A Special Gift: The Heartwarming Christmas Eve When Dad Victor and His Five-Year-Old Son Andrew Brou…

THE GIFT

So then, son, tell me, how was your day? Anything interesting happen?

James, just in from work and still in his wool coat, grinned as he scooped his five-year-old up onto the couch. He ruffled his boys soft light brown hair, earning a giggle. While Emmahis wifewas busy with dinner, he settled in for their evening chat, his favourite part of the day. The flat felt especially warm tonight, festive even, with the glow from their little Christmas tree sparkling between the humming telly and the bookshelf. Only one night remained before New Years Eve.

Im all right! Arthurtheir only childdeclared. But my mate Charlies upset.

Oh? James raised an eyebrow. Charlie? The one from the next block, right?

Yep, Arthur nodded, voice small.

Emma, poking her head out from the kitchen, clouded in roast chicken aromas, explained, He didnt get his present at the nurserys Christmas party. The poor lad All right, boys, hands washed please. Dinner is served.

James frowned in disbelief, rising from the sofa. He didnt get a present? Every kid did, but not Charlie? Theres got to be some mix-up.

Arthur scuttled after him. Everyone got one. The Snow Maiden and Father Christmaswell, Father Christmas was really Mrs. Andrews, the nursery headand our caretaker did all the handing out. Charlie waited and waited, but he got nothing.

Miserable business! James muttered, sliding into his place at the table. How could they let the boy face such humiliation, watching all the others open their gifts while hes left out? Isnt Mrs. Andrews supposed to handle these things?

Arthur piped up, Mrs. Andrews was the Snow Maiden! And Mr. Turner from downstairs, he was Father Christmas.

Jamess irritation didnt fade. All the more reason they should have sorted something! They couldve found a spare present. The parents could pay them back later. This this is proper cold-hearted.

Emma sighed, passing potatoes. Youre right. But maybe Charlies mum forgot to pay for his gift, or didnt have enough money. It happens. Arthur, did you wash your hands?

He didcame with me, James confirmed, carving the chicken and sharing it out. Assuming, then, that its the money. Still, the nursery should never have left a child out. Not right.

Emma shrugged. If it were up to me, Id have made sure he got one.

James mused, And his parents? Why did they let this happen?

Turning to his son, he asked, Did you share any of your present with Charlie?

Arthur glanced up, reproachful. Dad, I tried. So did Sarah, George, and Oliver. But Charlie wouldnt accept anything. He just said no.

Proud lad, James said, amazed. I hope he didnt cry about it.

Arthur shook his head. I didnt see him. Maybe not.

That boy doesnt deserve such treatment, James said, still frustrated.

Poor Charlie, Emma murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. Imagine how he mustve felt.

James straightened suddenly, his face flushed and eyes sparkling. Lets fix this. Lets make it right.

Emma blinked, wiping her lips with a napkin. How?

James grinned mysteriously. Who knows where Charlie lives? Arthur?

Arthur shrugged. No idea. We only play at nursery or in the estates garden.

Emma considered. I can find out. My friend Alice knows everyone in the building. Ill ring her nowthough I dont see the point.

Just call, James insisted, smiling at Emmas mock sternness.

All right, she relented. But you two clear up afterwards and do the washing-up!

Minutes later, Emma returned. Number thirty-five, the Smiths. His mums name is Valerie. No dad about. He left, I gather. Or maybe she sent him packing. Theyre just the two of them there now.

James chuckled. Whered you get all that?

Alice knows everything! Emma grinned. Shes on the residents committeegets all the gossip.

James nodded slowly. Right then, Arthur, have you finished the last of your Christmas sweeties?

Arthur sighed. Not quite. Mum says too many sweets are bad.

Shes right, James agreed. So, is your gift bag still intact?

Arthur nodded. I opened it carefully.

James smiled, tousling his hair again. Good lad. Can you put your leftover bits in a different bag and give me your gift bag?

Why? Arthur asked, wary, but he traipsed off to his room and came back with the colourful bag, now much lighter. He emptied the contents onto the tablesweets and biscuits sliding everywhere.

