| Children Fiction posted November 5, 2025 | Chapters: |
1 2 -3- 
|
The Twelve Days of Christmas
A chapter in the book The Twelve Nights Before Christmas
Three Kings Chap 3
by Begin Again
Evening had settled over the North Pole.
Mrs. Claus and a group of giggling elves were covered in flour from head to toe in the kitchen as they baked tray after tray of sugar cookies shaped like stars and mittens. The smell of cinnamon and butter floated down the hallway.
Near the hearth, a few older elves sat by the fire, finishing small projects -- painting toy trains, stitching teddy bear scarves, and humming Christmas tunes as the clock ticked toward midnight.
At his desk, Santa smiled at the chaos and wiped a crumb from his beard. "Sounds like Christmas is sneaking up on us faster than a reindeer in a snowstorm," he chuckled. "Better keep those cookies coming or I might not have the strength to make it." He chuckled and winked.
Mrs. Claus peeked around the corner, holding a tray piled high with fresh cookies. "You say that every year, dear."
Jingles climbed onto the ottoman near Santa's feet and asked, "What's on the list tonight?"
"A new letter," Santa said, holding up an envelope sealed with a gold star sticker. "From a little girl named Sofía in Spain."
He slipped on his reading glasses and began in his warm, deep voice —
Dear Santa,
I'm so excited because soon it will be time for the Three Kings Parade, but I don't know what gift to bring. It needs to be something very special.
Everyone brings candy or toys to share, but I want my gift to be something that means more.
Can you help me think of the right thing to give?
Love, Sofía
Santa smiled softly and touched the letter to his heart. "Sleep well, my little one," he whispered. "The Three Kings will help you find your answer."
Mr. Jingles scurried to the door as the North Wind bent low, blowing her frosty breath across the letter.
Whoooosh!
It shimmered into a tiny flake of light and drifted out into the starry night.
*****
The Dream
As Sofía drifted into her dream, she couldn't believe her eyes.
The indigo sky above wasn't just dark — it was a sea of tiny diamonds, each one twinkling like it had a secret to tell.
In the distance, a soft jingling carried on the wind. She turned and saw a line of camels moving slowly across the sand. Their hooves left silvery prints that shimmered in the starlight, and each wore a necklace of little bells that sang with every step.
The three riders sat tall and graceful. Their robes rippled in the cool breeze — one shimmered gold, another deep royal purple, and the third gleamed with green silk richer than any emerald. Embroidered threads caught the light as they rode closer, and Sofía gasped softly. "They're real," she whispered. "The Three Kings."
The eldest smiled kindly and guided his camel toward her. "We've heard that you're wondering what gift to bring to your parade," he said, his voice deep and comforting. "We can help you."
He reached into his saddlebag and drew out a small book painted with the image of a rising sun. Handing it to her, he said, "This book holds wisdom. The words inside help hearts to shine from within."
The second king dismounted, holding a small loaf of bread wrapped in linen. "The bread stands for kindness," he said, placing it gently in her hands. "It fills more than hunger — it can bring peace to the soul."
The last king stepped forward. From his cloak, he revealed a tiny golden heart that glowed softly like a candle flame. "And this," he said, "is love. It is the one gift that never fades."
Sofía held the three treasures close, and as she did, their lights blended into a single golden star that sparkled in her palms.
The three kings lifted their eyes toward the brightest star and then bowed their heads.
The eldest smiled and said, "Remember, Sofía--the truest gift is the one that comes from your heart."
The camels lifted their heads, their bells chiming softly as the figures faded back into the sea of stars.
*****
Sofía woke to the sound of church bells ringing. On her nightstand lay the tiny golden star from her dream — and beside it, a warm loaf of bread wrapped in linen. The smell was heavenly, and her stomach rumbled.
She hurried to get dressed for the Three Kings Parade. The streets were alive with music and laughter, children waving ribbons as bright confetti danced in the air.
Sofía tucked the star in her pocket and held the bread carefully as she walked.
Near the church steps, an old woman sat wrapped in a thin, threadbare blanket. A cardboard sign beside her read, Tengo hambre. -- I am hungry.
Sofía stopped. The bread was still warm in her hands.
She knelt and offered it to the woman. "It's all I have," she said softly, "but it's yours."
The woman's eyes filled with tears. "Then you already have the best gift, niña," she whispered. "A giving heart."
Sofía smiled. The golden star in her pocket felt warm, almost glowing.
That night, after the parade, she placed the star inside a small glass ornament and hung it on the family's tree. It caught the candlelight and sparkled like a promise — one she meant to keep forever.
Moral:
The best gifts are the ones we share from our hearts.
*****
North Pole Note — Spain
North Pole Note — Spain
In Spain, Christmas celebrations last a little longer than in many other places.
After Santa's visit, children look forward to El Día de los Reyes -- the Day of the Three Kings!
On the evening of January 5th, colorful parades fill the streets. The Three Wise Men ride on camels and horses, waving to crowds and tossing candy to the children. Laughter, drums, and bright paper crowns fill the air with joy.
Before going to sleep, little ones leave out water and straw for the kings' camels — and a few treats for the Kings themselves.
When morning comes, they find small gifts waiting, just like Sofía did in her dream.
In Spain, Christmas is a time to share, to give, and to remember that every act of kindness — no matter how small — shines like a star in someone's heart.
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2025. Begin Again All rights reserved.
Begin Again has granted FanStory, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
