1. Home
2. This Is Holidays
3. The Tale of the Christmas Coins

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the snow-covered mountains of Lebanon, there lived a group of playful and curious children. This peaceful and friendly village was known for a special tradition that occurred every Christmas: the mysterious “Christmas Coins.”

The villagers, gruff yet somewhat mystical, spoke of these “Christmas Coins” not as a mere tale, but as real enchanted coins that appeared mysteriously on Christmas Eve. Each coin, gleaming with an unusual shine, was said to hold an ancient story and a secret waiting to be discovered. Legend had it that those who found these coins could make a wish come true – but only if they could first solve the riddle hidden in each one.

That year, a young boy named Jean, known for his generous heart and sharp mind, was determined to uncover the truth. He listened closely to the stories shared by the village elders – stories about the little match girl, the spirits of Christmas past, magical sleighs, and even Santa Claus himself. With his mind set on finding these mystical coins, he planned his adventure for Christmas Eve. Jean’s wish was unlike any other: he longed for his mother, who had been bedridden for many months, to regain her health.

On Christmas Eve, as snowflakes gently fell over the village, Jean waited for his father to settle in front of the television to watch a variety show. As soon as the house was quiet, he slipped outside, a canvas bag in hand, ready to begin his search for the magical coins. He braved the biting cold of the night as he made his way to the nearby forest, the very place the elders claimed the “Christmas Coins” could be found.

He didn’t have to look for long. Beneath the tallest fir tree, he spotted an unfamiliar glow. As Jean got closer, he was amazed to find a small gold coin resting on the snow, gleaming like a star. The coin was engraved with mysterious inscriptions, including a flowing “D” and dragonflies. The moment Jean touched it, a soft, distant voice whispered in the wind, “Only he who gives before receiving will understand the true worth of this coin.”

Intrigued yet cautious, Jean decided not to keep the coin for himself or his family. Instead, he went to Madame Solange, the village seamstress, known for her generosity despite her poverty. Jean handed her the coin, and instantly, a gentle light filled the room.

Madame Solange smiled warmly and said, “This coin reflects your heart, young boy. It was not just a unique opportunity for you, but for everyone your generosity will touch.” She added, “Now, I can replace my old iron, deliver neatly pressed shirts, and eat something other than radish soup.”

Jean's act of kindness quickly spread. At Madame Solange's house was Isabelle, a woman well-known for her kindness, but also carrying a secret that weighed on her heart for many years. She had borrowed money from her older brother, Michel, to save her ready-to-wear shop. However, due to the crises, wars and life's many challenges, she had never been able to repay him.

Thirty years had passed since Isabelle had borrowed the money. Over time, she had married for love and raised two thoughtful daughters, while her small lingerie shop had steadily grown into a thriving business. That year, Isabelle decided to conquer her lingering fear of financial insecurity and pay a visit to her elder brother, Michel, to return part of the loan she had never repaid.

When she arrived, Michel was caught off guard by the envelope she slipped into his pocket with a joyful smile. “The rest will come,” she said softly, embracing him tightly.

Michel hesitated, touched and unsure whether to accept. “Debts expire after so many years,” he said gently.

“Maybe so,” Isabelle replied, “but love between a brother and sister never does.”

The next morning, as the sun rose, a third miracle occurred. Jean's mother, who had long been bedridden with severe rheumatism, rose from her bed, completely healed as if the illness had never existed. She was even able to make Jean’s favorite treat, soft, syrup-soaked maakroun. That night, a meteor streaked across the sky, signaling that the “Christmas Coins” had fulfilled their purpose.

The spread of kindness sparked a cascade of miracles that filled the village with joy. Two brothers, once estranged over a bitter inheritance dispute, reunited. A once-disgraced accountant, wrongfully accused and cast aside, regained his job. The “Christmas Coins” had given the village a newfound fame, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Jean, who had grown into a wise and prosperous man, never forgot that true happiness lies in giving rather than receiving, especially during Christmas. He had made his peace with God, giving all he had, and in return, he received far more than he could ever have imagined.

And so, year after year, the village basked in the magic of enchanting Christmases. The “Christmas Coins,” more valuable than any earthly treasure, continued to weave their charm – golden coins imbued with enchantment, inspiring love, kindness, and the spirit of generosity in all who found them.