Summary of The Best Christmas Present in the World
The Best Christmas Present In The World Summary – Michael Morpurgo wrote the story “The Best Christmas Present in the World.” In this story, the author buys a roll-top table from a junk shop and begins restoring it on Christmas Eve. While repairing it, he discovers a secret space in the final drawer. He discovers a letter in the tin box written by Jim Macpherson, an English Army captain, to his wife Connie. It described an incident that occurred on the battlefield on Christmas Day, 1914. On that day, German and English soldiers celebrated Christmas together, forgetting about their rivalry and the fact that they were at war. They had a football match and sang carols at night. The author delivered this letter to Mrs. Macpherson at the hospital and gave her the best Christmas present in the world.
The Best Christmas Present in the World Summary in English
The story begins when the author purchases a cheap roll-top table from a junk shop. Despite its poor condition, the author hoped to restore it. When the author pulled out the last drawer, he discovered a secret space. On top of that box, it read, ‘Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. Inside the tin box was an envelope addressed to Mrs. Jim Macpherson at 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport.
It was written by Jim Macpherson, an English army captain, to his wife, Connie. He had described a beautiful incident that occurred on the battlefield on Christmas Day. It was Christmas, and the English and Germans were at war. He suddenly saw someone waving a white flag from the German side.
He overheard German soldiers wish them a Merry Christmas. Some English soldiers wished them the same thing. Surprisingly, they noticed German soldiers approaching them, which alarmed Captain MacPherson. The German soldiers delivered canned meat and wine. Hans Wolf, a German officer, shook hands with Macpherson.
Macpherson informed him that he was from Dorset and a schoolteacher. Hans Wolf informed him that he knew English and that Thomas Hardy is his favorite writer. Macpherson offered him the cake sent by his wife, Connie. After reading the letter, the author chose to return it to Mrs. Macpherson. Mrs.
Macpherson, 101 years old, was inside the house during the fire. The author learns that Mrs. Macpherson is in a nursing home. When he called her Connie and returned the letter, her eyes shone. She took his hand, eyes filled with tears, and told him that Jim kept his promise. She made the author sit beside her and spent a long time talking lovingly with him.
Conclusion of The Best Christmas Present in the World
She claimed that it is the best Christmas present in the world. The story claims that war causes only destruction and sadness in the world.
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 English Vistas – The Tiger King Summary