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Annual Christmas story

Family’s toy delivery unwraps smiles

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. A beautiful sleigh was waiting for them outside the toy store, pulled by horses with shimmering white coats. They traveled the quiet, snow-covered streets until they came to a stop in front of a gray brick building. The weathered wooden sign above the door read “Cottonwood Cove Children’s Hospital.” Gabby shifted a box of toys in her arms, glancing back at the sleigh, which held stacks of brightly wrapped packages ...

Store crafts holiday magic

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. In the morning, they found a star nestled in the arm of one of the giant toy soldiers outside. The tag attached read “Wish: Fun toys to make the holidays brighter for Santa’s smallest of friends.” The moment they entered the toy store, their jaws dropped and their eyes were wide with wonder at the sight of hundreds of animatronic toys. Everything either moved, lit up, talked or sang, and little elves bustled ...

Family finds frosty fun while following the clues they find

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Before they'd left the bakery, Ginger handed them another shimmering card. Near a snowy bench where friends can meet, a star lies hidden beneath your feet. "There!" Gabby said, pointing to the benches dotting the town square. Underneath one, Dad spotted a star half-buried in the snow. As he picked it up, he read the tag aloud. "Wish: In the spirit of play on this snowy day, let frosty fun lead the way!" They stared ...

Family decides to stay put and discover the journey ahead

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Dad glanced again at their ice-covered car, then at the giant Christmas tree. “Well, gang? What do we think?” “Let’s stay!” Noah shouted immediately. Dad looked at Gabby. She realized she was actually excited about being here and whatever awaited them in this strange, magical place, but because she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, she shrugged. “Up to you guys.” “I know it sounds strange...but I ...

Family gets stuck in town that chose them

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Gabby blinked, staring at the billboard as they drove past. The cartoon woman stayed a cartoon, unmoving. She must have been imagining things. Her eyes widened as the town came into view. The blanket of snow covering the ground glittered like diamonds, illuminated by the Christmas lights strung up on every building that managed to shine brightly even though it was daytime. Colorful wreaths decorated the doors, and ...

Let’s go on a road trip

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Gabby stared out the window at the falling snow, trying desperately to muster up some excitement for this trip. But between her parents singing along to Christmas songs, her brother Noah’s loud, annoying video games, and the fact that she was missing a skiing trip with her best friends, excitement was hard to find. Noah shrieked, smashing the buttons on his console as the game spat out noises and music. Gabby ...