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Papa Panov's Special Christmas
Papa Panov's Christmas wish is to worship the Christ Child and give Him the finest pair of shoes he's ever made. In a dream on Christmas Eve, he's promised that his wish will come true, but he must watch carefully. What follows is Papa Panov's most joyful Christmas as he learns that the best way to celebrate the Savior's birth is by following His example.
16 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1950
17 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Leo Tolstoy
7,983 books28.6k followersLev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (Russian: Лев Николаевич Толстой; most appropriately used Liev Tolstoy; commonly Leo Tolstoy in Anglophone countries) was a Russian writer who primarily wrote novels and short stories. Later in life, he also wrote plays and essays. His two most famous works, the novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are acknowledged as two of the greatest novels of all time and a pinnacle of realist fiction. Many consider Tolstoy to have been one of the world's greatest novelists. Tolstoy is equally known for his complicated and paradoxical persona and for his extreme moralistic and ascetic views, which he adopted after a moral crisis and spiritual awakening in the 1870s, after which he also became noted as a moral thinker and social reformer.
His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 30, 2023
In a Nutshell: A beautiful little Christmas story for kids (and adults.) Based on a biblical verse, but the message works for all. Be kind, do good!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
This little story is based on a verse from the Bible, Matthew 25:35:
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
The original story was written in French by Reuben Saillens. Leo Tolstoy translated it from French to Russian. But as he made the story popular, it is attributed to him.
The story is quite simple in its essence. Of course, the message is universal, despite the Christian content. If you do good to others, good will come to you as well. We adults sometimes need reads like this to reinvigorate the long-forgotten values of charity and kindness to strangers.
As the theme is biblical, the story would work well in homes (for general and bedtime reading) as well as in catechism classes. It could even be a great option for school Christmas plays – something different from the typical Nativity stories.
We are still in Christmas season, so it is not too late to pick this up!
4 stars.
As this story is in the public domain, you can read it free of cost on various sites online. I read it from the below link:
https://americanliterature.com/author...
PS: I totally cheated my way to completing this year's reading challenge with the last-minute help from short stories. 2023 proved to be tough in many ways, but lesson learnt: will set my reading challenge to a less stressful number next year.
Not sure if I'll be online tomorrow, so here's wishing you all a wonderful, blissful, and joyful 2024! 💐
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Old Papa Panov, the village shoemaker, is lonely on Christmas Eve. As he settles in his armchair at night with his Bible after a long working day, he dozes off. Jesus comes in his dreams and promises to visit him on Christmas Day.
Needless to say, Papa Panov is very excited the next day. He puts on a special pot of coffee and keeps an eye out of the window. But will Jesus really come, or was it just a dream?
This little story is based on a verse from the Bible, Matthew 25:35:
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
The original story was written in French by Reuben Saillens. Leo Tolstoy translated it from French to Russian. But as he made the story popular, it is attributed to him.
The story is quite simple in its essence. Of course, the message is universal, despite the Christian content. If you do good to others, good will come to you as well. We adults sometimes need reads like this to reinvigorate the long-forgotten values of charity and kindness to strangers.
As the theme is biblical, the story would work well in homes (for general and bedtime reading) as well as in catechism classes. It could even be a great option for school Christmas plays – something different from the typical Nativity stories.
We are still in Christmas season, so it is not too late to pick this up!
4 stars.
As this story is in the public domain, you can read it free of cost on various sites online. I read it from the below link:
https://americanliterature.com/author...
PS: I totally cheated my way to completing this year's reading challenge with the last-minute help from short stories. 2023 proved to be tough in many ways, but lesson learnt: will set my reading challenge to a less stressful number next year.
Not sure if I'll be online tomorrow, so here's wishing you all a wonderful, blissful, and joyful 2024! 💐
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
December 17, 2021
Papa Panov's Special Day is a heart-warming story of a lonely shoemaker, who sits down to read the story of Christmas from the Bible and soon nods off and dreams of Jesus.
Papa Panov's generosity of help to those that need,"I was hungry and you fed me," Jesus said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed," reflects the true spirit of Christmas in Papa's giving of what little he has to offer.
The story is complimented by the charming illustrations capturing the mood of the story.
