Moridad, the Christmas Rat

Since Joseph decided that the Christmas rat was one of his favorite Christmas traditions (which is what he shares with the people he meets in the Czech Republic!), I decided to write a story about a Christmas rat. I dedicate this story to Joseph! See Moridad's picture below!

Moridad, the Christmas Rat

By Brent W. Schindler

Things were scary and exciting that night. Moridad scurried under the pile of timbers.

Moridad quietly looked out at the people who were coming to his town. Why? He did not know. More people meant more food. Moridad also knew that he would need to be careful. Most people did not like him and would try to hurt him if they saw him. Being a rat in this small village was not safe – but if he was careful, he would be able to find lots of food with all of these people around!

It was an odd time for people to be coming to his village. The weather was not good. But Maridad didn’t mind – because he had a dry, warm nest underneath a quiet stable in the outskirts of the village. He had built his nest underneath the small manger – where nobody would find him! He quietly saved his precious, shiny treasures in his nest which he collected throughout his daily searches for food.

More people meant more food – and more treasures! And these people brought many of the gold coins that he especially loved to collect! They were shiny and round – and made his nest look – exquisite!

Moridad knew he could not trust people. Whenever people saw him, they would chase him or try to hurt him. He learned how to be sly and quiet as he made his daily rounds looking for food and treasures.

It was a busy night. There were people all over! He still doesn’t know why he did what he did. The woman was so beautiful and her eyes were so kind. Somehow, he knew that she would not hurt him.

He watched from under the timber as the tired man lead the donkey on which the woman rode. They were going from inn to inn – trying to find a place to stay. The people of the village were rude to them. They treated them rudely. “There is no room here!” the rat heard the innkeeper say. They treated this young couple like Moridad was usually treated.

Not understanding why he did so, Maridad boldly slipped out from behind his protection and stood close to the woman. “Joseph, I think we should follow that rat,” the young lady said. “I think he knows where we should go.” Maridad could tell that the woman was going to have a baby. While Maridad had never done anything like this before, he felt happy and he felt safe. He led his new friends to HIS nest. He led them to his quiet, dry stable!

That night, the nice lady had her baby. The manger was dry and was a beautiful place to place a new baby. Maridad brought out some of his most special treasures from his nest. The beauty of his treasures seemed to please his new friends – who were very kind to Maridad. The man even shared some of his food with Maridad!

That night, some shepherds came to visit the young baby. There were strange lights in the sky and in the stable that night and many happy voices.

While Maridad didn’t understand the importance of that night, he was happy as he shared his manger and his treasures with his new friends on that special night.