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Annual Christmas story

Campers swap stories about first-day tasks

“Hey!” Miles called out, taking charge. “All you little elves. Listen up! You need to get in line; we can’t work this way .... no wonder everything is getting messed up.” Quickly, he directed the elves into two lines so he and Olivia could serve them. “From now on, you guys need to get in line first,” Miles said. Olivia thought that should have been common sense but just nodded in agreement. The little Elves on the Shelves were just excited, after all — they were eager to do their job, which in itself wasn’t a bad thing. They just needed a little guidance to help keep ...

Chaos ensues at elf-run shop

Olivia and Miles had been assigned to the Candy Shoppe together, and they followed an elf named Piper, who was just as chipper as Lucy. Olivia scoffed at herself for so easily accepting that Piper and Lucy were elves, but with their pointed ears, rosy cheeks and little bits of magic they effortlessly displayed, she had no idea what else they could be. Piper led them down a few winding roads, following a network of red-and-white striped sidewalks. She gave them a brief tour as they passed through the town, pointing out the bakery run by Mrs. Claus herself, and the giant post office ...

Santa sprinkles some magic

Breakfast that day was probably the best food Olivia ever had tasted in her entire life. They all sat at a long table with platters of eggs, bacon, pancakes, muffins, and dozens of pastries and breads spread out before them. Kris let them eat their fill before standing and clearing his throat. “The reason why you all are here is simple. Somewhere along the way, you’ve lost something inside of yourself, something that helps you understand the true meaning of selflessness and giving. You may have lost your way for a while, but here at my special camp, you’ll find your way back to ...

Santa campers meet each other ahead of orientation

Olivia would love to say she woke up the next morning to a crazy Christmas dream brought on by too much peppermint hot cocoa, but it was real. She’d left her house in a sleigh, and it flew, with reindeer, just like the stories. Well, not exactly like the stories — there were only two reindeer, but still. They flew! The camp was real. Flying reindeer were real. Did that mean everything she thought was a lie was actually real, too? She hadn’t quite grasped what this meant for her thoughts on reality. Last night, she’d arrived too late to be able to take much in, and after ...

A contract begins

EDITOR’S NOTE: This part one of a continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read along with their children. Chapter 1 Olivia sat at her kitchen table, staring back and forth from her mother to the stranger who claimed he was Santa Claus. He sat with his hands folded on the table, watching Olivia’s mom read the papers he’d given her — a contract, he called it. This couldn’t be real. How was it possible that her mom was contemplating letting this guy take her away to some weird Christmas camp? She feared that ...

Mia executes perfect surprise for Brandon

On Christmas morning, Mia and Brandon sat side by side in the back of a cab. Her mother had spoken with the driver, giving him strict instructions not to leave without them and to keep them safe. She gave him an extra tip for the trouble, which made him happy to comply. The airport was crowded when they arrived, but the driver managed to find a spot in the short-term parking lot. Mia had put a note in her phone with Mr. Ferris’s arrival time, airline and terminal number, and she checked it to make sure they were still on the right track. “So, now what?” Brandon asked, gesturing ...