The fable is re-written by Leo Tolstoy from a French author.
2021: Just as special as the first time through! One to enjoy every year at this time.
Papa Panov's generosity of help to those that need,"I was hungry and you fed me," Jesus said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed," reflects the true spirit of Christmas in Papa's giving of what little he has to offer.
The story is complimented by the charming illustrations capturing the mood of the story.
The fable is re-written by Leo Tolstoy from a French author.
2021: Just as special as the first time through! One to enjoy every year at this time.
January 20, 2022
"أنت تستحق أن يتحقق حلمك" 🤎🤎
دفء الموقد المبهج وكوب القهوة الساخن المريح للرجل الذي ينظف الطريق في الصباح الشتوي في الثلج والبرد والضباب المتجمد، وكوب الحليب الدافئ والحذاء الصغير الناعم للطفلة الرضيعة مع أمها، والحساء الساخن والخبز للغرباء في ليل الشتاء المتجمد،
كل هذه الأشياء الدافئة التي منحها لهم صانع الأحذية صاحب القلب الطيب الدافئ، بابا بانوڤ في غرفته البسيطة الدافئة، ومنحهم معها بهجة دافئة، عادت إليه أمنيات جميلة تحققت وتدفقت بدفء في قلب بابا بانوڤ، تدفقت في قلبه بهجة وفرحة وسعادة ودفئًا يذيب ثلج الشتاء ويجعل الربيع الدافئ يأتي،
قصة قصيرة دافئة ومبهجة للقلب عن القلوب الدافئة التي تحب وتمنح وعن نعمة العطاء الذي يعود إلينا أمنيات متحققة وبهجة دافئة وسعادة لا يسعها الكون،
أحببتها وأحببت دفئها وابتهج قلبي بدفء مشاعرها الطيبة الجميلة 🤎🤎
20.1.2022
دفء الموقد المبهج وكوب القهوة الساخن المريح للرجل الذي ينظف الطريق في الصباح الشتوي في الثلج والبرد والضباب المتجمد، وكوب الحليب الدافئ والحذاء الصغير الناعم للطفلة الرضيعة مع أمها، والحساء الساخن والخبز للغرباء في ليل الشتاء المتجمد،
كل هذه الأشياء الدافئة التي منحها لهم صانع الأحذية صاحب القلب الطيب الدافئ، بابا بانوڤ في غرفته البسيطة الدافئة، ومنحهم معها بهجة دافئة، عادت إليه أمنيات جميلة تحققت وتدفقت بدفء في قلب بابا بانوڤ، تدفقت في قلبه بهجة وفرحة وسعادة ودفئًا يذيب ثلج الشتاء ويجعل الربيع الدافئ يأتي،
قصة قصيرة دافئة ومبهجة للقلب عن القلوب الدافئة التي تحب وتمنح وعن نعمة العطاء الذي يعود إلينا أمنيات متحققة وبهجة دافئة وسعادة لا يسعها الكون،
أحببتها وأحببت دفئها وابتهج قلبي بدفء مشاعرها الطيبة الجميلة 🤎🤎
20.1.2022
July 22, 2018
Dec, 19.
I don't think this is my cup of tea. Oh, well.
Dec, 24.
Well. Yes. I knew what this story was about, I knew about its Christian theme that reflects Tolstoy own development, and I thought I wouldn't like it because I wouldn't be able to connect with it, since I'm a coward agnostic human being full of doubts. I was wrong. It has that old, homey Christmas feeling that somewhat got lost through the years. Years full of technology (not saying it's a bad thing...), materialism, fear and mistrust. Because, let me tell you, if during a cold morning, someone invites me to have some coffee at his house, I would politely reject that kind offer, fearing I'd end up dead in some woods. Yes, I may be overreacting, but bad things happen and although I know there's good people out there, I'm becoming more and more distrustful, suspicious, afraid, etc.
So, these short stories about Christmas (even though I can't relate to the whole concept), with these lonely but generous characters, make me feel a bit better.
Dec 24, 13
* Also on my blog.
I don't think this is my cup of tea. Oh, well.
Dec, 24.
