A Christmas Eve Miracle: How Paul Forgot His Daughter’s Gift, Adopted a Kitten, and Found the True Spirit of the New Year

A Christmas Eve Miracle

Tom, can you please explain how you managed to forget? Sarah looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and disbelief. I reminded you several times this morningand even texted you!

I stood at the kitchen doorway, guilt written all over my face. I could only shrug.

I honestly dont know, Sarah It just slipped my mind, I tried to justify myself.

And your phone?

I never took it out of my pocket, so I didnt see your message

Sarah was beginning to simmer.

So you remembered to buy a new car battery, but you forgot that our daughter was counting on a present under the tree?

It slipped my mind The garage shuts at eightso I hurried there after work and everything else just vanished from my thoughts. Im sorry.

Sometimes I reckon you love that old banger more than you love Emily! Sarah sat down on the stool, sighing heavily as she glanced at the wall clock. It was five to eleven. Late. Too late, really, to fix anything. The helplessness made it all worse.

Dont say things like that, I said quietly. You know I adore Emily. It just happened. I forgot. It happens to the best of us.

Not to me, Tom! Though Sarah wanted to shout, she kept her voice to a strained whisper so Emily wouldnt overhear.

I reached out to put an arm around her, in the hope of softening the edge of the argument, but she drew away, turned her back, and started spooning potato salad into a glass dish.

I spent half the day making this, just to give you a treat. And youwell, you forgot our daughters gift!

I knew itI always end up having to do things myself, she muttered. But no, this time I thought Id trust you, Tom. Thought you were reliable.

Sarah, I know I messed up, but if you think about it, nothing awfuls happened, I tried. Emily just wont have her present tonight, thats all. Ill explain it to her

Oh, really? And what do you suggest, Tom? Do we tell our little girl her dad is going senile at thirty-five? Or that the battery mattered more than she does?

We could say Father Christmas is having a particularly busy year and couldn’t make it tonight. Ill get her a present first thing in the morning and make a big fuss. From Father Christmas, you know?

Where will you buy anything? All the shops are closed tomorrowsupermarkets at best. Oh, Tom

I could see why Sarah was upset.

Ever since Emily was born, wed started a lovely family tradition: every New Years Evewell, Christmas Eve in our caseafter Big Ben chimed midnight, we would head to the tree and find presents nestled underneath.

Emily cherished that tradition the most. Like any child her age, she believed in Father Christmas, magic, and the wonders of Christmas Eve. She was brimming with joy each time she found the very thing shed wished for.

Earlier that evening, Emily had checked under the tree more than once (just in case her present arrived before midnight) and kept telling her mum how excited she was for Father Christmass visit.

I wonder what Grandpa Frost will bring this year, she mused. Id love a bike like Jack next door, but roller skates would be good too.

Sarah smiled at Emily, thinking how shed specifically asked me to get the roller skates she wanted.

Normally, Sarah picked out Emilys gifts, but Id had to work late, so she trusted me to nip into the shop on my way home.

Id turned up past eight. Only when Sarah was laying the table did she conspiratorially ask about the gift, and I suddenly realised, with mounting dread, that I’d failed to buy anything.

Lets not spoil this evening, please? I begged, trying to put an arm around her again to comfort her. Honestly, it slipped my mind. Want me to talk to Emily? Shell understand.

Sarah just kept setting the table, silent tears on her cheeks. How had I managed to forget Emilys present?

The worst was, Sarah had believed right up to the last moment that I must have hidden the roller skates somewhere, waiting for the right time. But by now, all the shops were shut and there was nothing we could do.

Can I help? I asked awkwardly, watching her put out plates.

Youve helped enough. No, thank you.

At that very moment, Emily darted in, fresh from watching all the Christmas cartoons.

Mum, Dad! Less than two hours to Christmas! Father Christmas is coming soon!

Sarah glared at me, turning away quickly so Emily wouldnt see the lookshe didnt want to ruin the magic.

Still, Sarah had an idea for damage control: a card with a tenner inside, and For Emilys new skates written across the front. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

That would have to do.

****

At eleven, we all sat down at the table when there was a sudden knock at the door.

Tom, did you invite someone over? Sarah asked, surprised. I certainly didnt.

No ideamaybe one of the neighbours? Ill check. You pour the drinks, I replied, heading for the door.

I opened it to find a bearded bloke in a shabby red parka standing on the landing. He didnt look remotely like Father Christmasmore like a homeless fellow by the smell alone.

What do you want? Got the wrong flat, or begging for cash? Well, Im saying now: youre not getting a penny from me. Youll only waste it on drink.

No, no! Not after your money, promise, he replied cheerfully.

Not after my money? It was all I could do not to laugh.

Ive never looked down on rough sleepersa hard life is a hard lifebut his statement made me smirk. Anyone could see he wasnt rolling in cash.

So what is it, then? I stepped out onto the landing, pulling the door to so none of the scent drifted into the flat.

Well, I found this little kitten in the stairwell. Looksweet thing, isnt he? He pulled a fluffy white ball of fur from under his jacket. Was wondering if its yours?

I grinned.

It seemed obvious the man had given up on money and was now trying to palm off a stray kitten on anyone whod take it.

Sorry, mate, never seen it before. We dont do pets.

You sure you dont want him? If youve got a daughter, shed love a kitten.

Here it comes: selling the kitten instead of begging for coins.

No, thanks. Thats kind, but no.

