Story: Babushka's gifts for the Christ child

The Babushka story

Babushka is an old Russian woman who loves her home and loves children. On their journey to see the Christ child, the magi call at Babushka's house seeking food and a place to rest. Babushka gives them a warm welcome. While they are there Babushka learns of their quest. Despite their invitation to travel with them she decides to stay until she has made sure that the house and, more importantly, all the children she knows, are well provided for. Eventually she leaves, taking presents for the Christ child - a pair of shoes, a coat, a toy and other presents.

She looks for the star the magi spoke about - but it is not there. Nevertheless, she sets off and travels over hills, down valleys, through towns and villages.

In her long journey she meets a child with no shoes and gives him the shoes meant for the Christ child. Later she meets a second child, who has no coat. So she gives her the coat meant for the Christ child. Further on she meets a third child, who has no toys. So Babushka gives away the toy meant for the Christ child.

Finally, after walking many days, and covering many miles and meeting many children, Babushka dreams of a stable far, far away, where there is a child in a manger. She never does see the Christ child, but her story inspires many to give gifts to children and to search for the Christ child. So today Russian children wake up to find gifts at the bottom of their beds and they say Babushka has left them as she continues her search for the Christ child.