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Annual Christmas story

Christmas memories will last

Editor’s note: This is the final chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that has been running daily. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. If you missed any of the installments, find them at www.tribtoday.com/news/christmas/. “Are you here to take me home?” Juniper sniffled as she looked up at Santa, still clinging to Katie. “I don’t want to say good-bye!” “No, Jasper will be here soon. I just had a little something to discuss with Katie here.” Katie stared at him, still shocked by what he had said. She thought about what she’d written in ...

Santa visits with Katie and says he will grant her wish

Editor’s note: This is the 11th chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Katie sat on a bench under the candy cane arch, watching all the children playing outside in the Village courtyard. In the short time that she and Kellan had Juniper in their lives, Katie had started to feel a sense of excitement and joy about Christmas that she hadn’t even realized was missing. Now she worried it would leave her again when she woke up tomorrow with no memory of Juniper or the magic of ...

Juniper gets a pep talk from Santa, sees joy firsthand

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the 10th chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Juniper unloaded 11 years’ worth of feelings onto Santa, who listened intently. Before long, he was agreeing with Juniper on some improvements that could be made at the North Pole. He agreed that incorporating more proteins and vegetables would be beneficial, and Mrs. Claus would certainly be on board. They even came up with a long list of new activities and recreation ideas: Driving classes for sleighs and ...

Santa, Juniper have a talk

Editor’s note: This is the ninth chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Molly, the supervisor, came bustling through the door behind Santa. “Oh good! You found the workshop. Come in and meet the crew! Everyone over here for a moment!” she called out. Katie inched forward slowly with Juniper sticking close to her side. Kellan and a few other guys that were building the set also joined them. “OK team. Our usual Santa had to cancel at the last minute, so the agency sent this ...

Juniper finds her happy place, starts a blizzard ­— in the kitchen

Editor’s note: This is the seventh chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. After returning home, the twins’ day didn’t get any less bizarre. More so, if possible. Juniper was like a little whirlwind full of excitement and energy; it made Katie tired just watching her, and she had a sneaking suspicion that Juniper had been right about them not being able to keep up with her. She explored every nook and cranny of their house, exclaiming over things Katie had never thought twice ...

Elves work to preserve magic

Editor’s note: This is the sixth chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. “Unbelievable!” Jasper cried, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Christmas elves?” Kellan squeaked. Juniper nodded. “From the North Pole.” “The North Pole!” “Yes, you know … where Santa lives.” “Where Santa lives!” “Are you just going to repeat everything I say?” Juniper asked him. “So let’s say we believe you,” Katie said, and Kellan’s eyebrows shot up at ...