Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - Cozy Christmas Bedtime Stories

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Starting point is 00:00:46 please go to sleepcove.com slash support. That's sleepcove.com slash support. If you can't support the show right now, please subscribe with a bell to get alerts on all new free content thank you have you ever gazed in wonder at the great pyramid have you marvelled at the golden face of Tudankhamun

Starting point is 00:01:16 or admired the delicate features of Queen Nefertiti if you have you'll probably like the History of Egypt podcast every week we explore tales of this ancient culture The history of Egypt is available wherever you get your podcasting fix. Come, let me introduce you to the world of ancient Egypt. Hi friends, it's Christopher here, and tonight I'm reading out some cozy Victorian Christmas stories. These stories really reminded me of Charles Dickens. So if you like those type of period stories, I'm sure you'll really enjoy these ones too.

Starting point is 00:02:05 I've put relaxing fire sounds in the background to give you that warm and cozy feeling. But if you would prefer a version without music, it's now available on Sleepcove Premium at Sleepcove.com slash support. If you have any stories you would like to hear this time of year, let me know in the review or comment section. I would love to know what you want to hear next. So please remember to subscribe. and follow the show, and let's begin. What happened, Christmas Eve.

Starting point is 00:02:46 It was Christmas Eve, and the frost fairies were busy getting ready for Christmas Day. First of all, they spread the loveliest white snow carpet over the rough bare ground. Then they hung the bushes and trees with ice-a-carpet, with ice-carpet. that flashed like diamonds in the moonlight. Later on, they planned to draw beautiful frost pictures on the window panes to surprise their little children in the morning. The stars shone brightly and the moon sent floods of light in every nook and corner.

Starting point is 00:03:35 How could anyone think of things of sleeping when there was such a glory outside. Jessica and Fred had gone to bed very early, so they might be the first to shout, Merry Christmas. But their eyes would not stay shut. Oh dear, it must be most morning, said Fred. Let us creep softly downstairs, and maybe we'll catch Santa Claus before he rides off.

Starting point is 00:04:13 Hand in hand, they tiptoed to the dining room and peaked out the big window. Surely, surely, that was something climbing up the roof of Cousin'allie's house. It must be old Santa. Fred gave a chuckle of delight To be sure the reindeer were very queer-looking objects And the sleigh was such a funny shape But their children were satisfied The old fir tree

Starting point is 00:04:52 Whose high branches almost touched the roof Knew all about those shadows but it was so old no one could ever understand a word of the many tales it told there's something scratching on the door whispered Jesse but it was only a mouse

Starting point is 00:05:18 who had sniffed the delightful odours of the Christmas goodies and was trying his best to find a way into the pantry and test them with his sharp teeth, said Jesse. We'll turn to icicles if we stay here much longer, so upstairs they quickly scampered. Papa had been to town on an errand,

Starting point is 00:05:51 so it was quite late when he came home. As he was hunting in his pockets for his key, he heard a pitiful cry and looking down he saw a big white cat carrying a tiny kitten in her mouth poor thing said Papa you shall come inside till morning

Starting point is 00:06:16 Santa Claus had been there with the nicest wagon for Fred and a warm sealskin cap that lay right in the middle of it. When Papa left the room, Puss and her kitty were cooled up comfortably on the rug, singing their sleepy song.

Starting point is 00:06:42 The sun was shining brightly in the dining room window when Jesse and Fred made their appearance. Then Fred just laughed with delight for right in the crown of his new cap lay the cutest white kitten with big blue eyes and wee pink nose. While stand in's close by, as if to guard her darling from danger, was good old mother pus. I never had a live Christmas present before, said Fred. Now I know Santa Claus read the letter I threw up the chimney,

Starting point is 00:07:26 because I told him to bring me a kitten, and here it is. Papa smiled and looked at Mama, and then everyone said, Merry Christmas, at once, Susie's Christmas present. Ted is a story, Nursey, please do, begged two little golden-head girls, as they snuggled on the soft rug before the fire. Did you ever have just what you wished for at Christmas when you were a little girl? Yes, I did once. I was the oldest, and had two brothers and three little sisters. We did not have a beautiful home like this. We lived in a little cottage. It was pretty, though,

Starting point is 00:08:23 in the summertime when the roses and pinks were in bloom. My father had passed away and mother worked for rich people around the village. There was plenty to do about holiday times. It was the day before Christmas. Mother was at the house of a very rich and kind lady. She was going to have a grand party in the evening. Mother told me when she went away to mind the children and perhaps I might have a nice Christmas present. I knew we should have plenty of candy and cake and other nice

Starting point is 00:09:06 things from Mrs. Reed's. We often had pretty clothes too, that Mammy and Robbie Reed had outgrown. I'd been wishing for a muff, but I knew Mother could not afford to buy me one. It was hard enough even to get shoes for us all. I thought I should be satisfied with mittens. It was quite dark and we all sat around the fire. I had rocked, Tiddy to sleep and put her to bed. Willie and Joe were playing Cat's cradle. The rest of us were making believe we were rich and could have all we wanted for Christmas. All at once, there was a heavy step on the porch and a knock at the door. I opened it with Margie and Amy clinging to my dress.

