Celebrating the arrival of the New Year is a beautiful tradition, filled with joy, hope, and dreams of success and improvement for both children and adults. Amid the usual family gatherings, delicious meals, and decorated homes, what could be more beautiful than telling a short story that teaches your child the value of good character, love for family, contentment, and a passion for knowledge? Such stories are told in a simple style, with clear words and a warm, caring voice—like that of a grandmother. At the end, Dr. Hasnaa El-Sayed, a kindergarten education specialist, provides guidance on the educational lesson of the story: “Omar Writes His New Year’s Dreams.”
Written by Khairiya Hendawy
Omar Writes His New Year’s Dreams
Scene 1: A Quiet Winter Evening in a Small Town
The story begins on a quiet winter evening in a small town. Neighbors sit under a sky illuminated by the moon, with the lights of tightly packed small houses twinkling like stars close to the ground. Omar, a nine-year-old boy, sits inside one of these houses near the window, with an old notebook in front of him, its pages yellowed, and a short pencil in his hand.
The year is coming to an end, but Omar isn’t thinking about toy gifts, fireworks, new clothes, or New Year’s presents. Instead, he’s thinking about something bigger than his young age—a thought inspired by his teacher: the New Year is an opportunity to ask God for what we truly wish for. So, what does he want?
Scene 2: Omar Writes His Dreams
Omar opens his notebook, presses the pencil on the paper as if afraid his words might disappear, and begins writing slowly so that his dreams don’t escape. His wishes reflect the heart of a child who understands more than his age might suggest.
He first thinks of his mother, who has become both mother and father to him and his younger siblings since their father works abroad. He writes:
"Dear God, please give my mother health and wellness, keep her safe and happy, and bring my father back safely with all he promised."
Omar doesn’t ask for a new phone, clothes, or toys like other children. Instead, he writes simple dreams that match his life and feelings—dreams that will bring him true joy because his heart is big.
His second wish is for his younger siblings, asking God to keep them healthy, instill in them a love for knowledge, and help them continue their studies. He remembers how they share blankets at night and how he often gives them more than himself without realizing it.
His third wish is for his grandparents, who live nearby. He remembers the wisdom and encouragement of his grandfather, who inspired him to love learning, and his grandmother, who never sleeps without checking on everyone. He writes:
"Dear God, please keep my grandparents healthy and let them stay with us, so we can continue enjoying their bedtime stories, which they make up every night for us grandchildren."
Finally, he thinks of his cousins, some of whom love school and some who don’t, some who speak softly and others loudly. He hesitantly writes:
"Dear God, put a love for learning in their hearts and guide them to good manners. They are my family, and I love them."
In doing so, Omar unknowingly writes a lesson for the grown-ups around him—not just a child’s wish list.
Scene 3: Sharing Dreams with Friends
Omar closes his notebook with satisfaction but feels he should share. He decides to tell his two closest friends, Saif and Karim, about the idea of writing New Year dreams so they can compare next year.
The next day, Omar sits in the nearby park. The trees are still, and the worn benches are filled with the whispers and laughter of friends. Saif arrives first, followed by Karim, who carries a bag of candy he rarely shares.
Omar enthusiastically says:
"I wrote my wishes for the New Year! Do you want to write yours too? Then we can read them together!"
Saif smiles immediately. Karim shrugs but doesn’t object.
Saif reads quietly: "I wish success, health, and comfort for my mother, and I hope to become an engineer."
Karim reads quickly: "I want more toys, more money, a bigger phone, and the latest clothes!"
Omar and Saif listen silently, then it’s Omar’s turn. He reads his wishes aloud. Saif quietly says: "Your wishes are good and simple. May God grant them."
Karim laughs and comments that Omar’s wishes are too few. Omar simply smiles and reflects.
Scene 4: Pride at Home
In the evening, Omar returns home to find his mother and grandmother sitting together. He tells them what happened. His mother, proud, places her hand on his head and says:
"Those who are content with themselves are given much by God."
His grandmother smiles: "People are not all the same; God created us with differences."
On New Year’s Eve, although there are no grand fireworks or loud celebrations in Omar’s neighborhood, he feels warmth at home. Sitting alone for a moment, he opens his notebook again and writes the last line:
"I have learned from writing my dreams and reading my friends’ wishes, and from my mother and grandmother, that people are different. Some are rich, some poor; some loud, some gentle. I don’t need to change anyone or be upset with anyone. Every child acts according to their life and upbringing. I do my best, am content with what I have, wish well for others, and I am happy. Writing my dreams and sharing them has encouraged me to study and work hard, while honoring my parents."
The Moral of the Story
Hope is light: It grows stronger in difficult times and reminds us that good things never die.
True pride comes from rising after a fall: Not in never falling, but in always getting up.
Be like the palm tree: Give the best fruits even if stones are thrown at you—show strength, generosity, and inner hope.
Happiness comes from contentment: Those who are content are truly rich. Wanting what belongs to others brings poverty of heart.
Gratitude and peace come from acceptance: Satisfaction with fate and appreciation of the minimum give inner happiness and serenity.
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