Well. Yes. I knew what this story was about, I knew about its Christian theme that reflects Tolstoy own development, and I thought I wouldn't like it because I wouldn't be able to connect with it, since I'm a coward agnostic human being full of doubts. I was wrong. It has that old, homey Christmas feeling that somewhat got lost through the years. Years full of technology (not saying it's a bad thing...), materialism, fear and mistrust. Because, let me tell you, if during a cold morning, someone invites me to have some coffee at his house, I would politely reject that kind offer, fearing I'd end up dead in some woods. Yes, I may be overreacting, but bad things happen and although I know there's good people out there, I'm becoming more and more distrustful, suspicious, afraid, etc.
So, these short stories about Christmas (even though I can't relate to the whole concept), with these lonely but generous characters, make me feel a bit better.
Dec 24, 13
* Also on my blog.
December 6, 2016
A wonderful picture book read for Christmas and the meaning of being Christian.
December 6, 2020
This was a pretty good Christmas short story about a old cobbler named Papa Panov who helped others at Christmas because of a dream he had.
Go here if you would like to read it online and love Christmas stories like this:
https://americanliterature.com/author...
Go here if you would like to read it online and love Christmas stories like this:
https://americanliterature.com/author...
December 14, 2020
Christmas 2020 - Nice!
I loved this beautiful short story about the true meaning of Christmas.
Link: https://americanliterature.com/author...
I loved this beautiful short story about the true meaning of Christmas.
Link: https://americanliterature.com/author...
December 25, 2013
A beautiful short Christmas tale for young and old alike.
Tolstoy captures the meaning of Christmas without being preachy.
Tolstoy captures the meaning of Christmas without being preachy.
December 9, 2023
Wellicht dat ik bevooroordeeld ben, maar ik kan Tolstoj niet minder dan 5 sterren geven:
"Ik had honger en je gaf me te eten. Ik had dorst en je gaf me te drinken. Ik was koud en je liet me binnen. Wat je vandaag voor al die mensen gedaan hebt, heb je voor mij gedaan!"
"Ik had honger en je gaf me te eten. Ik had dorst en je gaf me te drinken. Ik was koud en je liet me binnen. Wat je vandaag voor al die mensen gedaan hebt, heb je voor mij gedaan!"
December 19, 2019
A brief and simple tale about showing kindness to all as you never know when a poor beggar may be a deity in disguise.
Read for free here -https://americanliterature.com/author...
Read for free here -https://americanliterature.com/author...
December 23, 2015
22 DEC 2015 - I love this story!
Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream- the voice of Jesus.
"I was hungry and you fed me," he said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed."
Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov's heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.
"So he did come after all!" was all that he said.
Read Papa's story here: http://catholicpoint.blogspot.com/201...
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream- the voice of Jesus.
"I was hungry and you fed me," he said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed."
Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov's heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.
"So he did come after all!" was all that he said.
Read Papa's story here: http://catholicpoint.blogspot.com/201...
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2023
Zo kort en toch ontroerend!
January 1, 2023
This story was written, then adapted, then retold in this children's version. The pictures are very nice and the writing is good. It was a good reminder of doing for the least of these, but there was also no real message of Christmas.
December 26, 2020
A feel good Christmas tale. Charming and heart warming and just right for Christmas Eve story telling round a fire
September 2, 2020
Panov was a shoemaker who lived in a small Russian village and everyone was so fond of him that he earned the name Papa Panov. He was not very rich but neither was he very poor and he lived in one small room looking out onto the village street. And in that one room he had all his possessions and he lived, slept and made shoes there.
There were so many people who wanted new shoes made or old ones patched, soled and heeled that he always had enough money to buy bread from the baker's shop, coffee from the grocer and cabbage to make his favourite soup. He was quite happy.
Then one Christmas Eve he was in reflective mood, thinking of his wife who had died many years previously (I know the feeling very well at this time of year) and of his sons and daughters who had all moved away. He was sad. So he pulled at his long grey moustache, lifted a dusty book from the shelves, sat down and began to read. The book was the story of Christmas and of how Jesus was born in a cowshed because there wasn't any room at the inn. Being a kind-hearted man he thought to himself that if the family had come to his house they could have used his comfortable bed.