Emma watched the activity for a moment, then spoke up. So you two plan on giving Charlie a present yourselves? When?

Tonight, if possible! James replied without hesitation. What do you think, Arthur?

Arthur’s eyes lit up. Brilliant idea! Ill pack some of my sweets in for Charlie.

If youre happy to share, thats wonderful, James encouraged.

Can we go together? Arthur pleaded, stuffing sweets back into the bag.

James hesitated. You tried sharing today and he refused. Hes a proud boy. Lets do something different

James ducked into their bedroom only to reappear moments later transformed into Father Christmas himselfwhite wellies, red cloak trimmed in fluffy faux fur and patterned with gold, a floppy hat, snowy beard, and a staff. Only the gift sack was still empty.

Arthur stared wide-eyed, then asked, Dad, were you Father Christmas last year? And before?

James smiled, pulling off his beard. I was, and sorry I took so long to tell you. I started off subbing at work as Father Christmas and it stuckthree years running now. And I get to bring joy to you and Mum. Did you like last years Father Christmas?

Loads! Arthur beamed. Im glad our family has their own!

He hugged his dads knees tightly.

Emma added more sweets, tied a bright ribbon round the now bulging gift bag, and handed it to James for the Father Christmas sack.

Adjusting his beard, James asked, Soany objections if Father Christmas pays a visit to our proud, unfortunate Charlie?

Oh, none at all! Emma and Arthur chorused.

Arthur pleaded, Can I come with you, Dad?

Instead of the Snow Maiden, eh? James teased.

No! Ill be the Bunny! Arthur crowed, dashing off. He returned wearing his fluffy bunny costume with determined ears on his head and a pompom tail. Hed worn it at nursery earlierover the top he threw his jacket, ready to brave the cold.

All right, James relented. Come along then, Bunny. It might be icy out there.

Father Christmas and his little Bunny set out. Emma laughed as she watched the scraggly pair, Arthur hauling the heavy gift sack behind him, ears bouncing with each step.

Ten minutes passed before James trudged back in, his face sheepish.

Wheres Arthur? Emmas voice rose, anxious.

Relaxhes fine. Stayed to play with Charlie. Ill fetch him in half an hour, James reassured, peeling off his costume, cheeks still flushed.

He sagged onto the sofa, sighing. You wont believe it.

He explained: just tonight, he and Arthur had been the sixth visitors bearing Christmas gifts for Charlielikely not the last, either. And right before them, the nursery head, Mrs. Andrews, had left the Smiths flat, full of apologies and regret.

Turns out, James recounted, someone videoed the Christmas party and put it up online. Within hours it had thousands of views, loads of comments! Mrs. Andrews had to do some serious grovelling.

Emma was wide-eyed. We should watch that.

James shrugged. But more importantly, it wasnt Charlies mums faultshe just paid for the present a bit late.

Her fault or not, shes a single mum, moneys tight, Emma chimed in. The nursery could have found a way to make sure Charlie wasnt left out.

Exactly, James agreed. But instead, they just struck Charlie off the list. Heartless, really.

If only I were Mrs. Andrewss boss! Emma said. People like her shouldnt be in charge of children.

James nodded. Maybe shell realise her mistake. She should. People who work with kids must do better.

He drifted into thought, rubbing his jaw. Then, as if remembering, he brightened. Oh, and guess what? Charlies dad came round this evening! Bearing gifts, full of regret. Nearly cried

Emmas face lit up. Really? Thats wonderful.

Right then, the doorbell rang. Emma opened it; Arthur bounded inside.

Whyd you come home alone? James exclaimed. I was coming to get you!

Arthur huffed, Im not a baby, Dad. Anyway, it got boring.

Why?

Arthur shrugged. Charlies mum and dad were arguing, then crying. We went to see them in the kitchen. They started hugging, then Charlie joined themmore hugging, more tears. Honestly, they didnt even notice Id gone…

James and Emma exchanged a smile and burst out laughing.

Emma said, at last, Lets have some tea. Then, if youre all still awake, well see in the New Year together. May it bring happiness to all!

Brilliant! said Arthur, generous as ever.