The Christmas Present

by Richmal Crompton

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An early short story by the famous British writer.

Genres: Short Stories, Holiday

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2010

About the author

Richmal Crompton Lamburn was initially trained as a schoolmistress but later became a popular English writer, best known for her Just William series of books, humorous short stories, and to a lesser extent adult fiction books.

Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society's ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant.

Reviews

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I arranged my thoughts on this short story into a haiku:

"A peaceful marriage
Purchased with isolation,
Cannot have much warmth."

[Cynthia Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story was so lovely. It was quite short, and yet it managed to make such a strong point about so many marriages that men rush into just to have a maid they needn’t pay for.
Mary Clay has been married for ten years. Her husband likes to have her at his beck and call. She longs for a reprieve, but what reprieve can there be?
One Christmas, Mary’s aunt, Jane, who raised her after her own mother died, gives Mary a very special Christmas present.
The author keeps stressing that Mary is a silent woman. She enjoys silence, hates talking, and relishes quiet time. The Christmas present is particularly suited to her needs.
Straightaway I liked Mary Clay. She was an introvert, wanting a wee bit of time for herself at the end of a long day filled with never-ending chores and no help at all. At the close of a day spent working hard, all she wanted to do was sew or read, certainly not talk. Impossible though, with a husband who barked orders and complained, summoning her to do things he could certainly do himself.
I liked the aunt too. I particularly loved her “pent-up merriment of years.”
I enjoyed this one and look forward to reading the author’s work.

[Forked Radish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence is golden, silenced is platinum.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of a dog I once had. Thing couldn't hear until someone opened the refrigerator or poured his food. Dumb thing. Loved that dog though.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding short story about a woman who gets a most unusual gift from her aunt.