A Little Holiday Magic by Begin Again Christmas Story contest entry |
Christmas cheer warmed the house on a crisp winter evening. The scent of freshly baked cookies with cinnamon and sugar wafted through the air. The twinkling lights on the tree cast a warm, golden glow, and the crackling fire in the hearth added to the cozy ambiance. Camryn pressed her face against the frosted window, her breath fogging the glass as she gazed up at the sky. She sang as she watched the lights twinkle outside, her voice soft and filled with wonder. "Here Comes Santa Claus, Here Comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane," she sang, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Keyanna focused on a tray of cookies on the kitchen counter, her hands busy as she decorated them with colorful icing. She joined in, her voice chiming in sweet harmony. "Vixen, Blitzen, and all his reindeer pulling on the reins." Matt, their older brother, rolled his eyes as he washed a dish. But after his mom softly elbowed him, he muttered, "Bells are ringing, children singing, all is merry and bright." His off-key rendition brought more humor than holiday spirit. Keyanna and Camryn giggled, and Mom, catching the joy in the air, added her voice, her laughter mixing with the music. "So hang your stockings and say your prayers, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight." Their voices filled the house, the season's magic wrapping them all in a cozy embrace. The family had finished decorating their tree, each ornament carefully placed, and the aroma of baked cookies everywhere. Laughter echoed as the children sang their favorite Christmas carols, sharing holiday cheer. But little did they know, as they sang their last note, that a naughty little elf named Tinsel was about to add his brand to the holiday fun. Peace and quiet did not suit Tinsel. His nature was one of fun and mischief. He watched from his perch on the bookshelf, his tiny eyes gleaming as the last cookie was placed on the cooling rack. Once the children were tucked into bed, Tinsel decided it was his time to shine. He slid down the bookshelf, landing with a soft thud on the living room floor. His eyes danced as he surveyed the room — the soft glow of Christmas lights reflected in the window, the stockings hung by the fireplace, and the untouched jar of flour on the kitchen counter. Perfect, he thought. With nimble fingers, Tinsel twisted open the jar of flour, his little face lighting up with glee. He poured it out slowly, making sure it spread across the counter like a fresh blanket of snow. The tiny elf paused for a moment, admiring his work. He'd created his own winter wonderland. But there was more to do. Tinsel flopped onto his back, his tiny arms and legs spread wide as he wiggled across the flour-covered counter. Whoosh! He made the first snow angel, giggling. He repeatedly moved in the soft powder, creating angel after angel, each more intricate than the last. Amid his snowy creations, a small voice interrupted his fun. "Oh, you are real?" squealed Camryn, the youngest of the children, as she stood in the doorway with a surprised but happy look. She had heard the stories and seen the Elf every Christmas, but lately, she'd begun to wonder. Tinsel froze mid-motion, his tiny eyes widening. "Uh-oh!" Camyrn's smile turned to a frown. "Mommy's going to be mad at you. You made her counter a mess." With a sparkle in his eye, Tinsel finished his flour angel and flitted over to the Christmas tree. He picked up one of the shiny silver bells and gently placed it on the counter, ringing it loud enough for Camryn to hear. The bell's chime echoed softly through the room, filling the space with magic. She blinked, her curiosity piqued. She stepped closer to the counter, noticing the snow angels in the flour and the tiny footprints leading from the kitchen to the tree. "Snow angels! Yes, I believe," she whispered, her eyes wide in awe. Just then, her older brother, Matt, strolled into the room with a smirk. "Caught you! Trying to steal the cookies, weren't you?" "No, Matt! Look! See what the Elf on the shelf made? They're snow angels. He's real." "Oh, come on, Cam. You know it's just Mom and Dad moving the Elf around." But as he looked down and saw the snow angels and the bell on the counter, his skeptical face softened. He couldn't help but smile. "What's going on in here?" Keyanna asked as she joined them in the kitchen. "Mom told everyone to go to bed." Camryn tugged on Keyanna's arm. "Look what Tinsel made." Keyanna's eyes widened, and with a grin, she turned to her brother and whispered, "You did this, didn't you?" Matt shook his head. "It wasn't me," he said, glancing around as if the Elf might be watching them. Suddenly, the tiny bell rang loud enough for all three children to hear. Their eyes were wide with surprise. Camryn whispered, "We better get to bed before he puts us on the naughty list." The Christmas tree lights twinkled, filling the room with holiday magic as the girls climbed the stairs toward their beds. As Matt snatched a cookie from the rack, he thought he heard the bell again. He looked around the room, and his eyes met Tinsel's stare as he sat on the bookshelf. He carefully returned the cookie to the rack, nodded at Tinsel, and followed the girls upstairs. And as for Tinsel? He couldn't help but smile as he watched the children, content with knowing that his small act of mischief had rekindled their belief in the Christmas magic — at least for one more night.
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