The Best Christmas Present in the World Summary of the Lesson

The narrator went to a junk shop in Bridport looking for a roll-top

desk. The junk-seller informed him that the desk he picked up was
made of oak. The narrator found it cheaper than the others he had
seen.

Although the desk was, not in proper shape yet he bought it and
started working on it. He took out the damaged cover.He observed
that water and fire took a toll. He opened the drawers easily but for
the last one, he had to apply force.

He took out a tin box with a note on it with instructions to bury the
letter with her. Out of curiosity, he read the letters that mention the
address of the lady Macpherson. It was written in pencil. He read the
letter.

Her husband was happily narrating an incident. It was Christmas

morning and they were standing in their trenches.

He observed a white flag waving from the side of German soldiers.

They called out ‘Happy Christmas’ loudly. Soldiers from his side also
wished them back cheerfully.

However,the air of confusion was offering them to share schnapps

and sausage. About twelve soldiers started coming towards them in
no man’s land. Initially, the narrator was apprehensive yet he made
no efforts to stop them.

He was rather happy that they were celebrating happiness with his
enemy soldiers. He further added that he liked the way the German
officer came towards him and introduced him.

He wished him ‘Happy Christmas’ and told him that he should play
the cello in the orchestra. Mr. Macpherson greeted him and replied
that he was a school teacher from Dorset. He shared rum and
sausage.

He spoke almost perfect English. He was surprised to see Dusseldorf

speaking good English and knew about Dorset where he never went.
The source of his information was from reading English books.

They discussed Bathsheba, Gabriel Oak, Sergeant Troy,and Dorset.

His family includes his wife and one son.

The letter read as the narrator had the best time with the enemy
celebrating. Next, the fun element was a game of football. They made
goalposts by pitting Greatcoats.

Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson wanted to resolve the differences and
would not harm their families. Macpherson was sure of winning a
game of cricket. The game was won by Germans and to his surprise,
Hans Wolf admitted that their goal was wider than theirs.

Soldiers of both the sides bade goodbye to each other and felt that
the night was a memorable one. They exchanged carols, ‘StilleNacht
from German’s side and While Shepherd’s Watched’ from England
side. Jim concluded the letter by saying that both armies wanted for
peace.

After reading the letter,the author couldn’t sleep and decided to

drive to Bridport. He asked a boy the address when he went there, an
old man told him that he knew about Ms. Macpherson.

Her house was burnt. She used – candles instead of electricity

considering it to be cheap. She was in a nursing home named
‘Burlington House’ on the Dorchester road.

When he entered he saw hallway and a lighted Christmas tree kept in

a corner with a lopsided angel on top. He asked for Mr.Macpherson
while waiting to observe that everyone in the dining room was singing
and wearing a paper hat.
The matron offered a mince pie and took him along the corridor.She ‘
told him that Mrs. Macpherson was not in with the others. She would
be happy to have a visitor as she didn’t have a family.

He saw an old lady sitting in a wheelchair. She folded hands in her lap.
Her hair was folded in a wispy bun. The visitor wished her Merry
Christmas Connie and gave her the tin box.

He described her how he discovered that. But she paid no heed to all
his conversation. Rather she was smiling. She came forward with
tearful eyes. He mistook him for her husband Jim.

She asked him to sit near her and read the letters himself. She wanted
to hear his voice. She told him that they would have for Christmas
cake and marzipan.