CH-58/I-108  BABUSHKA’S STORY

A Russian Christmas Legend

Grandmother Babushka brings gifts to the children of Russia each Christmas Eve.  She is an important "gift-giver" there and her story has become a well-known Christmas legend.  Why does she wander from home to home, sneaking up the stairs, examining each child's sleeping face, and leaving three gifts beside each pillow?  Because she is seaching for the Christ-Child! 

This story-poem tells how the shepherds, while following the star, stop at Babushka's door and invite her to journey with them.  She is tempted, but decides to enjoy her bed and warm fire instead.  She tells the shepherds she will come to the stable in the morning.  Sadly, when she finally reaches the manger, she is too late and no one is there.  In Russian legend, Babushka will forever wander the country, search for the baby Jesus, and leave gifts in his honor.

What a wonderful way to explore another's county's folklore and understand that Christmas is celebrated in many ways and in many different places!

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Some sample text from the RT version:

READER 1: In Russia – many, many years ago,
A grandmother, sheltered away from the snow,
Sat comfy and warm.

READER 2: She had no desire,
But to snuggle in bed by a crackling fire!

READER 3: Her name was Babushka, content near the heat,
She’d eaten her fill and now warmed her feet.

READER 4: The dishes were done, she’d swept up the floor,
When suddenly there was a knock at her door.

READER 5: And outside that door stood shepherds and sheep.
The shepherds said,

READER 6/SHEPHERD: Grandma, you can’t go to sleep!
Please join us, Babushka, so old and so wise,
Together we’ll find where a baby prince lies.

READER 7/SHEPHERD: He’s come here to rule and to spread the good news,
To tell us we all have a path we can choose,
To help us discover a new point of view,
And teach all of us to be loving and true.

READER 8/SHEPHERD: He sleeps in a manger, lit by a star.
Come join us, Babushka, and travel afar.
To help us discover a new point of view,
And teach all of us to be loving and true.

Continued...

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CH: The Choral Reading/Speaking version of this script has been formatted for ALL, ALL GIRLS, ALL BOYS, 3 SOLO GIRL READERS, and 3 SOLO BOY READERS.

RT: The Readers Theater version of this script has read-aloud parts for 10 readers, including character lines for Babushka and five shepherds.

A Value-Added Package (One title, two script versions):  When you purchase this title, you receive both the Choral Reading/Speaking version and the Readers Theater version of this title.

Script length: 5 pages of read-aloud text.  For sample CH pages, please click HERE.  For sample RT pages, please click HERE.