After a very long and busy day in the workshop, the elves had donned their cozy long johns and were settling into bed for a well-deserved rest.
The North Pole was hushed except for snow tapping at the windowpanes and the sleepy jingle of bells in the sleigh shed.
A crackling fire glowed in the hearth, and two mugs of cocoa waited on the hearthstones. Santa's aching feet rested on the ottoman as he sank into his favorite chair.
Mrs. Claus smiled at her husband. "I know you're tired, but you can't be dozing off just yet. The North Wind dropped off another bundle of letters."
Santa's eyes twinkled. "I'm awake, dear. My eyes were just taking a quick little nap." He chuckled, shifted in his chair, and picked up the top envelope. Someone had drawn a tiny candle in one corner.
"Hmm — this one's from Elsa, and she lives in Norway. Let's see what's on her mind." He read aloud —
Dear Santa,
I am six years old and live in a tiny white house with my mother and my older brother, Eric. He says you won't find us this year because the snow is too tall. I say he's wrong.
If you could bring Mom and Eric new sweaters, that would be great. They go outside more than I do and need to stay warm. Mine still keeps me cozy, but I could use some nice woolly socks (with kittens, if you can). And maybe a book, because I love to read.
I have a tiny window candle, so I hope you can find me.
Love, Elsa
P.S. We loved the oranges last year, too.
Santa folded the letter and pressed it to his heart. "Sleep, my little one," he whispered. "Santa's letter is already on its way."
Mr. Jingles, Santa's helper, smiled and took the letter from the jolly old man. Outside, the North Wind waited, dressed in white that shimmered like crystals. She bent low, and Mr. Jingles held up the letter. She breathed once — soft as a lullaby — and the paper glittered, shrinking into a tiny flake of light.
Up they went together, skimming past the workshop roof and over the dozing reindeer, then across the dark sky where ribbons of green and blue shimmered. Without making a sound, they slipped beneath a curtain and set the glowing flake gently upon a pillow.
*****
The Dream
Elsa lay in her bed in the little attic bedroom under the slanted roof. The walls were pale blue, and a woven rug warmed the floor. Elsa pulled her grandmother's wool blanket to her chin, and a single candle flickered in the window, making the lace curtains dance. Tiny sparkles of the North Wind's dream dust drifted through the air.
Outside, the pines stood motionless like toy soldiers, and the world lay blanketed in snow like whipped cream.
Elsa yawned, stretched, and climbed out of bed. She hurried across the tiny room and pressed her nose against the chilly windowpane.
"It's so quiet," she whispered. "Even the stars appear drowsy."
A voice cleared its throat. "Ahem — stars get tired of twinkling, too."
Elsa spun around. Standing on the sill and wiping snow from his ears was a mouse dressed like a gentleman — a tiny green velvet coat fastened with shiny brass buttons and a crooked top hat with a feather tucked in the band. His red scarf trailed behind him as he bowed with a wobble.
"Who — are you?" Elsa stuttered. "Where did you come from?"
"Oh dear, where did I leave my manners? Of course, you must wonder what this is about." The little mouse straightened his back and stood as tall as he could. "I'm a messenger of dreams. My name is Minna, and tonight seems the perfect night for a lantern parade."
He swung his thimble lantern from his tail like a tiny sun, tipped his hat, and--poof!
Elsa, now dressed in a white fur coat and boots, stood wide-eyed. "We're outside!" she gasped, running her hand across the soft fur. She twirled around, laughing. "I've never seen anything like this."
Minna smiled. "My dear, that is what dreams are made of."
A family of beetles blinked out of a snowbank. "Why is everything so bright?"
"Wake up, my friends! This is Elsa's dream, and she's going to help Santa tonight. Want to come along?" Minna asked.
"We can shine!" the beetles said, and their shells began to glow honey-gold.
As they reached the fence, a deep hoo-hoo drifted down from above. Elsa looked up. On a snow-covered branch sat a large snowy owl, his feathers puffed like a winter coat. In the darkness, his golden eyes gleamed as he tilted his head.
"What is this?" he hooted. "A little girl, a family of beetles, a fancy mouse, and a candle lighting up my woods?"
"We're helping Santa see us," Elsa called, brushing snow from her sleeve.
The owl blinked once, thoughtful, then spread his great white wings so wide they brushed the pine needles. "Will I be of assistance?" he asked. "Your tiny lights can travel farther on my wings than from the tallest tree."
"What a perfect idea!" Minna said, pulling his scarf snug around his neck.
"The more, the better!" cheered the beetles.
Together they began their procession — Elsa's candle, Minna's thimble flame, the beetles' golden glow, and the owl's sweeping light above. Snow glittered like diamonds beneath their feet.
Across the valley, a window blinked on. Then another.
Elsa clapped her mittens. "Look! Everyone's lighting candles!"
"Of course," Minna said proudly. "Small lights invite company."
They followed the lane to a windy hill where two distant cottages sat with a dark gap between them. The wind lived there, snatching at flames. Elsa's candle trembled.
"It's too dark," she whispered.
"Then we share what we have," Minna said gently.
Elsa cupped her candle with both hands. Minna lifted his thimble high. The beetles climbed onto a fence post, shining bright as they could.
The owl opened its large silver wings. "Climb aboard. I'll carry your glow," he said, rising slowly across the gap.
On his feathers, their small lights grew brighter. The old fisherman in the far cottage saw the owl and chuckled. "Clever little souls," he said, lifting his lantern high.
One by one, the other windows woke. The dark filled with light.
"Look," Minna breathed. "A braided path."
It ran from Elsa's porch over the hill and down toward the sea — little flames, steady and brave. Elsa felt warm from the inside out. Not because her candle was big, but because it wasn't alone.
Soft bells sounded — silver and sure — as a sleigh slid past the moon.
A voice echoed through the night, "Ho, ho, ho — anything can happen when you believe!"
A tiny spark drifted down and kissed Elsa's mitten -- warm as a secret.
Minna made a slight bow. "Mission accomplished. Before your toes freeze, go back to bed and dream of a Merry Christmas."
Elsa yawned and crawled into bed, remembering the pathway of light. She thought the stars above the mountains winked as Minna said goodnight.
*****
Moral -- Even the smallest light can glow bright enough to help someone find their way.
*****
Back at the North Pole, Mr. Jingles warmed his hands by the fire and smiled. Tomorrow would bring another letter, another dream, and another Christmas tale to tell.
*****
North Pole Note -- Christmas Traditions in Norway
Christmas, known as Jul in Norway, is a season of warmth, light, and family traditions. The celebrations begin with Advent, when candles are lit each Sunday and star-shaped lamps glow in windows across the snowy towns.
On Christmas Eve — families gather to bake gingerbread houses and decorate their trees. The main celebration comes when families share a hearty meal of lamb or pork ribs, followed by sweet rice pudding with a hidden almond. Whoever finds it wins a marzipan pig!
After dinner, Norwegians sing and dance around the Christmas tree before opening gifts from Julenissen, their very own Santa Claus.
| Author Notes |
Norway Christmas Traditions compliments of Google... I'm not sure about using Twinkle Star as the font... thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
|
