“THE ELVES and THE SHOEMAKER” a heartwarming classic Christmas story about selfless giving’s power to change lives for the better
A wonderful story in our special series….DAYS OF MAGICAL and MIRACULOUS CHRISTMAS STORIES for children of all ages PLUS a sweet Audible version performed by Chinmayan that is perfect for children!!
This is our WEEKDAY edition of THE DAWNING LIGHT NEWS # 1248
Our FREE version of our “Daily Journal of Transformational Writing”
CHILD PEACE STORIES Section # 40
Inspiring READ ALOUD STORIES for children of all ages…
Selected, edited and published by Chinmayan…May your Christmas be bright, loving and full of kindness and miracles of every kind as these magical stories for you and your family and everyone on earth!
All images in this story courtesy of Pixabay
ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL SERIES OF “CHILD PEACE STORIES”TO CELEBRATE THE LOVING HEART OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
To celebrate this Christmas Holiday season,
we are publishing 24 heart opening and inspiring stories
That I have collected over many years to share with you.
Today’s story is ”THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES”
A Wonderful Classic “Fairy TALE” in our special series…DAYS OF MAGICAL and MIRACULOUS READ ALOUD CHRISTMAS STORIES for children of all ages…
One great story everyday from now until Christmas!
THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER:
A classic Christmas story about how an act of selfless giving has the power to change lives for the better
By The Brothers Grimm
Once upon a time there was a poor shoemaker. He made excellent shoes and worked quite diligently, but even so he could not earn enough money to support himself and his family.
He became so poor that he could not even afford to buy the leather he needed to make more shoes; finally, he had only enough to make one last pair.
He cut them out with great care and put the pieces on his workbench, so that he could sew them together the following morning.
“Now, I wonder,” he sighed, “Will I ever make another pair of shoes?
Once I’ve sold this pair, I shall need all the money to buy food for my family. I will not be able to buy any new leather.”
That night, the shoemaker went to bed a sad and distraught man.
The next morning, he awoke early and went down to his workshop.
On his bench he found an exquisite pair of shoes! They had small and even stitches, formed so perfectly that he knew he couldn’t have produced a better pair himself.
Upon close examination, the shoes proved to be made from the very pieces of leather he had set out the night before. He immediately put the fine pair of shoes in the window of his shop and drew back the blinds.
“Who in the world could have done this service for me?” he asked himself.
Even before he could make up an answer, a rich man strode into his shop and bought the shoes---and for a fancy price.
The shoemaker was ecstatic; he immediately went out and purchased plenty of food for his family---and some more leather.
That afternoon he cut out two pairs of shoes and, just as before, laid all the pieces on his bench so that he could sew them the nest day. Then he went upstairs to enjoy a good meal with his family.
“My goodness!” he cried the next morning when he found two pairs of beautifully finished shoes on his workbench.
“Who could make such fine shoes---and so quickly?”
He put them in his shop window, and before long some wealthy people came in and paid a great deal of money for them.
The happy shoemaker went right out and bought even more leather.
For weeks, and then months, this continued.
Whether the shoemaker cut two pairs or four pairs, the fine new shoes were always ready the next morning.
Soon his small shop was crowded with customers.
He cut out many types of shoes: stiff boots lined with fur, delicate slippers for dancers, walking shoes for ladies, tiny shoes for children.
Soon his shoes had bows and laces and buckles of fine silver.
The little shop prospered as never before, and its proprietor was soon a rich man himself. His family wanted for nothing.
As the shoemaker and his wife sat by the fire one night, he said, “One of these days, I shall learn who has been helping us.”
“We could hide behind the cupboard in your workroom,” she said. “That way, we would find out just who your helpers are.” And that is just what they did.
That evening, when the clock struck twelve, the shoemaker and his wife heard a noise.
Two tiny men, each with a bag of tools, were squeezing beneath a crack under the door. Oddest of all, the two elves were stark naked!”
The two men clambered onto the workbench and began working. Their little hands stitched and their little hammers tapped ceaselessly the whole night through.
“They are so small! And they make such beautiful shoes in no time at all!” the shoemaker whispered to his wife as dawn rose. (Indeed, the elves were about the size of his own needles.)
“Quiet!” his wife answered. “See how they are cleaning up now.” And in an instant, the two elves had disappeared beneath the door.
The next day, the shoemaker’s wife said, “Those little elves have done so much good for us. Since it is nearly Christmas, we should make some gifts for them.”
“Yes!” cried the shoemaker. “I’ll make some boots that will fit them, and you make some clothes.”
They worked until dawn.
On Christmas Eve the presents were laid out upon the workbench: two pairs of tiny boots, two tiny jackets, two pairs of trousers, and two little woolen caps.
They also left out a plate of good things to eat and drink. Then they hid once again behind the cupboard to see what would happen.
Just as before, the elves appeared at the stroke of midnight.
They jumped onto the bench to begin their work, but when they saw all the presents, they began to laugh and shout with joy.
They tried on all the clothes, then helped themselves to the food and drink.
Then they jumped down, danced excitedly around the workroom, and disappeared beneath the door.
After Christmas, the shoemaker cut out his leather as he always had—but the two elves never returned.
“I believe they may have heard us whispering,” his wife said. “Elves are so very shy when it comes to people, you know.”
“I know I will miss their help,” the shoemaker said, “but we will manage. The shop is always so busy now. But my stitches will never be as tight and small as theirs!”
That shoemaker did indeed continue to prosper, but he and his family always remembered the good elves who had helped them during the hard times.
And each and every Christmas Eve from that year onward, they gathered around the fire to drink a toast to their tiny friends.
THE END!
My friends, I have a question for you today!
Of all the Christmas Stories I have published so far in this special series, which one(s) did you love and find helped or inspired you the most?
I would love to hear your answer in the comments….
Meanwhile, may this be one of the most wonderful and amazing days of your life!
Calligraphy by Chinmayan
Dear Dawning Light Family,
It is my sincere prayer that the Christmas spirit is lifting you to new heights of sweet, loving consciousness every minute of the day and night, on every breath and beat of your heart!
May this special season be the very best of your life, bringing abundant blessings and grace into your life and lives of everyone you Love….and may Peace reign on earth for all living beings!
Lovingly, Chinmayan
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Dear Dawning Light Family,
It is my sincere prayer that the Christmas spirit is lifting you to new heights of sweet, loving consciousness every minute of the day and night, on every breath and beat of your heart! May this special season be the very best of your life, bringing abundant blessings and grace into your life and lives of everyone you Love….and may Peace reign on earth for all living beings!
Lovingly, Chinmayan
Loved all but this last one brought tears
Thanking you for all you do❤️ Hoping your Christmas brings all the happiness you deserve 🎁