The poor Count's Christmas

In Short

Count Cormo is a wonderfully generous nobleman who dedicates his resources to making every neighborhood child happy on Christmas Day. Despite losing his fortune and selling his possessions to maintain the tradition, he resolves to part with his ancient family bedstead to host one final modest gathering. Unbeknownst to him, a kind-hearted young giant named Feldar and a clever fairy named Tillette overhear his plight. Transforming the holiday completely, they orchestrate a lavish surprise festival filled with restored treasures and unending joy, securing a bright future for them all.

The Story

Count Cormo and his wife live in a castle, having given away so much of their wealth to help the poor and local children that they now struggle to afford basic food and firewood. Yet, as Christmas approaches, the Count insists that they must continue their long-standing tradition of hosting a festive celebration with a Christmas-tree and presents for every child. When the Countess points out they have nothing left to give, the Count resolves to sell their historic, gold-inlaid family bedstead, despite the personal cost.

Meanwhile, a tall young giant named Feldar travels through the forest alongside a tiny fairy named Tillette. Feldar hopes to claim his share of his deceased grandfather's uncle’s inheritance. Stopping at the Count's castle, Tillette listens in on the couple's conversation and learns of their noble sacrifice. Moved with deep pity, the fairy and the giant discuss the tragedy of the situation as they journey onward to the grand castle of Omscrag.

Upon arrival, they discover that a greedy ninth cousin by marriage named Katofan has seized control of the estate, while a deceptive dividing-agent named Flipkrak tries to palm off worthless rubbish as inheritance shares. Feldar refuses to be cheated. He turns Flipkrak upside down to retrieve the vault key, boldly loads himself with bags of gold coins, and pockets a cluster of diamonds for Tillette. Recognizing that Katofan and his agent hoard wealth selfishly, Feldar decides to use a portion of his newfound riches to rescue Count Cormo.

On Christmas morning, a grand procession arrives at the castle gates, led by Feldar, Tillette, a band of musicians, and a long line of children in their best clothes. Though initially startled, the Count welcomes them in. Tillette guides the group to the long-abandoned great hall in the old wing of the castle, where Feldar has already set up a towering Christmas-tree adorned with glittering ornaments, useful articles, reclaimed family treasures, bags of heavy gold, and brilliant diamonds—all labeled as gifts from the children, Feldar, and Tillette.

Following the joyous gift-giving, the doors open to a magnificent banqueting-hall laden with enormous cakes, grand pies, and feast foods tailored for both the children and the giant. The celebration concludes with dancing, games, and singing, leaving the Count deeply moved. Unwilling to part with their extraordinary new friends, the Count and Countess invite Feldar and Tillette to stay. The Count adopts the young giant, securing a permanent home for Feldar in the castle's old wing. That night, as the couple retires upstairs, they discover their beloved family bedstead fully polished and restored to its place, bringing their most magical Christmas to a heartwarming close.

How It Unfolds

A fading noble tradition Count Cormo and his faithful wife sit beside a sparse, dying fire as Christmas approaches, lamenting their heavily depleted fortunes and complete lack of holiday provisions. Despite having sold almost everything they owned to fund past celebrations, the resolute Count declares he will sell his ancestral, gold-inlaid family bedstead so the neighborhood children can still experience a proper Christmas festival and receive their annual gifts.

An accidental eavesdropping While traveling across the countryside to claim a share of his late relative's estate, a towering young giant named Feldar carries a tiny, talkative fairy named Tillette upon his forefinger. During their journey, Tillette stops briefly at the Count's castle, secretly listens to the heartbreaking conversation about the bedstead, and reports back to Feldar with deep sorrow and empathy for their plight.

Claiming the inheritance The traveling companions eventually reach a grand castle where a greedy relative has hoarded the family wealth and a deceptive dividing-agent attempts to fob off worthless rubbish as rightful shares. Refusing to be cheated, Feldar seizes the agent by the heels to shake loose the vault key, successfully loading himself down with heavy bags of gold and brilliant diamonds for his journey.

