
William wakes on Christmas morning buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. He’s determined to make the day his own, carefully choosing modest gifts for each family member—sweet treats for his father, a pirate adventure for his brother, chalks for his sister, and even a cracked cream‑jug for his mother. With a song on his lips, he wanders through the house, placing presents on each door and greeting his relatives with a cheerful “Happy Christmas,” only to be met with muffled groans.
The festive mood takes an unexpected turn when his four‑year‑old cousin Jimmy discovers that a batch of snails he’d intended as a surprise have escaped, leaving iridescent trails across coats, hats and wallpaper. Together the children launch an impromptu clean‑up, armed with buckets, brushes and plenty of water, turning the chaos into a lively, cooperative effort. Their determination to restore order hints at the spirited, resourceful character William will continue to reveal throughout the day.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (267K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-11-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1890–1969
Best known for creating the wildly popular Just William stories, this English writer brought mischief, warmth, and sharp humor to generations of readers. She also wrote many adult novels and stories, showing a range that went far beyond her most famous schoolboy hero.
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