The Best Christmas Present in the World Summary

Summary

The author begins the narrative by purchasing an inexpensive roll-top table from a trash shop. Although it was in poor condition, the author planned to rehabilitate it. On Christmas Eve, he began repairing it. The table was manufactured of oak in the nineteenth century. The drawers were severely damaged by fire and water. When the author opened the last drawer, he discovered a secret area. There was a little tin box in the hidden area. 'Jim's final letter, received January 25, 1915,' was scrawled on the top of that box. To be buried with me when the time comes. Inside the tin box was an envelope addressed to 'Mrs. Jim Macpherson 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport.' The envelope was dated December 26, 1914.

The author started reading the letter. It was written to his wife Connie by Jim Macpherson, an English army commander. He had described a lovely occurrence that occurred on the battlefield on Christmas Day. It was Christmas Eve and England and Germany were at odds. Both troops were entrenched in their respective trenches. Suddenly, he noticed someone waving a white flag from the German side. He overheard German troops greeting them with Merry Christmas. Some English troops wished them the same thing. Surprisingly, they noticed German troops approaching them, which frightened Captain Macpherson. He suspected it was a ruse. The German soldiers, on the other hand, brought tinned meals and alcohol.

The troops were embracing and greeting one another. The German officer, Hans Wolf, shook hands with Macpherson. Wolf introduced himself as a Dusseldorf native who played cello in an orchestra. Macpherson introduced himself as a Dorset native and schoolteacher. Hans Wolf informed him he knew English and that Thomas Hardy was his favourite author. He mentioned Dorset in his book, "Far from the Madding Crowd." As a result, he knew a lot about Dorset. Macpherson offered him the cake that his wife, Connie, had sent him.

The troops enjoyed playing football together. They all loved the meal and beverages after the game. After all of this, they reluctantly returned to their trenches. Later that night, both troops sang Carols for a time before becoming silent. He said that these memories will be treasured for the rest of his life and that he hoped the war would finish soon.

The author chose to return the letter to Mrs. Macpherson after reading it. He proceeded to her house in Bridport, Dorset, and discovered it had been burned down. Mrs. Macpherson, 101, was inside the house when it caught fire. The author learns that Mrs. Macpherson is in a nursing home. He discovers her seated on a chair. Her eyes lit up as he called her Connie and handed the letter to her. With tears in her eyes, she clenched his hand in hers and told him that her Jim preserved the promise. She also had the author sit near her and chatted passionately with him for an extended time. She described it as the nicest Christmas present ever.

Conclusion

War can only produce hatred and devastation between two nations, but a small act of compassion and understanding can improve everything for everyone. The Finest Christmas Present in the World lesson focuses on how two armies join together joyously to enjoy Christmas rather than hate one another, and it ends up being one of the finest Christmases of their lives.

The narrator's decision to give Mrs. Macpherson the letters he found on his desk, which makes her happy because it's her last surviving recollection of her late husband, also stands out in the story as an example of his generosity and compassion. Sometimes all it takes to make someone joyful is a little bit of compassion and understanding.

Moral of the Story

This tale shows us that misery and rage are always the by-products of war and conflict. The things that can keep everyone pleased are celebrations and discussions. War should be avoided, and we should work to keep the peace. A guy may engage in numerous conflicts during his life, but serenity is ultimately what will provide him the most happiness.