One unusual Christmas story is about a family who found a reindeer in their backyard on Christmas Eve. Instead of being scared, they welcomed it in. They discovered it had a hurt leg, so they nursed it back to health. That Christmas, they had an unexpected and magical guest. They named the reindeer Sparkle, and it stayed with them until it was fully recovered. It was a Christmas they would never forget.
An unusual Christmas story could be the one where a lonely old man lived in a big, empty house. On Christmas, he was visited by a group of carolers who got lost in the snow. He invited them in, and they shared a simple meal. In return, they decided to stay and decorate his house with whatever they could find. By the end of the day, the old man's house was filled with laughter, and for the first time in years, he felt the true spirit of Christmas.
A unique message. In an unusual Christmas story, the moral or the message it conveys might be something other than the common ones about family and giving. It could be about finding hope in the most desolate situations, or how an outcast can bring a new kind of Christmas spirit. For instance, a grumpy character who learns to love Christmas through an extraordinary encounter on Christmas day.
The shepherds can also be considered unusual characters. They were just ordinary people, out in the fields, doing their normal jobs when suddenly angels appeared to them. And they left their flocks to go and see the newborn Savior, which was a big deviation from their routine work.
Unusual characters play a big part. Imagine a Christmas story where the reindeer can talk and they go on strike for better working conditions. Also, a strange plot twist, like all the Christmas presents turning into live animals overnight, would make a story very unusual.
Once there was a cat that learned to play fetch like a dog. It all started when the cat saw a neighbor's dog having so much fun playing fetch. The cat was intrigued and started bringing its little toys to its owner, dropping them at their feet and waiting for them to throw it. At first, the owner was shocked but soon started playing along. It became a daily routine and the cat seemed to really enjoy this unusual behavior for a cat.
For the shepherds, it's their encounter with angels that makes them unusual. Angels are celestial beings, and for these simple shepherds to have such a direct and supernatural experience, it sets them apart. They were then led by the angels' message to visit the Messiah, which was a life - changing event for them.
One unusual character is the Magi. They were wise men from the East. They followed a star to find the baby Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
There was a mouse and a cat in a small house. Normally, cats and mice are enemies, but this cat, named Tom, was different. He was old and lazy. The mouse, Jerry, was a curious little thing. One day, Jerry accidentally fell into a bucket and couldn't get out. Tom saw this and instead of eating Jerry, he gently pulled him out with his paw. After that, they became friends. Jerry would sometimes bring Tom small bits of cheese he found, and Tom would let Jerry run around without chasing him. It was an odd friendship, but it worked for them.
Mind control in Christmas stories can also be used in a more positive way. Maybe an elf has the power of mind control and uses it to make the reindeer work together more efficiently to deliver presents. It can be a creative device to drive the plot forward and show the magic that is often associated with Christmas.
Well, it depends. If Vera has a certain pattern or style of storytelling, then this might be unusual. But if she's known for being diverse, then maybe not.
In Italy, there's a tradition of the 'Urna dei Befana'. The Befana is an old woman who, on the night of January 5th (Epiphany Eve), brings gifts to children. She is said to be a witch - like figure who rides a broomstick. It's quite different from the typical Santa Claus we know in other cultures. She fills children's stockings with candies and small gifts if they've been good, and coal or onions if they've been bad.