4.6 Papa Panov’s Special Christmas – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Leo Tolstoy (adapted)

Genre: Short Story / Inspirational Tale

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The story Papa Panov’s Special Christmas is about an old shoemaker in a Russian village. On Christmas Eve, he feels lonely and recalls happier times with his late wife and children. He reads the Bible and dreams that Jesus will visit him on Christmas Day. Excited, he keeps watch all day. Instead of Jesus, different people come to his door—a road sweeper, a poor mother with a baby, and beggars. Papa Panov kindly gives them hot coffee, soup, bread, and even the best shoes he had made for Jesus to the baby. As the day ends, he feels disappointed that Jesus did not come. But in a vision, he realises that Jesus had visited him in the form of all those needy people he helped. He understands the true spirit of Christmas—serving others with love and compassion.

Theme / Central Idea

The story teaches that serving the needy is the same as serving God. Love, kindness, and compassion are the true meanings of Christmas and life.

Character Sketches

Papa Panov

• Kind-hearted and generous shoemaker.

• Felt lonely but found joy in helping others.

• Compassionate towards the poor and needy.

• Learned the true spirit of Christmas through his actions.

The Sweeper

• Poor and cold on Christmas morning.

• Surprised by Papa Panov’s kindness.

• Grateful for the hot coffee and cheer.

The Young Mother

• Tired and poor, carrying a baby.

• Struggled without money for shoes.

• Received warmth, food, and shoes for her baby from Papa Panov.

  
  

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Papa Panov wanted to help the needy.”

   Infinitive: to help – shows purpose.

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Papa Panov gave the shoes to the baby.

   Passive: The shoes were given to the baby by Papa Panov.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must show kindness to the poor.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Jesus said, “I came to you today in everyone you helped.”

   Indirect: Jesus said that he had come to him that day in everyone he had helped.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Papa Panov made the best shoes of his life.

   Question: What did Papa Panov make best in his life?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why do you admire Papa Panov?

   I admire Papa Panov because he was kind and generous. Even in poverty and loneliness, he helped others with love and compassion.

   
   

2. What lesson does the story give us about festivals?

   The story teaches that festivals are not only for celebration but also for sharing and caring. True joy comes from helping those in need.

   
   

3. Why do you think Jesus appeared in the form of needy people?

   Jesus appeared in the form of needy people to teach that serving humanity is serving God. Helping the poor is the greatest form of devotion.

   
   

4. What would you have done if you were in Papa Panov’s place?

   If I were in Papa Panov’s place, I would also share food and warmth with the needy. Their smiles would be the greatest gift in return

   
   

5. How does kindness make the world better?

   Kindness makes the world better because it spreads love and hope. Small acts of compassion can change someone’s life and inspire others to help.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Papa Panov was a shoemaker in a Russian village. → True

2. Papa Panov ignored the poor people who came to his door. → False (He helped them all.)

3. Papa Panov gave away the special shoes he had saved for Jesus. → True

4. Jesus never came to Papa Panov in any form. → False (He came in the form of the needy.)

5. The story teaches that love and service are the true spirit of Christmas. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What was Papa Panov’s dream on Christmas Eve?

   He dreamt that Jesus would visit him on Christmas Day, so he eagerly waited for Him.

   
   

2. How did Papa Panov help the people who came to his door?

   He gave coffee to the sweeper, soup and bread to beggars, and shoes to the young mother’s baby.

   
   

3. Why did Papa Panov give the special shoes to the baby?

   He saw the baby’s cold feet and realised that kindness to the poor was more important than saving the shoes.

   
   

4. How did Jesus finally appear to Papa Panov?

   Jesus appeared in a vision, telling him that He had come in the form of the people whom Papa Panov had helped.

   
   

5. What message does Papa Panov’s Special Christmas give?

   The story teaches that true religion is love and service to humanity. Helping the needy is the greatest way to honour God.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Papa Panov’s Special Christmas by Leo Tolstoy is a heartwarming story about kindness, compassion, and true faith. The character of Papa Panov shows that even small acts of generosity bring great joy. The story beautifully connects the Christmas spirit with service to others. Its ending gives a powerful message that Jesus lives in every needy person we help. It is memorable because it inspires readers to practise humanity and spread happiness through love.

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