Fair enough, the bearded stranger seemed crestfallen. Never mind, Ill just take him round the back and leave him by the bins.

He started tucking the kitten under his jacket to go, but I caught his sleeve.

Hang on. What do you mean, bin him? Just leave him here in the building.

Nah, someone would only kick him out. At least round the back, theres some boxes to hide inand scraps of food about.

Now, Im not really an animal person, but at that moment I just felt sorry for the little thing. Left outside all night, alone, cold, and hungry

If Id thought about it more, perhaps Id have hesitated. But there wasnt time: Sarah and Emily were waiting for me; the man was about to go

Give him here! I blurted. Dont take him to the bins.

Youre the boss, the stranger smiled kindly before heading down the stairs.

****

Back inside, Sarah and Emily peered out from the kitchen, worried.

What took you so long? Is everything alright?

Yes, yes all fine, I said, hiding the kitten behind my back and hoping desperately for silence from its tiny throat.

If Sarah found out now, shed probably kick us both out. Still, I needed time to think up an explanation for bringing home a stray kitten just an hour before Christmas, without asking anyone.

Who was it? Sarah eyed me suspiciously, as if I might be up to something.

Ohjust Nick from upstairs. The one on the top floor? Needed advice about car batteries.

Well, you are the expert! Go and wash your hands and come back, the turkeys nearly ready.

Yep, be there in a tick!

Once theyd gone back to the kitchen, I dashed around the flat, trying to hide the kitten. The balcony was too cold, the loo too risky, and the bedrooms out of bounds. The living room then

Tom, are you coming? Sarah called testily.

Just a moment, love!

I quickly popped the kitten onto the lowest shelf of the bookcase, leaving the door ajar for air, and hurried to the kitchen.

****

Happy Christ-mas! came the cheers from outside.

I raised my glass, joining the toasts, giving the usual wishes for health and happiness.

As I was speaking, Emily left her juice on the table and dashed to the living room. Sarahs eyes widenedshed forgotten to put the envelope under the treeand glared at me again: You can explain things!

But Emily didnt seem the least bit disappointed. On the contrary, five minutes later she shrieked with gleeso loudly that the neighbours probably heard.

Mum! Dad! Come quick! Look what Father Christmas left me!

Sarah and I hurried to the living room and froze. Emily stood beaming beside the tree, clutching the white kitten in her arms.

I wanted a kitten all yearand Father Christmas brought me one! Im going to call him Snowy!

She hugged the little ball of fluff. Sarah took me aside, still in shock.

What Whats going on? Where did that come from? Was this your doing? she demanded.

Sarah, please dont be angry. Ill explain, I started.

Angry? Why would I be angry? Just look at Emilys face! Oh, Tom. You couldve told me you had a surprise up your sleeveI had a right go at you today She hugged me and kissed my cheek.

I could hardly believe itId escaped so lightly.

They say Christmas really is a time for miracles. Emily was delighted, and even Sarah had forgiven meall thanks to a white kitten and

Suddenly, I thought of the homeless man on the landing.

Actually, Sarah theres something I need to do.

I whispered in her ear, and she looked at me in surprise before nodding her approval.

****

Well, George, said the bearded man, clapping his mate on the back, thats the lotall the kittens found good homes. Reckon its time to head back to the shelter before they lock it for the night.

Right you are, Mick. That bin idea of yours worked wonders! George beamed.

You think so? I was half certain someone would chuck me down the stairs for saying it.

There was a risk. But lets face itonly someone who really cared would take a kitten rather than let it go to the bins.

Quite right

Theyll be alrightthe little ones have gone to kind hands. You had a stroke of genius, mate.

They sat side by side on a bench in the chilly street near the building where theyd rehomed the last of four stray kittens theyd found in the cellar.

There were plenty of people out and about, but for once nobody chased them off, as usually happened. In fact, a few passersby nodded and wished them well. The men thanked them in return, lifting their paper cups in a friendly salute.

Suddenly, the main door opened and I came hurrying out, scanning the street, spotted the pair and waved before jogging over.

Whats he wantchanged his mind about the kitten? grinned Mick.

Thats him, isnt it?

Happy Christmas! I said, breathless, handing over a bulging carrier bag. Sarah and I put this togetherthought you might like a proper Christmas meal.

Mick and George both grinned, clearly touched. Thanks. Really didnt expect that.

Oh, and this is from me, I added, passing a bottle of bubbly. Cant have Christmas on dry bread, eh?

Now well have a celebration of our own! George chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

I was about to leave, then paused. So, where do you two plan to celebrate?

Just in the cellarnice and warm there, said Mick.

You know whatwhy not come with me?

A few minutes later, the three of us went round the back to my garage. I pressed the button and the door creaked open.

Make yourselves at hometheres a sofa bed, a heater, a table and even crockery. Much better than down in the cellar, I hope. Ill park the car in the drive.

Well manage as we are Mick started to protest.

No, really, I insist. Nothing will happen to it outside. And pleasedont finish everything at once!

Were not heavy drinkers, smiled Mick. Just a festive tipple, honest.

Good. I trust you. Ill check in tomorrowmaybe I can help you out properly.

Unexpected, that, George whispered.

Tell me about it Mick agreed.

And so it was, a truly magical Christmas Eve. Emily was overjoyed, Sarah was smiling againId found forgiveness, made some new friends, and all, thanks to the kindness of bringing a kitten in from the cold. Miracles really do happen at Christmas.