The story behind "Home for Christmas"

Once upon a time, deep in an enchanted forest, stood a tree taller than the oldest oak, and nestled inside it lived the Twinklehart family. Their home was no ordinary tree—it was a grand, towering maple that the Twinkleharts had lovingly hollowed out, carving cozy rooms within its bark-lined walls. Warm and inviting, their home was filled with little nooks and handmade treasures, perfect for curling up with a book on chilly nights. Living with them was their faithful dog, Magic, a wise old hound with fur as soft as velvet.

Nine-year-old Elowen Twinklehart and her ten-year-old brother Albion adored the festive season, especially the annual trip to find the perfect Christmas tree. Their father would lead them on this adventure every year, and together, they would comb through the forest in search of the brightest, bushiest tree. This year was no exception. As they prepared to leave, their mother reminded them to hurry back, for the air was heavy with the promise of snow, and there were whispers of a possible storm.

With Magic trotting beside them, the Twinkleharts set off, crunching through the frost-crisped leaves and breathing in the wintry scent of pine. After hours of searching, they finally found it—a splendid, full-branched tree that sparkled with fresh snow. Albion helped their father load it onto a wooden trolley, and they began the trek back home.

But as they started to leave, the skies darkened, and snow began to fall faster and heavier. Their father called out, urging them to keep up, but the snow thickened, turning into a swirling blizzard. “Almost home, kids! Stay close!” he shouted.

Amid the swirling snowflakes, Elowen and Magic found themselves lagging behind, their footsteps quickly buried under fresh snow. She squinted, barely able to see Albion and her father disappearing into the storm ahead. Suddenly, a faint beam of light flickered from deeper in the woods, just barely visible through the thick snow.

“Come on, Magic,” Elowen whispered, heart thumping with both fear and excitement. She took a step toward the light, guiding Magic through the snow. As they got closer, the light grew brighter, filling the air with a gentle, golden glow until the storm seemed to vanish, and the world around her looked entirely different.

Elowen and Magic found themselves in a part of the forest she had never seen before. The air was filled with the soft jingle of bells, and, in the distance, Christmas carols floated through the trees. Pushing aside some branches, she gasped. Before her lay a magical village, glowing with thousands of twinkling lights, garlands of holly and mistletoe hanging everywhere.

In this enchanted place, little cottages made from hollowed-out tree stumps lined the path, each adorned with red ribbons and tiny, glimmering baubles. To her astonishment, squirrels, rabbits, elves, and gnomes bustled about, carrying trays of gingerbread and baskets of holly, preparing for the holiday with cheerful enthusiasm.

Magic’s ears perked up, a little wary, but Elowen was too enchanted to feel anything but wonder. However, as she took a step forward, she suddenly lost her footing on the snowy incline, tumbling down the hill and landing with a soft “oof” right in front of a cozy little door. She looked up to see two squirrels, wearing little scarves and mittens, peering down at her in surprise.

“Why, who do we have here?” asked Mrs. Woodsickle, one of the two squirrels, with a gentle smile.

“I’m Elowen, and this is Magic,” she said, a little breathless. “We…we got lost in the snowstorm.”

“Oh, you poor thing! Come inside, dear,” said Mrs. Woodsickle, leading Elowen and Magic into her warm, fragrant home. Inside, a fire crackled cheerfully, casting a golden glow over the snug little room. The air was filled with a scent so delicious and comforting, it wrapped around Elowen like a warm hug—wild berries and cranberries, peach and sage, apple and cloves, raspberry and cedar.

Elowen took a deep breath, captivated. “What is that amazing smell?”

Mrs. Woodsickle chuckled. “That, my dear, is the Magic of Christmas.”

As they sipped mugs of hot chocolate, Elowen explained her story, and Mr. Woodsickle, a wise and kind squirrel with silver whiskers, nodded thoughtfully. “Fear not, young one. We’ll make sure you and Magic find your way back home. You mustn’t miss Christmas with your family!”

The next morning, Mr. Woodsickle prepared a special bundle for Elowen. Before she left, Mrs. Woodsickle handed her a small, intricately carved candle. “Take this,” she said with a wink. “It carries the Magic of Christmas in its scent. Light it, and you’ll always find warmth and joy, no matter where you are.”

With tearful goodbyes and a heart full of wonder, Elowen and Magic set off, guided by Mr. Woodsickle’s directions. The snowstorm had passed, and before long, she could see the familiar smoke from her family’s fireplace curling up into the bright winter sky. She ran toward the house, calling out to her family, and Albion and their father rushed out to meet her, wrapping her in warm hugs.

On Christmas Eve, the Twinkleharts gathered around, their home aglow with warmth and joy. Elowen placed Mrs. Woodsickle’s candle on the table and lit it. Instantly, the room filled with the magical scent of wild berries, cranberries, peach, sage, apple, cloves, raspberry, and cedar. As they shared stories and laughter, the whole family felt that special enchantment in the air—the Magic of Christmas, which was home.

And as the candle flickered, Elowen knew that this would be a Christmas she’d never forget.

- Foxy