Connie Macpherson was a lovely old lady but she was a bit muddle-headed. She used candles rather than electricity as she thought that electricity was too expensive. She loved her husband Jim very dearly. She was at the hospital after the fire at her house and was in a confused state when the author met her. Therefore, she mistook him to be her husband who promised her to return home by Christmas in the letter he wrote to her.

Summary:
In the story "The Best Christmas Present in the World," Connie Macpherson discovers a letter written by a soldier during World War I. The letter was with her for a significant amount of time and had a profound impact on her.

The Journey of the Letter:
The letter was found by Connie Macpherson while she was cleaning up her husband's old desk. It was hidden inside a secret compartment, untouched for nearly a century. The letter was addressed to Connie's great-grandfather, Jim Macpherson, from a soldier named Jim.

Contents of the Letter:
The letter describes a remarkable event that took place during the Christmas truce of 1914. The soldier recounts how the soldiers from both sides of the war put aside their weapons and came together to celebrate Christmas. They sang carols, exchanged gifts, and even played a friendly game of football. It was a rare moment of peace and humanity amidst the horrors of war.

Connie's Emotional Connection:
Connie becomes deeply moved by the letter and the story it tells. She feels a strong connection to the soldier who wrote it and becomes determined to find out what happened to him. Connie's emotional investment in the letter grows as she starts researching and discovering more about the soldier's life.

The Passage of Time:
The story does not explicitly mention the exact duration for which Connie has the letter. However, it can be inferred that she spends a considerable amount of time reading and researching about the soldier. The letter becomes a central point in her life, leading her on a historical journey to uncover the soldier's fate.

Impact on Connie:
The letter has a profound impact on Connie, as it helps her understand the importance of peace, compassion, and the human connection that transcends borders. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during war and the significance of cherishing moments of peace and unity.

Conclusion:
Although the exact duration is not mentioned, the letter remains with Connie for a significant period. It becomes a catalyst for her personal growth and understanding of the historical events that unfolded during World War I. The letter's impact on Connie's life is both emotional and educational, leaving a lasting impression on her.

Till her end connie kept her letter