The story centers around Babouscka, an elderly woman who lives far from Bethlehem and is visited by three wise men on the night of Christ's birth. They invite her to join them in presenting gifts to the newborn Christ-Child. Preferring the comfort of her fire to the cold journey, she declines, planning to find the Christ-Child the following day instead. However, Babouscka forgets to ask for directions and, despite her resolve, is unable to locate the child. According to legend, she continues to search for Him every Christmas Eve, visiting homes and leaving toys for sleeping children in hope of finding the Christ-Child. The tale presents themes of missed opportunities, the ongoing search for redemption, and the spirit of giving.