Theme: Christmas

Eliseu's Christmas

In a small town, everywhere you could see the joy spreading. Christmas was coming, and with its arrival came a party atmosphere. Through all the streets, the houses were decorated for the date.

It means, except one house. In Eliseu's house, there wasn't even a little bell hanging. He made a point of not putting on any ornaments or doing anything special. Every year it was the same. When he saw neighbors hanging garlands, he would snort:

- These people just keep wasting time and money!

Eliseu spent the holidays locked at home. He had no family, nor anyone who visited him. For him, Christmas was just a period when people liked to waste money on ornaments and expensive gifts.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, Eliseu left for his usual walk to the market. There, people greeted him and smiled, wishing him a happy Christmas, but he was irritated thinking that they would soon push him to buy something. He murmured to himself that the price of fruit had gone up again, when he heard someone calling him:

- Eliseu, is it you? Do you remember me?

Eliseu left the fruit aside and it was a big surprise. There was Marcelo, his great youth friend. They hadn't seen each other in many years, since Marcelo had to move to another city because of work. The two ran to hug and started talking animatedly.

After several stories from each other, Marcelo smiled:

- How fast time passes when the conversation is good! But I need to get going and take these apples home. Lúcia is going to make her famous apple pie, which our grandchildren love!

- Grandchildren, already? - Eliseu was surprised - Wow... It must be difficult to buy gifts for children, with such expensive prices.

Marcelo shook his head while putting some apples in the bag.

- We don't worry about gifts at home. When we give it, we buy it, but if it doesn't, it's fine. The most important thing is that we are all together.

Eliseu was silent, thinking about what his friend had just said.

During the conversation, Marcelo realized that Eliseu didn't had a real Christmas celebration in years.

Eliseu was surprised when his friend invited him to dinner at his house.

- I insist! There's always one more spot on the table, and we'll be happy with your company!

Marcelo informed the address. The two said goodbye and returned home, with the promise that Eliseu would be at Marcelo's house at dusk.

At the appointed time, Eliseu went to his friend's house thoughtfully. Would people be uncomfortable with his presence? He knew he was a little cranky at times.

But when he got there, all the worry disappeared from his mind. Marcelo came to welcome him holding a grandson in each arm, and laugh was heard throughout the room. Eliseu was amazed by all the beauty of the decoration, full of lights, ribbons and flowers. The house was full of people and joy.

At mealtime, the food was the most delicious that Eliseu had ever tasted. The apple pie was divine, and he laughed when he saw the kids competing for the biggest piece.

At that moment, he realized what the real meaning of Christmas was. Coexistence with loved ones, kindness, affection, caring. He thought of the people who wished him happy holidays that morning and regretted he did not return to them.

At the end of the night, when saying goodbye, Eliseu embraced Marcelo moved, with a heart full of gratitude. Marcelo, with a smile, said:

- Thanks for coming. Merry Christmas, my friend!

That Christmas was very special for Eliseu. He promised himself that, next Christmas, he would run a solidarity campaign to collect toys and cheer the children.

And, in the New Year, he decided that he wanted to dedicate himself to being a better and more charitable person, capable of bringing happiness to those around him. Eliseu realized, after all, that the best gift that someone can give, and also receive, is love.

Text by Lívia Seneda.

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com