grandmother Elena read the prayer and lit the candle. Everybody prayed for health and peace. After dinner all of them gathered around the beautiful Christmas tree that was hiding countless presents under it. There was a gift for everyone. Petko received a magic stick and a pair of new trainers. Mitko was given a pair of skates and Radostina found a pair of fashionable jeans. The cat Cleopatra was not forgotten, too. Santa Claus brought her a motley neckpiece and a big box of cat's food. The adults also received their presents. Joyful and happy, they all sang around the Christmas tree "Silent Night, Holy Night".

This Christmas night was a bright holiday for all of them because of its magnificent spirits that haunted all around the world.

PS: Dobrudja- is the name of our region