He read of how rich men travelled across the desert to present gifts to the little boy Jesus and he speculated that if he had come to his house he would have had nothing to give him. Then he remembered something and he went to a high shelf and took down a box. In it was a pair of the best shoes he had ever made and, satisfied, Papa said to himself, 'That is what I would have given him.'
He then fell asleep over his book and outside the fog fell and grew very thick. Suddenly he heard his name called but there was nobody there when he roused himself. However, he convinced himself that the visitor had been Jesus, if only in a dream, and he hoped that he would visit him the following day, which was Christmas Day.
He slept in his wicker chair all night and in the morning woke to make a pot of coffee. All the while he kept his eye on the window and he saw someone approaching. Perhaps it was Jesus, he thought, but, no, it was the roadsweeper. He invited him in and gave him a cup of steaming coffee before seeing him on his way. As he was about to close the door he espied a young woman carrying a baby; she appeared tired and her clothes were shabby.
He invited her in for a warm and he made some warm milk for the baby. While feeding him Papa remembered the shoes and he decided that they would make a nice present for the baby. He duly gave them the woman and also told her about expecting Jesus visiting him, just as he had seen in his dream. 'I hope your dream comes true,' said the woman as she left, grateful for all Papa had done for her and her child.
Later when Jesus did not appear he began to lose heart and tears welled up in his eyes; 'It was only a dream after all. I wanted to believe it so much,' he said to himself. Then it seemed as though there was someone in the room and he seemed to see the roadsweeper and the woman and child again passing by and as they passed they whispered, 'Didn't you see me, Papa Panov?' And it was the same voice as the night before so Papa realised that he had been visited after all. The sparkle came back into his eyes and he smiled happily ... what a Christmas Day ... and what a different story from the author of 'War and Peace'!
There were so many people who wanted new shoes made or old ones patched, soled and heeled that he always had enough money to buy bread from the baker's shop, coffee from the grocer and cabbage to make his favourite soup. He was quite happy.
Then one Christmas Eve he was in reflective mood, thinking of his wife who had died many years previously (I know the feeling very well at this time of year) and of his sons and daughters who had all moved away. He was sad. So he pulled at his long grey moustache, lifted a dusty book from the shelves, sat down and began to read. The book was the story of Christmas and of how Jesus was born in a cowshed because there wasn't any room at the inn. Being a kind-hearted man he thought to himself that if the family had come to his house they could have used his comfortable bed.
He read of how rich men travelled across the desert to present gifts to the little boy Jesus and he speculated that if he had come to his house he would have had nothing to give him. Then he remembered something and he went to a high shelf and took down a box. In it was a pair of the best shoes he had ever made and, satisfied, Papa said to himself, 'That is what I would have given him.'
He then fell asleep over his book and outside the fog fell and grew very thick. Suddenly he heard his name called but there was nobody there when he roused himself. However, he convinced himself that the visitor had been Jesus, if only in a dream, and he hoped that he would visit him the following day, which was Christmas Day.
He slept in his wicker chair all night and in the morning woke to make a pot of coffee. All the while he kept his eye on the window and he saw someone approaching. Perhaps it was Jesus, he thought, but, no, it was the roadsweeper. He invited him in and gave him a cup of steaming coffee before seeing him on his way. As he was about to close the door he espied a young woman carrying a baby; she appeared tired and her clothes were shabby.
He invited her in for a warm and he made some warm milk for the baby. While feeding him Papa remembered the shoes and he decided that they would make a nice present for the baby. He duly gave them the woman and also told her about expecting Jesus visiting him, just as he had seen in his dream. 'I hope your dream comes true,' said the woman as she left, grateful for all Papa had done for her and her child.
Later when Jesus did not appear he began to lose heart and tears welled up in his eyes; 'It was only a dream after all. I wanted to believe it so much,' he said to himself. Then it seemed as though there was someone in the room and he seemed to see the roadsweeper and the woman and child again passing by and as they passed they whispered, 'Didn't you see me, Papa Panov?' And it was the same voice as the night before so Papa realised that he had been visited after all. The sparkle came back into his eyes and he smiled happily ... what a Christmas Day ... and what a different story from the author of 'War and Peace'!
