EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the 11th chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children.

Stuffed with fruitcake and cocoa, Noah raced down the street toward Holly Park. He knew that the boy wearing the dinosaur sweater was just a few bites behind him.

Up ahead, he spotted Gabby jumping up and down, cheering him on. He jumped into her arms and she squeezed him tight before Noah jumped back.

“You have to go! They’re coming, go!”

She took off running as fast as she could, turning down Main Street and focusing on her parents in the distance as they cheered her on.

She skidded to a stop as she reached them, panting as she grabbed the cord and plugged in the Christmas tree.

“We have a winner!” Grinchy Glen said over a loudspeaker. “And your tree has passed inspection! Congratulations to the Murphy family!”

The four of them hugged each other tightly, so full of joy they wanted to burst. It was a feeling that Gabby never wanted to lose again.

The rest of the day passed in a blur; Gabby was sure they met every single person in town. More and more seemed to have appeared over the last few days, as if their Christmas spirit really was bringing the town to life.

The entire village showed up for the Murphy’s farewell dinner on Christmas Eve afternoon, with the snow falling in big perfect flakes outside the windows of the Reindeer Lodge. They’d thought about staying for the holiday, but ultimately voted to spend their Christmas at home, simply enjoying each other’s company.

The banquet hall smelled like peppermint and cocoa, and was lined with large log tables, each with red and green candles inside evergreen centerpieces. White twinkle lights hung from the ceiling and walls, and Christmas trees stood in every corner of the room. It was perfect, and Gabby didn’t think she was ready to go home. What if everything went back to the way it was? Her dad had promised he would cut back at work. But would he, away from the magic of Merrywood Falls?

After everyone had their fill from the bountiful buffet, Emily approached them with a smile, and the place fell silent.

“Our wonderful town of Merrywood Falls is kept in the hearts of the many who have experienced its joy and participated in expanding its legacy. We are honored to have had you as our guests, and thank you for helping us thrive. We ask you to carry this place with you forever, thus preserving your own legacy — here with us.”

“Can we come back to visit?” Noah asked.

“Hmm, well, that might be difficult. But! You’ll find that if you do need us, we will find you.”

Gabby could tell her parents had lots of questions, and so did she. But they smiled at Emily and nodded, shaking hands with her and hugging everyone who came to say a final farewell.

“We should get on the road if we want to make it home and get to bed before Santa comes,” Dad said, winking at her and Noah.

“But wait, what about the car?” Mom asked Emily.

“Oh, I think you’ll find your car is ready to go, good as new. Farewell Murphy family. And a very merry Christmas.”

Sure enough, when they reached their car, it was parked in a very large puddle of water. Surrounding the vehicle were doves and deer, goats and squirrels, and bunnies and raccoons. A penguin waddled out of the back door and handed the car keys to Dad.

Noah threw his arms around the penguin and hugged it, and Gabby could swear it hugged him back with its little flippers.

“Any chance I’ll wake up tomorrow and this was all a dream?” Dad asked, holding the passenger door open for his wife.

“I really, really hope not,” Gabby replied.

“Me too, Peanut.”

Late that evening, back in their warm home, the family sat together sipping cups of cocoa while simply enjoying each other’s company; nothing really needed to be said or talked about. They knew that when they woke up tomorrow, the day would be perfect because they were together. They’d have their cozy, quiet Christmas after all.

And when Christmas morning did come, they opened presents and watched Christmas movies — and decided that next Christmas, they would indeed surprise their friends at Merrywood Falls and share some more Christmas spirit.

Read the final chapter in tomorrow’s newspaper.