Once upon a time, long ago in Santa’s workshop, a young elf named Stefan made toys for little boys and girls every year for Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve. Stefan wasn’t just any toymaker. While he loved to make toy trains, stuffed animals, bouncing balls and all sorts of wonderful things, Stefan especially loved to make dolls
Stefan’s dolls were the best craftsmanship and the finest quality Santa’s workshop had ever seen! It wasn’t long before Stefan was in charge of making ALL the dolls that Santa delivered. For many years, Stefan was very happy and made thousands and thousands of dolls that children all over the world loved very much. Things were wonderful until, one day, something happened that made Stefan VERY sad.
One year, a few days before Christmas Eve, one of Stefan’s friends, Sheri, came to him and sat down beside Stefan. Sheri kindly explained that many of Stefan’s finest dolls weren’t going to be delivered this year. Stefan’s face grew very sad as Sheri explained that many children just didn’t want dolls this year, that many of them wanted new, electronic toys instead. So, on Christmas Eve, Stefan watched as many of his dolls were left behind at the workshop.
After Christmas, Stefan started making dolls again, but not as many as before. Many of Stefan’s friends began to notice, to their surprise, that the faces of the dolls looked very sad instead of happy. No matter how many dolls Stefan made, none of them looked as happy as they had before. The other elves knew something had to be done! So, they decided to talk to the one person they knew could help.
A few months before Christmas, Stefan was hard at work in his shop, stitching, painting, and sowing up his famous dolls. Stefan was so busy, he did not hear his door open. When he looked up, who do you think was standing there? Why, it was Santa Clause himself! His bright eyes twinkled as he smiled, looking kindly at poor Stefan, who couldn’t think of anything to say! Without a word, Santa pulled up a chair, sat next to Stefan, and put his arm around him.
After a few minutes, Santa said, “Stefan, your dolls are the finest in the world and have made so many children happy. Tell me, why have they been so sad?” Stefan looked up slowly and finally said, “Well, err…Santa, sir, my dolls have always made me feel special and unique, they have always made me happy! Now that many children don’t want them, I don’t feel special anymore and I guess…I guess my dolls just feel sad, too.”
Old Santa smiled again and took Stefan’s hand. “Oh Stefan”, he said, “The joy you have brought to others is what makes you special, not how many dolls you make. I know that when you feel happy here…” Santa touched Stefan’s chest where his heart was, “Your dolls will be happy again.” Santa rose without another word, smiled one last big smile at Stefan and quietly closed the door.
That Christmas Eve, many of the elves were busy helping Santa load his sleigh for the big journey! Out of all the elves who helped to load the sleigh that night, none had a bigger, warmer smile on his face than Stefan. “Oh Stefan”, said Sheri, “I’m so glad you’re happy again”. “Thank you”, said Stefan, “I may not make as many dolls as before, but the ones I do make bring joy and happiness to children everywhere. From now on, that will ALWAYS make me smile!
The End
Fairy Tales
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