The Magical Snowflake

Once upon a Christmas eve long, long ago, there was an unplanned event in the north pole. The night started the same as others before, Santa gathering his presents to deliver to the world. As he loaded his sleigh & hitched up the reindeer, he said his goodbyes to Mrs. Clause, then sailed away into the air. Just as he hoped, the children were all snuggled in their beds. Every gift was delivered; without any delays. Satisfied with his work, he went on his merry way. He was full of milk & cookies & holiday cheer. His home in the north pole would soon be near. Anticipating snuggling up by the fire with his cherished wife before he retired to bed for the night. But when he walked through the door, he encountered quite a fright. Mrs. Clause was in tears with her head in her hands. He asked, "What has you so upset, my dear? Now that I have made it home."

She pulled out the Book and made Santa known. While Santa was delivering presents, another delivery was happening. Holly Eve Snow was born at 11:59 pm, right before Christmas day. Never had Santa missed a gift. Though, this was a very close call. He had to think quickly for a special gift, with no help from the elves at all. It was simple to Santa & made perfect sense. This unique situation required one; unique gift. Stepping outside, he scooped a handful of snow & then used his magic to make a snowflake ornament grow.

He rallied his reindeer for one last ride & took off towards the hospital with stealth. He made his way inside. There was no tree in the delivery room, but a small, hand-sewn stocking was hung with care. He slipped the snowflake inside & exited leaving none aware.

Holly Eve Snow

It was the eve of Holly's 6th birthday & with tradition came the story of the night she was born and the mystery snowflake ornament. She enjoyed hearing this story from her parents more than any other Christmas story. It was by far her favorite. Every year they waited until Christmas eve to hang the snowflake on the tree. They gathered around the fireplace in their matching pajamas as they told stories & drank hot cocoa. All of the previous years, mom had been the designated snowflake hanger. But this year, it was finally my turn. I was so excited that I worried I might drop it. To be safe, I had dad lift me into my objective position then had mom pass me the snowflake. As soon as I touched it, it lit up like the north star. I was mesmerized. I must have been staring for some time as I felt my mom's hand squeezing my shoulder. She looked at me as if nothing out of the ordinary happened and asked if I was going to place it on the tree. Wide-eyed, I nodded & took one last look at the glowing snowflake before placing it gently on a branch. Shortly after, we sat out milk & cookies for Santa & it was time for bed. I knew I had to be asleep if I wanted my gift from Santa, but it was going to be difficult to fall asleep after what happened. If it happened? No one else seemed to notice. Maybe I had too much cocoa? Plus, I have always been super imaginative. I held the image in my mind as I let myself drift off to sleep.

The next thing I know, I am knee-deep in snow in front of a sign that says "Welcome to the North Pole". Beyond that looked like a tiny village made of gingerbread houses. At the end of the lane was a large, red, log, cabin with matching stables. Surely. I was dreaming. The snow wasn't cold & it seemed to shimmer more than real snow. Suddenly, I heard singing coming from one of the gingerbread homes. Deciding to investigate, I made my way to the melody & peered through the frost-coated window. Elves!?! They sang & ate sweets. I desperately wanted to join them. Something told me to keep exploring. There was plenty of commotion coming from the stables & off I went.

It smelled like cedar trees & something unfamiliar. I braced myself, peeking shyly into the stable, & there they were, all of Santa's reindeer. Eagerly wanting to introduce myself, I trotted up to Cupid's stall. He was much larger than I had imagined but very dashing & regal. I expected him to turn away or come up to my outstretched hand, but he didn't seem to see me at all. It was the same with all the others. They were too busy with their reindeer games to give me the time of day. Suddenly, I heard a faint chiming sound in the distance.

I awoke to my alarm announcing the arrival of Christmas day & presents. What a wonderful dream! Everything seemed so vivid. I couldn't wait to tell my parents about the adventure I took to the North Pole.

Show & Tell

Holly was excited about her very first show & tell. She could think of nothing better to share with her class than her special snowflake. The only problem was getting her mom to allow it. She needed some Christmas magic this year. Earlier in the spring, they moved for her dad's job. It would be their first Christmas in a new house, but as long as they were together, it would always be home. It was also a lot warmer here & the chances of snow were bleak. Hopefully, her mother would show a little sympathy under the current circumstances. After carefully explaining her well-laid plans for show & tell, her mother agreed to allow it, with personal stipulations. The morning of the big day, Holly bounced joyfully to the kitchen, to enjoy a pancake breakfast. Her dad sat a box wrapped in Christmas paper next to her on the table. "You're a couple of weeks early, don't ya think?" giggled Holly. But she delighted in opening the box anyway. Inside was a leather-bound storybook. Her story. The one she loved most of all & underneath was a special case for her snowflake with a felt bag. Now it was guaranteed to be the best show & tell ever!

In class, Holly waited patiently for her turn. When it finally came, she couldn't curb her enthusiasm even if she tried. All of the kids were fixated as she read her newly bound storybook. Then they all took turns examining the mysterious snowflake ornament. She got many questions throughout the day & felt very proud of herself. At lunch, she even told a couple of her close friends about it glowing & her dream visit to the North Pole. She began to wonder; if it were truly magical; how would you test it? Here & now were not the place to risk taking it out & damaging it.

Safe at home, she pulled her snowflake out & held it in her hand. It didn't light up like it had last year. Holly started to believe that it was her imagination & placed it back in the box for safekeeping until tree time.

The time passed quickly & Christmas eve was here at last. Holly was adjusting to the new house & looking forward to making new memories with her family, but she couldn't help missing the snow. Not a single flurry in this new place. They all gathered around to repeat their annual tradition. When her mom handed her the snowflake, just like last year, it lit up as soon as Holly touched it & only she could see it. She was happy that she might not be crazy & hurried off to bed.

That night Holly dreamed that it snowed & she & all of her friends spent the whole day outside having snowball fights, building snowmen, sledding, & making snow angels.

The next morning. It snowed.