(fairy tale)

The Christmas tree resembled a large shining ball, shimmering with all possible colors. The door creaked open. Nicolas cautiously looked into the room. Realizing that there was no one but the festive tree, he quietly closed the door and hurried to the gifts. As he approached the big package with his name on it, he heard muttering from the tree. The toys shook, and a small head with very big eyes appeared. A green hat was slipping down on his eyebrows. The surprised look stopped on the young man.

“What are you doing here?”

Unexpectedly low voice surprised Nicolas. He stared at his head unable to say anything.

“Okay, look. I won’t write your parents a letter that you rushed to get presents early and without permission instead of sleeping, and you don’t tell anyone that you saw me. Deal?”

The head slowly came out of the tree, dragging a small body behind it. It was a little taller than the big package.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Sorry…” still surprised, Nicolas answered.

“Why are you out at night?”

“I was curious…”

“Of course you were! New Year, presents, a fairy tale! We barely have time to deliver all the gifts. And we run into people as fussy and fuzzy as you.

The boy’s eyes rounded. He looked at the visitor in shock.

“Are you Santa’s helper?”

“Who else? Well, yes. But you’re last on my list, so my vacation has begun.”

There was a soft knock. It was coming from the roof.

“And it was… Santa?”

“Santa has too many other things to do to deliver presents. It’s my reindeer.” The elf looked at the ceiling in the direction of the knock and said in a loud whisper, “Oli, don’t be nervous, I’ll be there soon!”

Nicolas looked in the same direction as the elf. The knocking stopped.

“He doesn’t like it when I’m late. So, do we have a deal or what?”

“Yes! Yes, we do!”

“All right, baby.”

He took a few steps towards the open window. Nicolas could not take his eyes off the graceful guest. Because of his short height and short legs, he did not go even half a meter for this number of steps. He stopped, adjusted his hat, scratched his head and turned to the boy with a wry smile.

“Listen, if you are still here, can you do me a mini favor?”

“Of course!” Nicolas jumped to his feet with delight. A real elf, Santa’s helper, asking a simple seven-year-old boy for a favor.

“I saw some cookies on the table here when I came into the room. Can I take some with me? They smell incredible, and Oli will be happy and won’t be offended by my delay…”

Nicolas ran to the table and handed the elf a plate of cookies. He took four pieces and put them in his pockets.

“Thank you very much, Nicolas!” the elf smiled wider.

“Do you know my name?” the boy froze in surprise. “Of course I do. I have to know whose name to put presents under the tree.” The elf climbed on the windowsill and turned to the boy. “For the future. Better wait until morning. If you were not the last on the list, it would ruin the whole work schedule and I might not have time to deliver all the gifts.” Nicolas looked down shyly. “I’m sorry. I’ll be more patient…” “I appreciate that! Thank you for that!” The elf happily took off his hat and bowed gratefully. “With that, Merry Christmas to you! Grow up big and bright!” “Bye!” The elf quickly disappeared, closing the window behind him. Nicolas stood with cookies in his hands and looked at the place where Santa’s assistant stood a minute ago. The boy put the plate back, taking a bite out of the cookie… “Merry Christmas!” he said to himself.