Hello friends! As has become a bit of a tradition here on the podcast,

listeners send me Christmas stories that they'd like me to read.

And this year I'll be reading the Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grim.

Previously in episode 291, about at the 30 minute mark, I read how the Grinch stole Christmas,

and in episode 600, it was the night before Christmas. Whether you celebrate Christmas,

another holiday or no holiday at all, I hope you enjoy this. I read this today for Isabel.

The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grim. A shoemaker by no fault of his own

had become so poor that at last he had nothing left but leather for one pair of shoes.

So in the evening he cut out the shoes which he wished to begin to make the next morning.

And as he had a good conscience, he lay down quietly in his bed,

commended himself to God, and fell asleep.

In the morning, after he set his prayers and was just going to sit down to work,

the two shoes stood quite finished on his table. He was astounded and knew not what to say to it.

He took the shoes in his hands to observe them closer.

And they were so neatly made that there was not one bad stitch in them.

Just as if they were intended as a masterpiece.

Soon after, a buyer came in, and as the shoes pleased him so well,

he paid more for them than was customary. And with the money, the shoemaker was able to

purchase leather for two pairs of shoes. He cut them out at night, and next morning was about

to set to work with fresh courage. But he had no need to do so. For when he got up,

they were already made, and buyers also were not wanting, who gave him money enough to buy

leather for four pairs of shoes. The following morning too, he found the four pairs made,

...