October 14, 2020
Such a beautiful tale and the ending always has me beaming a mile wide! This was, in my childhood, the first tale I truly fell in love with. My mother used to read to me this story for bedtime so, it brings back many a memory for me.
March 19, 2017
I looove Christmas and these Christmas stories are the best!
December 17, 2025
One of my Christmas favourites ❤️
December 12, 2019
This short story is based on Matthew 25:35 of the Holy Bible. It's a Christmas story that truly melts your heart, reminds the reader of the true spirit of Christmas, and that Jesus Christ lives through those in need! If you keep looking for a special sign from Lord Jesus, you may miss him because he may also meet him in the ordinary things and places! Highly recommended short story.
December 17, 2013
Simplistic? Yes, maybe. Saccharine? Hm, I guess, yeah. But despite it's diminutive size and the re-hashed-folk-tale-cum-cliche thing it's got going on, I still liked it. I'm not a religious person at all, and while this story is pretty Christocentric, I still found it endearing and charming.
December 24, 2015
This was a really sweet short story that hearkens back to the religious roots to Christmas, but it a good way. I really enjoyed reading it.
And, I've arranged my thoughts into a haiku:
"Honoring Jesus
Is to give what you would him
To those who have need."
And, I've arranged my thoughts into a haiku:
"Honoring Jesus
Is to give what you would him
To those who have need."
May 11, 2015
Wonderful book about seeing Jesus in others. When we help others we are helping Jesus.
September 12, 2021
Papa Panov’s Special Day by Leo Tolstoy, Mig Holder- Children’s book Russian- I have read this book in Hindi Language. It has been translated by Arvind Gupta-
Panov was an old man. He is a professional shoemaker. His wife has died long back. His children have grown up and left the village for better earning. He lives alone in a small hut. People address Thus he has enough money to buy bread, coffee and him with the name of Papa Panov. His hut in on the village street. His hut has one room with a large glass window from where he can see the street. Pavov repairs shoes and makes new ones for people. He has sufficient money to buy bread coffee and cabbage. On Christmas eve, he remembers his family members who are not with him, so he is sad. He prepares coffee and sits down and began to read. The book was the story of Christmas and of how Jesus was born in a cowshed because there wasn't any room at the inn. Being a kind-hearted man he thought to himself that if the family of Jesus had come to his house they could have used his comfortable bed. He remembered that he had made a pair of the best shoes for a child which he had kept in a box. This pair of shoes could be gifted to Christ. He then fell asleep. Suddenly he heard his name called but there was nobody there when he roused himself. However, he convinced himself that the visitor had been Jesus, if only in a dream, and he hoped that he would visit him the following day, which was Christmas Day. In the morning he kept his eye on the window and he saw someone approaching. Perhaps it was Jesus, he thought, but, no, it was the road sweeper. He invited him in and gave him a cup of steaming coffee before seeing him on his way. As he was about to close the door he espied a young woman carrying a baby; she appeared tired and her clothes were shabby. He invited her in for a warm and he made some warm milk for the baby. While feeding him Papa remembered the shoes and he decided that they would make a nice present for the baby. He duly gave them the woman and also told her about expecting Jesus visiting him, just as he had seen in his dream. 'I hope your dream comes true,' said the woman as she left, grateful for all Papa had done for her and her child. Later when Jesus did not appear he began to lose heart and tears welled up in his eyes; 'It was only a dream after all. I wanted to believe it so much,' he said to himself. Then it seemed as though there was someone in the room and he seemed to see the roads weeper and the woman and child again passing by and as they passed they whispered, 'Didn't you see me, Papa Panov?' And it was the same voice as the night before so Papa realised that Jesus had been visited after all. The sparkle came back into his eyes and he smiled happily. Coloured illustrations help the reader to understand the text.