Starting point is 00:10:09 A boy shoved a big box into the room and shouted, A Merry Christmas to you. He then ran out of the gate. The box had all our names on the cupboard. and the children were wild to see what was inside. Wait till mother comes, I said, and pretty soon we heard her at the gate. She seemed surprised, and said Santa had remembered us early.

Starting point is 00:10:40 Mother advised us to go to bed and wait until morning to see our presence. It was pretty hard, but we had some oranges and candy, and I put the boys to bed. Margie and I wondered and guessed what was in the box, but at last we fell asleep. You may be sure we were up early in the morning. There were dolls and toys for the little ones, with hoods and mittens,

Starting point is 00:11:12 and for me a lovely squirrel muff, lined with blue with a soft little bower for my neck. I was a happy girl that Christmas I can tell you. And now, my dears, you must go to bed or Santa Claus will not be able to find your stockings. Oh, I hope I shall have what I want tomorrow, said Gracie. And I too, echoed Helen. And your story was very nice, nursery. Good night, and call us early in the morning.

Starting point is 00:11:54 Santa Claus's letter. Christmas was coming. Jamie and Ted had already began to write long letters to Santa Claus. But one thing was rather odd. Both boys asked for the same things. Each little letter ended with, just like brothers. They agreed to only ask for one sled. they would rather write together.

Starting point is 00:12:27 Now was not this very sweet and loving. One night, after they had gone to bed, Jamie said, Ted, if Santa Claus brings his skates, Jim can teach us how to use them. Oh yes, and if we get firmittance, it will be such fun to make a fault. And a snowman,

Starting point is 00:12:52 Jamie answered. Ted went, oh, I'll always ride the sled down a hill, and you can ride it up. I guess you won't. Jamie said, speaking loudly, why not? Ted asked, because it will be as much as my sled as yours. Yes, of course, Ted replied, but I chose it first. You're a selfish boy. said Jamie. Well then, so are you, replied Ted.

Starting point is 00:13:28 I don't care. I won't sleep with you. I'll ask Mama if I can't have the first pick. I'm the biggest, brought Jamie bounding out of his bed. You're a big cross-cry baby. Ted shouted, jumping out after his brother. Away ran Jamie to Mama, with Ted at his. his heels. Both were angry, both talked at once. Mother was grieved. Her dear little boys had never been so unkind to each other before. She kissed their hot faces and stroked their pretty

Starting point is 00:14:10 hair. She told them how their naughty words hurt her. She showed them how displeased God was to see two little brothers quarrel. That night they went to sleep in each other's arms, full of love and forgiveness. Christmas morning came at last. Very early, the boys crept out of bed just to feel their stockings. Papa heard them, and remembering that he was once a boy lighted to the gas. Each little red stocking was full from toe to top Boxes and paper parcels were piled around them Such shouting, such a good time It seemed as if all their letters had been answered

Starting point is 00:15:07 Suddenly Jamie cried Oh Ted, here's a letter They put their little heads together and with Papa's help, spell this out. My dear little boys, no sled this year. It quarreled so I was afraid to bring it. I dropped it off the load about a week ago. Get ready for it next year.

Starting point is 00:15:35 Merry Christmas. Santa Claus. A ragged Christmas feast. On Christmas Day, there is a great feast in Dublin. This, you know, is the cheap city of Ireland. The feast is made for the children. There are in that city a great many little ones who are very, very poor. There are kind people there, also who look after these poor children.

Starting point is 00:16:14 They have what they call ragged schools, where many of them are taught to read and to sow, and other useful things. Dr. Nellaton is a famous minister in Dublin, and every year he, with other good people, gets up this great feast for the children. About 800 of them came last year. Some of these were only half-clad, and all were very ragged.

Starting point is 00:16:47 They were seated at long narrow tables, and which were covered with white cloth. The children from the ragged schools wore aprons in bright colours to hide their rags. Each school had a colour of its own. These aprons were only lent to them for the day, and the children felt very fine in them. But there were two long rows without any aprons.

Starting point is 00:17:18 These were the little ones who had been picked up along the streets Each ragged sconeer had permission to bring all the children he could find And oh how ragged and dirty these two were But they brightened up just like the children with aprons When they saw the feast A huge mug of steaming tea And an immense bun to each child Rarely did they have such a treat as this, and how they did eat.

Starting point is 00:17:55 Each child had all he wanted. It would have done you good to see their poor, pinched faces beam with delight. During the meal a large throng of orphaned children in the gallery sung some sweet songs. Then after the feast there were small gifts and little speeches and prayers and more songs. Their little ragged ones seemed like new beings in this atmosphere of love. Such a glad day as that Christmas was a rare event in their sad lives. Children who live in happy homes know little about the suffering of the for perhaps if they knew more such little ones would try harder by gifts and kind oaks to carry sunshine to sorrowful hearts

Starting point is 00:18:57 little christmas carolus we are a band of carolus we march through frost and snow but care not for the weather as on our way we go at every hall or cottage that stands upon on our way. We stop to give the people best wishes for the day. We pray a Merry Christmas, made bright by Christmas cheer, with peace and hope and gladness, and all they may hold dear. And for all those that happen to pass us on our way, we have a smile and wish them a Merry Christmas Day.

Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - Cozy Christmas Bedtime Stories

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