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Annual Christmas story

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Connolly. Your pies are all ready and just what you ordered. I don’t know what I was thinking,” Faith said. Mrs. Connolly smiled. “I can see you’re busy, and it looks like you two are entering that contest at the winter festival downtown this weekend.” She stared at the gingerbread bakery. “I hope you ladies win.” “Mom, it’s freezing in the car.” Her ...

Cookies bring smiles, blessings

Editor’s note: This is the fifth chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. Angelica didn’t fully agree with her mom giving away all of their extra earnings, but she trusted her, so she was going to try to understand. They walked from house to house, with Angelica pulling a wagon filled with bundles of wrapped cookies, and Faith carried a large pot of her homemade hot cocoa. Even though it was freezing, Angelica was filled with warmth from the joy of seeing the ...

Spooning up goodness and holiday magic

Editor’s note: This is the fourth chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. Angelica practically ran home from school the next day, eager to get back to the bakery. Her mother had been adamant that they’d just been distracted and had stuck more cookies in the oven than they remembered. But Angelica wasn’t convinced, and she couldn’t wait to use the spoon again and test her theories. “Angel, it’s freezing outside. Where’s your hat?” Faith asked the second ...

Mysterious mixing spoon goes to work

Editor’s note: This is the third chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. Angelica clutched a small gift bag as she skipped down the hall to her mother’s room. “Hi, sweetie,” Faith said. “How was the market? Did you find anything good?” Angelica nodded, holding out the bag. “I did. I absolutely had to get it. When you open it, you’ll understand.” Faith raised her eyebrows and grabbed the bag. “Very intriguing. Let’s see...” She reached inside ...

Mixing spoon speaks ‘Hope’ for Angelica’s mother Faith

Editor’s note: This is the second chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. On Saturday, Angelica spent all morning helping her mother bake, decorate and pack dozens and dozens of cookies and cupcakes. “Angel, you should get out of here for the afternoon,” Faith said, surveying the stacks of boxes. “I can finish up these last few orders.” “Are you sure?” Angelica asked, even as she inched toward the door. “There are still so many to decorate...” Faith ...

Bills threaten to close bakery at Christmas

Editor’s note: This is the first chapter of a 12-part continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read it aloud to their children. Angelica Sweet pushed open the bakery door and dropped her backpack behind the counter. “Mom?” she called out, wandering through the empty kitchen. She opened the door to the office, where her mom was pacing as she talked on the phone. “Yes, Faith Sweet,” she was saying, frowning down at the piece of paper in her hand. “Calling about Sweet Treat Bakery? I was hoping we could get an ...