EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part four of a continuing, fictional holiday tale that is running daily through Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read along with their children.

Breakfast that day was probably the best food Olivia ever had tasted in her entire life. They all sat at a long table with platters of eggs, bacon, pancakes, muffins, and dozens of pastries and breads spread out before them. Kris let them eat their fill before standing and clearing his throat.

“The reason why you all are here is simple. Somewhere along the way, you’ve lost something inside of yourself, something that helps you understand the true meaning of selflessness and giving. You may have lost your way for a while, but here at my special camp, you’ll find your way back to yourself and in the process, find the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

“Now, there is much work to be done,” he continued. “Your time here will be busy and meaningful. But,” he added amidst their groans, “it will also be the most fun and rewarding experience you have ever had. I don’t believe in all work and no play,” he said with twinkling eyes.

Kris gestured down at the table, and the kids’ eyes all widened at the sight of a sparkly white tablet suddenly sitting in front of each of them. “These are your own personal SnowPads. Each is customized to your specific needs, and it will be your responsibility each day to check your calendar to see where you have been assigned. If you look under today’s entry, you’ll see that we have planned plenty of fun, enriching activities for you.”

Olivia swiped on the tablet, bringing the screen to life. The image on the screen was of falling snow, looking so real that she was tempted to poke her finger into it. But instead she tapped the calendar icon, unable to help being curious about these supposed “fun” activities.

“Reindeer stables?” Gia said, her nose wrinkling in disgust. “Gross.”

Olivia saw he first item on her itinerary said “Candy Shoppe.” She scanned the list, seeing that after the candy shop, she’d be meeting the group for lunch, then doing something called the Super Sled Challenge.

Well, she supposed that didn’t sound too bad. Sledding was, after all, her favorite winter activity.

“Ugh. I hate sled riding,” Gia said grumpily. “Being outside in the winter is the worst.” Olivia rolled her eyes. She wasn’t crazy about any of this, either, but she was doing her best to deal with it. Gia’s griping was going to get old really fast.

With a pang, she realized that was probably exactly how her mother felt when Olivia complained. Which, if she was being honest, was pretty frequently. She could almost hear herself whining about putting up the Christmas lights and complaining that she didn’t want to frost the cookies and pouting that she didn’t feel like going Christmas shopping.

She didn’t quite forgive her mother for shipping her off to the arctic tundra for her winter break, but in that moment she felt herself let go of a little of her anger. This camp might be a situation she didn’t want to be in, but ever since her dad died, her mom had been in a situation she certainly didn’t want to be in, either. And Olivia hadn’t done much to make it easier on her.

“If you have any questions about camp or your tasks, simply ask the SnowPad and you will receive help,” Kris said. “Now, are there any questions before you’re off to your first assignments?”

They all spoke at once, their questions jumbling together, and Kris laughed as he held up a hand. “One at a time. Yes, Chloe, you first.”

The small redhead cleared her throat. “Um, I just want to know … is this really the North Pole? I know you said it was and you said you’re Santa, and we flew here on a sleigh. So I guess the answer is obvious. But … I stopped believing in Santa ages ago. I just don’t understand how this can all be happening.”

Kris smiled gently. “Yes, my dear, you are indeed in the North Pole, and I am who I say I am. I don’t usually believe in grand gestures to prove a point, but … .” He shrugged then waved a hand through the air. An instant later, fluffy peppermint-scented snow fell from the air, appearing from nowhere and disappearing the second it landed. Olivia looked up in awe as the snow swirled in the air, forming the words “Welcome to the North Pole.”

Read chapter five in tomorrow’s newspaper.