The Old Holiday Dwarf
based on Torhild Moen's fairy tale "Gamlenissen"


He fidgeted, twisted, turned sideways, rubbed his eyes, sat down - this is an old dwarf in the attic. Cold, dark, damp. The Old Dwarf slept all year round. Like he had done years before, when they didn't need him after Christmas, and they took him out of the box for the next Christmas.

His coat was damaged, his trousers were too, and his cap was completely out of color. - Or maybe they will exchange it for a new one this year ?! he thought, terrified. Last year, he noticed new angels and hearts on the Christmas tree. And by the fireplace, where only he usually sat, some other gnomes were also planted. Now they are in the box next to them and probably waiting for Christmas too.

The melody of Christmas carols was heard from the downstairs rooms, and there was a pleasant smell of peppercorns.

The Old Dwarf carefully lifted the lid of the box and looked at the window. Snow white sparkled so that he had to narrow his eyes. The lights on the Christmas tree in the garden have already been lit and the children have made a snowman. The Old Dwarf leaned even more out of the box and rapped on the window. The snowman looked up and blinked one eye. It got dark and cold, so the Old Dwarf huddled back in the box. Suddenly he heard footsteps on the stairs. Maybe they came for Christmas decorations? Of course! He felt someone pick up his box and come downstairs to the room. The dwarf was still crouching and very nervous. His heart beat like a hammer. He heard them take out baubles and colored chains. Finally, someone opened his box. The dwarf noticed immediately that these new dwarfs were already sitting by the fireplace. And he was still in the box. Had they forgotten about him? Is his time up ?! ?? he thought and struggled to hold back tears. Suddenly he felt the familiar little hands taking him from the box.

- Mom, look! - he heard. You need to repair the Old Dwarf. He is the best we have! Mom took the Old Dwarf in her hands, looked at him from all sides. She gently removed the old fir needles from her chin, then took the needle and the woolen thread and mended her coat, sewing the torn pants together. Then she took off her old cap and put on a new one. Red and shiny, with a whitish pompom! The Old Dwarf felt his heart getting hot. Until he reddened and his eyes sparkled with joy.

It was Christmas Eve. Christmas tree lights and red candles were lit in candlesticks. There was a smell from the kitchen; everyone sat down at the table.

- Mom! Look at the Old Dwarf! He is smiling! Kari cried and kissed the Dwarf on the forehead. Oh yes! It's Christmas at home!

The Norwegian Dwarfs do not sneeze, because
when the cold blows from the North, they
close
their noses with small keys .

 

H. Rasmussen

http://www.zosia.piasta.pl/swieta/stary-krasnal.htm