A marvelous procession On bright Christmas morning, Feldar, Tillette, a lively band of musicians, and a massive line of well-dressed neighborhood children march in festive unity toward the Count's castle. Though initially startled by the sight of a giant approaching their home, the gracious Count welcomes them, and the fairy guides everyone across the courtyard into the long-forgotten great hall of the old wing.

The grand surprise Inside the vast hall stands a towering Christmas-tree completely laden with reclaimed family treasures, heavy gold bags, and sparkling diamonds presented by the children and their giant protector. Following a magnificent banquet and joyful dances, the Count formally adopts Feldar into his household, and the couple happily discovers their polished bedstead safely returned upstairs.

The People

Count Cormo wants nothing more than to preserve his lifelong tradition of bringing joy and gifts to neighborhood children on Christmas Day. His extreme poverty and the dwindling contents of his castle stand directly in his way, forcing him to sacrifice his cherished family bedstead. By the end of the story, his selflessness is rewarded beyond measure, leaving him surrounded by restored heirlooms, a lavish banquet, and a newly adopted son.

The Countess Cormo initially wishes to cancel the Christmas celebration because they have no food, money, or gifts to offer. Her practical nature and fear of physical hardship—such as her husband sleeping on the bare floor—stand as obstacles against the Count's relentless generosity. Ultimately, she is transformed by the miraculous turn of events, enjoying a splendid feast and finding comfort with her restored family bedstead.

Feldar is a young giant who wants to escape his own poverty by claiming his rightful inheritance from his late relative's estate. Greedy relatives and a dishonest dividing-agent block his access to his wealth. By utilizing his strength to claim his share, he changes from a struggling loner into a generous provider who finds a true family and home with the Count.

Tillette is a clever, tiny fairy who wants to explore the world and see how others live. Her curiosity leads her to witness the Count's struggles, and she wants to help alleviate his sorrow. Using her sharp mind to guide Feldar, she helps orchestrate the Christmas surprise, ending up as a cherished, visiting friend to the newly expanded family.

In Its Own Voice

When the Countess expresses deep concern that they possess absolutely nothing left to give the local children, the resolute Count insists on making a heavy personal sacrifice:

“There are yet several days before Christmas; I can sell something to-morrow, and we can have the tree and everything prepared in time.”

When the young giant Feldar confronts the terrified dividing-agent inside the heavily guarded subterranean rooms of his late relative's castle to secure his rightful portion, he demands directly:

“Give me the key.”

After the joyous festivities conclude and the neighborhood children depart for their homes, the overwhelmed Count sits by the warm hearth with his extraordinary guest and shares his profound gratitude:

“I don’t know what to say, my dear Feldar, and I can never repay you––”

What It's Really About

The story explores the tension between material wealth and spiritual generosity. Count Cormo possesses no money yet remains infinitely rich in spirit, willingly parting with his last comforts to honor his community. In contrast, characters like Katofan and Flipkrak hoard vast treasures but remain spiritually bankrupt, clutching their possessions so tightly that they faint at the prospect of loss. The narrative argues that true abundance is found not in accumulation, but in giving and community connection. Furthermore, it examines how unexpected alliances—between a human nobleman, a fairy, and a giant—can bridge divides to rectify social injustices and reward authentic selflessness.

Why Read It Today

Readers who cherish classic fairy tales and heartwarming holiday stories will find a gentle, comforting charm in this Victorian-era narrative. Reading it feels like sitting by an old-fashioned fireplace, listening to a comforting fireside legend filled with whimsical elements like tiny fairies perched on giant fingers and grand castle feasts.

However, modern readers should note some period-specific elements. The prose employs traditional Victorian storytelling pacing and slightly formal, courtly phrasing that reflects its late-nineteenth-century origins, which might feel deliberate or slow-moving compared to fast-paced contemporary children's literature. Additionally, the premise relies on classic fairy-tale tropes involving giants, hidden inheritances, and magical helpers, which requires a willing suspension of disbelief.

Despite these gentle period conventions, what stays with you long after finishing is the resonant portrait of unyielding kindness. Count Cormo's stubborn devotion to bringing joy to others, even when facing severe destitution, offers a timeless meditation on empathy and community. It is a rewarding seasonal read for anyone looking to reconnect with the pure, selfless spirit of giving without any modern marketing cynicism.