Reblogged from Smorgasbord, a seasonal story from Tori Zigler, whose dog, Lilie, was Ani’s Advent guest today:

Stories have always played a part in Christmas celebrations and over the next few weeks I would like to share your festive tales… and you can find details of how to participate at the end of the post.

Delighted to share a story by Victoria Zigler today, from the book Ulrike’s Christmas and you can find details of how to buy this book and Victoria’s many other children’s books after her story.

The Tinsel Story by Victoria Zigler

Many years ago, in a tiny but neat little cottage at the edge of a small village, there lived a very poor family. They had so little food that there were times when they went to bed with empty bellies, and the clothes on their backs had seen better days. But they were a kind family, who were always willing to share what little they did have if they felt someone else’s need was greater than their own, and if they had something to share, of course.

Because they were so poor, each member of the family, right down to the very youngest child, had to work hard every single day. Those that were old enough would do what they could each and every day to try and scrape together enough money to pay the bills and put food on the table. But it was never quite enough, and the only reason they even had the luxury of a fire was because the little village where they lived was surrounded by woods, and the youngest children, who were too small to have a trade, would help by gathering sticks and things to burn, and sometimes to sell to people who were too busy – or possibly too lazy – to gather their own firewood.

Continue reading at Smorgasbord