The Christmas Ornament That Revealed My Grandfather’s Will and Saved Our Family Farm

I Found My Grandfather’s Will in a Christmas Ornament Only to Change the Fate of Our Family Farm Forever — Story of the Day
I believed it would provide clarity when I discovered my grandfather’s will concealed in a Christmas ornament. Rather, it revealed mysteries and prompted me to battle for the family farm and the remnants of our family.

I had begun to think that my life couldn’t be any more crazy when I received the phone call. The voice of my lawyer on the other line seemed too composed.

“Elizabeth,” he started, “I regret to notify you that your grandfather died last night.”

I was struck by the words like a freight train. I lowered myself into the chair and gripped the phone until my knuckles were white.

He paused, then added, “There’s more.” “You are one of his farm’s heirs.”

His farm. I had flashbacks to the scent of fresh hay, the creak of the old barn door, and sunny fields. Since my life turned toward the city, I hadn’t been there in years.

“Is there anything else I should know?”

The attorney let out a sigh. In foreclosure is the farm. Christmas is the deadline for paying off the debt.

A few days later, I was on the farm. Although it still kept the same appearance, a lot had changed. The house’s paint had faded, and the barn tilted somewhat further to one side.

“You’re finally here,” said a piercing voice as I stood there, soaking it all in.

It was my cousin Jeremy, who was never romantic but always pragmatic. His look was tight-lipped as usual as he approached.

“Jeremy,” I said, attempting to hide my discomfort.

Soon after, the lawyer arrived with a brown envelope and a pile of papers.

With his breath creating clouds in the freezing air, he said, “Thank you both for coming.” The farm’s future is in jeopardy, as you are aware. Although you both have equal rights to inherit, there is a substantial financial burden. By Christmas, the entire loan must be settled.

Jeremy’s mouth clenched. “What if we don’t?”

“It will be put up for auction.”

He handed me an envelope before I could process what he had said. “Elizabeth, your grandfather left you this.”

I could really hear his voice reading the words out loud as I unfolded the somewhat yellowed paper:

To Elizabeth,

I’m no longer here if you’re reading this. I want you to know how proud I have always been of you and how much you have meant to me. There has always been more to the farm than just land.

My one wish for this Christmas is to spend it with Jeremy on the farm. Even if you two may not always agree, family is what unifies this area.

Look out for one another and the farm. All I ever wanted was that.

With affection,

Dad

Though brief, the letter contained the weight of a lifetime. I was suddenly awakened by Jeremy’s voice.

I’ve got a thought. Right now, I’ll pay off the debt. Later, you can reimburse me. We can at least keep the farm intact until Christmas that way.

I couldn’t afford to turn down this lifeline.

I made a silent agreement that I would later come to regret. “All right,” I said.

I was left to take care of the farm after Jeremy went for the city. It seemed as though the house had been holding its breath for years. I let the cool winter air in by opening the windows.

As if the home could hear me, I exclaimed out loud, “All right, let’s wake you up.”

I started cleaning the kitchen counters, removing years’ worth of filth. I grinned as the subtle scent of cinnamon permeated the air.

I muttered, shaking my head, “Grandfather, you’d have a fit if you’d seen this mess.” “Don’t be concerned. I’ll make it right. Give me a little time, please.

I came with a pail of grain, and the hens outside clucked noisily.

“All right, all right!” I strewn the grain while laughing. “You and Jeremy are exactly alike. Impatient all the time.

For a minute, I leaned against the fence and looked out at the fields. “Grandfather, why does this place feel so heavy now?”

As I labored to restore a sense of home in the house, the days melted together. I convinced myself that I did it in part to give Jeremy credit for saving the farm. I was appreciative of the internet I had installed and spent nights at my functional laptop.

I went to a local property that sold Christmas trees a few days before to Christmas. The scent of fresh pine filled the air.

As I looked at a solid spruce, a deep voice said, “Looking for something special?”

When I looked around, I saw a man in his forties with a warm smile and a wool coat.

Indeed. A phrase that suggests “Christmas at home.”

He gestured to the tree I had been studying and remarked, “I think this one might do.” “Like your grandfather always picked, it’s full and sturdy.”

“You were acquainted with him?”

He gave a nod. Richard. I grew up close by. I have a very long history with your grandfather.

His eyes had an openness and kindness that put me at ease. I was appreciative when he offered to help me carry the tree back to the house. Richard assisted with the tree’s setup as well.

He pointed to a box in the corner and remarked, “Your grandfather always used those old ornaments.” “They’re most likely still there.”

I opened the box out of curiosity and looked through the decorations, each of which held a memory of my early years. Then I discovered a folded piece of paper tied with a ribbon hidden behind a layer of tinsel. As I opened it, my heart raced.

