Once in Russia there lived a woman called Babooshka.
Her house always looked beautiful because she was endlessly cleaning it.
One night, a star appeared above her village. Everyone rushed outside to look at
it, but Babooshka was too busy sweeping and polishing.
Three Kings rode through the village, following the star. Babooshka invited them
into her home and cared for them very well. As they left, the Kings asked her to
join them on their journey. They were following the star to see the baby Jesus.
Babooshka was very excited - but she could not forget about her housework.
She promised to catch them up, but it was days before she set off, carrying a basket
of toys for the baby.
Sadly when Babooshka arrived in Bethlehem, it was too late. The Kings and the baby
had gone.
To this day, Babooshka still travels with her basket of presents, leaving them
for children who are good, in case they might be Jesus
