Juniper finds her happy place, starts a blizzard ­— in the kitchen

December 20, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the seventh chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. After returning home, the twins’ day didn’t get any less bizarre. More so, if possible. Juniper was like a little whirlwind full of excitement and energy; it made Katie tired just watching her, and she had a sneaking suspicion that Juniper had been right about them not being able to keep up with her. She explored every nook and cranny of their house, exclaiming over things Katie had never thought twice ...

Elves work to preserve magic

December 19, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the sixth chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. “Unbelievable!” Jasper cried, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Christmas elves?” Kellan squeaked. Juniper nodded. “From the North Pole.” “The North Pole!” “Yes, you know … where Santa lives.” “Where Santa lives!” “Are you just going to repeat everything I say?” Juniper asked him. “So let’s say we believe you,” Katie said, and Kellan’s eyebrows shot up at ...

Christmas elves’ secret slips

December 18, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the fifth chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Jasper placed his hands on his hips and put on his best stern big brother face. “Where are you staying? How are you eating?” Juniper tried to contain her excitement, sensing her brother’s resolve was weakening. She pointed to the large gingerbread-style house at the far end of the Village. “It’s their souvenir shop. It has so much candy! And the back room where I sleep has a comfy couch and a ...

Juniper gets her way to stay at Christmas Village

December 17, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the fourth chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Jasper emerged from the doorway he’d created, exiting the frigid winter air and entering the warmth of the Christmas Village. A quick glance around confirmed nobody had noticed him, and he settled into one of the chairs that lined the wall where parents sat watching their children play. He spotted Juniper right away, and grinned as he watched her take part in a cookie decorating contest. It was hardly fair, ...

Strange Christmas happenings

December 16, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the third chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Katie watched in confusion as a tornado of red glitter swirled up toward the ceiling. “What in the world?” Kellan asked while all the children around them exclaimed in awe. Suddenly the glitter fell, covering everything nearby with a fine layer of red sparkle. The boy who had opened the jar dropped it and ran off. “Oh no,” Kellan groaned, swiping frantically at his hair, and Katie couldn’t help but ...

Feeling homesick at Christmas

December 15, 2023

Editor’s note: This is the second chapter of a 12-part fictional holiday tale that is running daily until Christmas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children. Juniper watched the brother and sister as they worked at the craft center, helping little kids put gemstone ornaments onto their mini foam Christmas trees. Seeing the easy way the siblings interacted with each other, teasing and laughing, sent a pang through her heart. She missed her own big brother more than she thought she would. Never in a million years would she have imagined she’d miss the way he stole ...