WHEN A SMALL PACKAGE arrived in my mailbox on Tuesday with a Merry Christmas! From: Santa Faribault, MN 55021 return address, I had no clue what I would find therein.
But, oh, the sweetness of this surprise moved me to tears at the thoughtfulness of the mysterious Santa who clearly read my recent post, “Passing a love of books onto the next generation.” In that post I reference a favorite childhood storybook, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and my regret at not purchasing a copy spotted at a Pequot Lakes antique shop.
That reader took my post to heart and sent me a vintage copy of Three Billy Goats Gruff. See why I’m thrilled with this unexpected gift. This individual gifted me with a book that I hold dear.
Now, rereading this story as an adult, I like it even more:
I’m not afraid,” said Little Billy. And up onto the bridge he ran—trip-trippety-trip!
This fairy tale of three billy goats attempting to cross a bridge under which a mean troll lives inspires bravery. The trio outwits the troll and gets safely to the other side and a hillside of lush grass. The empowering message of strength and courage proves as applicable for children as for adults.
As to the identity of Santa, I have only a few clues—the name NANCY ANN OLSON stamped inside and that Faribault postmark and return address. I don’t know any Nancy Olsons. The giver could be someone other than an Olson. Or it could be Nancy. I have no idea.
But to you, dear anonymous Santa reader, please know that your gift of Three Billy Goats Gruff touched me deeply. I am grateful for your kindness, which truly exemplifies the spirit of giving. Thank you. And Merry Christmas!
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
My favorite book since age 4 was “Nurse Nancy”. A coworker gifted me an old copy in great condition over 30 years ago. It is one of my treasures.
Enjoy your book.
Nancy Keech Graumann
You were blessed by your co-worker, just like me. Thank you for sharing this story of kindness. We need more of this in today’s world.
This is so awesome – what a sweet surprise. Such a classic book too.
The surprise arrival of the package with this treasured book inside truly brought me joy.
So Sweet!
Precisely.
How sweet!
DISCLAIMER: I always rooted for the troll. 🙂
You did? Seriously? Greg…
Seriously, the first story I ever wrote (it wasn’t that good) was a sympathetic take on the troll.
Alright then.
How Wonderful and Oh Such a Nice Surprise 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy!
Definitely made my day, that sweet and thoughtful gift from Santa.
Such a nice and thoughtful surprise for you. I LOVED reading this story to my kids when they were little, I wonder if they remember it. I remember changing my voice to a low loud, “Trip trap, trip trap”. Enjoy your sweet treasure.
That “trip trap, trip trap” is written for the type of interpretation you gave it. I can’t wait to read Three Billy Goats Gruff to Izzy.
What a beautiful gesture for a very deserving recipient!
It was. And thank you.
It’s always good to know when your are on Santa’s NICE list! Oh the memories that books can bring back. My grandpa/grandma would read me this book when I was a wee youngster, and I am sure that Izzy will enjoy it too. Whom ever you secret Santa may be, they done good!!!
I look forward to reading the Three Billy Goats Gruff to Izzy. And, yes, my secret Santa done good.
What a great surprise. Our twin 4-year-old grandsons just discovered how fun the library can be and love to check out books.
What fun those two will have now that they’ve discovered the library.
There were a lot more Billy Goats in our younger days and Trolls.
Hmmmm…I’m uncertain what you mean by that, Leland.
Many of our neighbors had goats when I was a youngster. They were really good at jumping up on the hoods of car when you drove in their yard. They usually would slip and fall off but they felt a need to jump on cars, especially the Billy goats but they also peed on their whiskers.
Thanks for the explanation.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH,
Awesome!))))
Passing on the love to a beautiful person whom GIVES so much. xxxx
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, thank you, Kim.
What a lovely Christmas surprise!
It was. And I so appreciate the kindness of my readers (friends), including you.
I love the whole idea of surprising someone with a book at Christmas, in the mail. Such a great gesture.
I received the gift with surprise, gratitude and joy.