My grandfather’s will was it! A little message in my grandfather’s handwriting was underneath it. His remarks sounded like an echo from the past:

Elizabeth, my love,

Just as I knew you would be the one to keep our family’s heart alive, I knew you looked here. The farm is rightfully yours.

I know Jeremy, too. Despite his good intentions, he bears the burden of the entire planet. He lacks the strength to cling to this location as you do.

Elizabeth I beg you to use patience and wisdom. Aid Jeremy. He’s family, even though he might not always make things easy. And the reason this land is worth fighting for is family.

Look out for one another. My final wish is that.

With affection,

Dad

Tears were running down my face as the note fell from my fingers onto my lap.

“Elizabeth?” Richard’s voice interrupted my train of thought.

I held up the note while wiping my eyes. He was aware that Jeremy couldn’t manage this by himself. And he… he believed that I could assist him.

I repeated the words aloud. “He desired for the farm to serve as a healing space for us.”

Richard gave a nod. “Your grandfather sounds like that.”

I glanced at the note and the will underneath. “I’m not sure if Jeremy will think that. The farm was foreclosed. The debt had previously been settled by Jeremy. I lacked the funds to pay him back.

A steady hand was placed on my shoulder by Richard. “We’ll work it out.” I’m here to help if you need it.

Jeremy showed up the following day, slamming the door of his truck and coming toward the house. It felt weighty to have more cash in my pocket than I had borrowed. To assuage my guilt, I added my own savings to Richard’s generosity.

With a brief nod, Jeremy entered, leaving his ice footsteps in his wake. He stared at the ornamented Christmas tree.

Oh, how I detest Christmas.

I handed him the envelope, ignoring him, and said, “Here.” “This ought to cover everything.”

Jeremy opened it and rummaged through the money. His eyes glowed with relief for a moment, then he tensed.

“What is this?” He picked up the will I had set on the table and asked.

Grandfather’s will is in effect. It was among the Christmas decorations that I discovered. I own the farm.

He tightened his jaw. “So that’s why you’re compensating me? Do you believe this makes a difference?

My voice was shaking as I continued, “It’s not about changing things.” “It has to do with family.”

“Family?” He snarled a sour chuckle. Elizabeth, you’ve been gone for years while I’ve been drowning. I’ve lost my business. Everything was taken by a trusted partner. All I have left is this farm. I had to sell it to make ends meet.

“Sell it?” Startled, I said. “Jeremy, money isn’t the point of this farm!”

Cash was strewn all over the table when he tossed the envelope.

“You believe that a mountain of cash will make it forget that I rescued this location while you were playing house in the city? My account was used to pay the debts. If I have to, I will take you to court.

Then Jeremy was gone. I couldn’t stay inside, so I picked up my coat and started walking along the icy road while crying.

“Elizabeth!” As his pickup parked next to me, Richard’s voice yelled. He hurried over and jumped out. “Are you alright?”

I shook my head, saying, “No.” “The farm is for sale,” Jeremy says. “I’ll be taken to court,” he says. I’m not sure what to do.

Richard murmured softly, “Hey.” It won’t be lost on you. I can prove the validity of the will. By the way, I practice law.

“Really?”

He laughed. “I just like to sell trees for Christmas.” Believe me. We will correct this.

Hope ignited inside me for the first time. I wasn’t going to give up. Not quite yet.

Richard and I sat in a small, dark office across from the lawyer the following morning.

He looked at us and stated, “The will is valid.” However, it will take years to formally establish ownership because it was discovered late. You still have authority over the property for the time being, Elizabeth.

I experienced a little moment of relief as he went on. “The money that Jeremy paid is a different story. Legal action may be necessary to address it.

I invited Jeremy back to the farm so we could have an open discussion.

“I apologize, Elizabeth,” he said. “I’m going to drown. My rage is only a form of despair.

Richard moved forward. “We’ll work this out, Jeremy. I’ll assist you in resolving your financial problems after the holidays. However, don’t allow money to ruin your remaining family. It isn’t worthwhile.

Three of us gathered around the tree on Christmas Eve.

“I’ve never celebrated Christmas with my family before,” Jeremy remarked softly. “Christmas was nonexistent when I was in foster care.”

Startled, I gazed at him. “Jeremy, I had no idea. So, this Christmas will be the first of many. And we will continue the ritual each year.

And we enjoyed all of Grandfather’s favorite holiday customs, including decorating, cookie-making, and even reading classic tales.

A few weeks later, Jeremy agreed with my plan to sell his company, move to the farm, and take over. He revitalized our family’s legacy by transforming the place by spring.

In the meantime, Richard and I started over, and we forged a connection that brought our families together with love, direction, and optimism for the future.

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