The time of this story is the winter of 1984, with holidays, troubles, shortages, pebbles in buckwheat and cartoons on black and white TV - the time of childhood. A boy who comes to his grandmother for the holidays drinks a drug that awakens in him the ability to magic is a common gift in his family. It would seem that you can see treasures, scare away ghosts and make mice decorate the Christmas tree. But magic is not to be trifled with - and the grandmother and grandson inevitably accept the challenge. A gift is not a gift. The time of memories here is given to those born a long time ago, in an old European city. Having survived two empires, three wars, losses and hardships - and remaining people for whom it is natural to “not be vague”. The city is described with feeling: the smell of coffee on every page, the tram ringing, the old market in motion. Christmas is approaching. Christmas Eve on the table they put an extra device on the Random Guest, intended for those who find themselves on the road on a holy evening or caught at the doorstep by a storm. A passing stranger or an old friend can indeed appear in a house where the owners and guests have already gathered to celebrate the holiday, eat generously and tasty, raise a glass to honor the miracle and soften your heart. The feasts here are entertaining - real “kitchen magic, it is allowed.” There are also recipes, one is wonderful and simple: for short-term happiness you only need laughter, food and a little mercy. This...