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 sleds, new menus for Sunday dinners, a human interest class for elves who wanted to learn about different cultures and lifestyles, and much more — including vacations away from the North Pole!

Most importantly, Santa reminded Juniper of how much she meant to the North Pole.

It wasn’t just her parents and Jasper who loved her, it was everyone.

He encouraged her to be honest when she was feeling down, and he pointed out the many ways she personally contributed to the success of Christmas and the joy of children all over the world.

For such a young elf, she was suddenly feeling very lucky and accomplished, not to mention extremely grateful her parents had allowed this crazy adventure of hers.

She was certain they were worried sick, and she couldn’t wait to hug them and say thank you.

She was feeling hopeful, and even excited, to return home on Sunday.

Of course she would miss Katie and Kellan, but she was eager to help incorporate all the new ideas at home.

Friday came just as quickly as Thursday had ended, and the Christmas Village had a huge line to see Santa.

Juniper had been asked to play the part of none other than an elf, and grinned as she led a little girl to see Santa.

She was shy and quiet as Santa asked what she wanted for Christmas.

An older girl placed her hands on the little one’s shoulders.

“Tell Santa what you want, Maddie,” she whispered.

Maddie looked up at her sister, biting her bottom lip and motioned for her to come down to her level. Maddie whispered in her ear and the older girl looked to Santa.

“She doesn’t talk much, only to me and my mom and our babysitter.”

“And what is your name?” Santa asked.

“Lila.”

“Well, Lila, you’re a wonderful sister. What would you like for Christmas?”

Lila shook her head. “I just want Maddie to have a happy Christmas. She says she wants a My Fav – ”

“A My Favorite Girl Jasmine Doll,” Santa finished, smiling at Maddie. “The one with the pretty purple dress and pink rain boots, yes?”

Maddie’s eyes were big and bright as she smiled wide at Santa, nodding with excitement.

“How did you know that?” Lila asked, narrowing her eyes.

Juniper leaned in closer. “Santa always knows,” she whispered with a grin.

She started to lead them over to where Katie was waiting to take their pictures and give them treat bags.

“Oh, and Lila?” Santa called. “I think you just might get your Christmas wish as well.”

There was a sparkle in his eye as he waved.

When the girls were done with their pictures, their mother rushed over to wrap them both in a hug.

“Girls! Guess what? Mommy’s boss just called and he’s giving me the days off for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! You won’t have to stay at Ms. Suzanna’s after all, we can spend the holiday together.”

The happy little family walked out hand in hand, and Lila looked back over her shoulder at Santa, happy tears in her eyes and a huge grin on her face.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind. The line to see Santa seemed to never end, and Juniper marveled at the gift of being able to see kids’ joy firsthand.

Her heart wanted to burst with the knowledge that their joy was there because of the things she’d helped to do.

There was the boy named Ben, who asked for a pet lion; a sweet little girl named Annie who wanted an aquarium built into the family car so she could take her pet fish with her everywhere; the determined boy named Aaron who wanted a real army tank so he could drive to school in a cooler car than his big brother, who wouldn’t let him ride with him and his friends.

One by one, kids gave their wishes, small and large. It was a wonderful, fulfilling day.

Juniper didn’t think the day could get any better, but then she saw Kellan setting up for the evening’s gingerbread house contest and her eyes doubled in size.

Katie laughed and shook her head. “Go. You might as well win that one too. But don’t make it too extravagant.”

“Best day ever!” Juniper yelled, running over to Kellan.

Katie couldn’t agree more; the day had been perfect, and she knew she’d cherish the memories they made forever.

Read tomorrow’s newspaper for chapter 11 of this Christmas tale.