Panov was an old man. He is a professional shoemaker. His wife has died long back. His children have grown up and left the village for better earning. He lives alone in a small hut. People address Thus he has enough money to buy bread, coffee and him with the name of Papa Panov. His hut in on the village street. His hut has one room with a large glass window from where he can see the street. Pavov repairs shoes and makes new ones for people. He has sufficient money to buy bread coffee and cabbage. On Christmas eve, he remembers his family members who are not with him, so he is sad. He prepares coffee and sits down and began to read. The book was the story of Christmas and of how Jesus was born in a cowshed because there wasn't any room at the inn. Being a kind-hearted man he thought to himself that if the family of Jesus had come to his house they could have used his comfortable bed. He remembered that he had made a pair of the best shoes for a child which he had kept in a box. This pair of shoes could be gifted to Christ. He then fell asleep. Suddenly he heard his name called but there was nobody there when he roused himself. However, he convinced himself that the visitor had been Jesus, if only in a dream, and he hoped that he would visit him the following day, which was Christmas Day. In the morning he kept his eye on the window and he saw someone approaching. Perhaps it was Jesus, he thought, but, no, it was the road sweeper. He invited him in and gave him a cup of steaming coffee before seeing him on his way. As he was about to close the door he espied a young woman carrying a baby; she appeared tired and her clothes were shabby. He invited her in for a warm and he made some warm milk for the baby. While feeding him Papa remembered the shoes and he decided that they would make a nice present for the baby. He duly gave them the woman and also told her about expecting Jesus visiting him, just as he had seen in his dream. 'I hope your dream comes true,' said the woman as she left, grateful for all Papa had done for her and her child. Later when Jesus did not appear he began to lose heart and tears welled up in his eyes; 'It was only a dream after all. I wanted to believe it so much,' he said to himself. Then it seemed as though there was someone in the room and he seemed to see the roads weeper and the woman and child again passing by and as they passed they whispered, 'Didn't you see me, Papa Panov?' And it was the same voice as the night before so Papa realised that Jesus had been visited after all. The sparkle came back into his eyes and he smiled happily. Coloured illustrations help the reader to understand the text.
August 25, 2025
“
So it had been just a dream after all.
Jesus had not come.
Then all at once he knew that he was no longer alone in the room.
This was not dream for he was wide awake. At first he seemed to see before his eyes the long stream of people who had come to him that day. He saw again the old road sweeper, the young mother and her baby and the beggars he had fed. As they passed, each whispered, “Didn’t you see me, Papa Panov?”
“Who are you?” he called out, bewildered.
Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream – the voice of Jesus.
“I was hungry and you fed me,” he said. “I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed.”
Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov’s heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.
“So he did come after all!” was all that he said.
~ Leo Tolstoy, Papa Panov’s Special Christmas.
So it had been just a dream after all.
Jesus had not come.
Then all at once he knew that he was no longer alone in the room.
This was not dream for he was wide awake. At first he seemed to see before his eyes the long stream of people who had come to him that day. He saw again the old road sweeper, the young mother and her baby and the beggars he had fed. As they passed, each whispered, “Didn’t you see me, Papa Panov?”
“Who are you?” he called out, bewildered.
Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream – the voice of Jesus.
“I was hungry and you fed me,” he said. “I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed.”
Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov’s heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.
“So he did come after all!” was all that he said.
~ Leo Tolstoy, Papa Panov’s Special Christmas.
December 25, 2023
He should have given them all a good thrashing for Tolstoy was a count and an idiot (same difference)… Merry Christmas!
December 6, 2025
I may have read this before. At any rate, this is a good story to read at Christmas time (I read it for my reading series). Here, Panov, a cobbler, dreams that Jesus has come to him and promises to pay him a visit- just not in a way he might expect. So Panov, looking forward to a special Christmas, waits and, while keeping a watch, helps others in need of assistance. It's a charming story with a good message- not just for the holidays but any time.
December 31, 2023
At just 16 pages in length, this heartwarming tale about a lonely shoemaker, reflects the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for all ages.
Thanks to Rosh for the link, and here is that link if you want to read it for yourself. https://americanliterature.com/author...
Thanks to Rosh for the link, and here is that link if you want to read it for yourself. https://americanliterature.com/author...
October 31, 2023
Netgalley Arc
This is a retelling of how Jesus comes to visit someone through other people. The illustrations are gorgeous and make you feel like you are right in winter. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift.
This is a retelling of how Jesus comes to visit someone through other people. The illustrations are gorgeous and make you feel like you are right in winter. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift.
December 20, 2017
A sweet Christmas story about serving others. Followed on quite nicely from A Christmas Carol.
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