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z___Christmas story

Family shares memories, thanks to light the way

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the eighth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. By MEGAN SMITH and HOLLY NITTOLI Correspondents Gabby stared at the spot where Emily had just stood, then looked at her parents. “So, we’re supposed to...what? Think happy thoughts?” “Why don’t we try just putting the candle in the lantern?” Noah suggested, and Gabby shook her head. “If it were that simple, Emily could have done it herself instead of giving us more riddles.” “OK, maybe we ...

Christmas story: Thankful town needs more help from family

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Correspondents Right next to Mistletoe Manor was a small diner called Frost and Feast where they fueled up on burgers and fries. The diner was busy, with conversations from each table mixing with the cheerful holiday music playing overhead. The atmosphere was inviting and the food was good, and they left full and content. The family strolled through the center of town, taking in the sights. Dad wanted to walk past ...

Family spreads joy by delivering gifts

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. A beautiful sleigh was waiting for them outside the toy store, pulled by horses with shimmering white coats. They traveled the quiet, snow-covered streets until they came to a stop in front of a gray brick building. The weathered wooden sign above the door read “Cottonwood Cove Children’s Hospital.” Gabby shifted a box of toys in her arms, glancing back at the sleigh, which held stacks of brightly wrapped packages ...

Family joins the elves to create a flurry of Christmas spirit

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. By MEGAN SMITH and HOLLY NITTOLI Correspondents In the morning, they found a star nestled in the arm of one of the giant toy soldiers outside. The tag attached read “Wish: Fun toys to make the holidays brighter for Santa’s smallest of friends.” The moment they entered the toy store, their jaws dropped and their eyes were wide with wonder at the sight of hundreds of animatronic toys. Everything either moved, ...

Fun and games lead the way

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Before they’d left the bakery, Ginger handed them another shimmering card. Near a snowy bench where friends can meet, a star lies hidden beneath your feet. “There!” Gabby said, pointing to the benches dotting the town square. Underneath one, Dad spotted a star half-buried in the snow. As he picked it up, he read the tag aloud. “Wish: In the spirit of play on this snowy day, let frosty fun lead the ...

Let the Wishing Star Scavenger Hunt begin

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children. Dad glanced again at their ice-covered car, then at the giant Christmas tree. “Well, gang? What do we think?” “Let’s stay!” Noah shouted immediately. Dad looked at Gabby. She realized she was actually excited about being here and whatever awaited them in this strange, magical place, but because she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, she shrugged. “Up to you guys.” “I know it sounds strange...but ...