Chapter 1 – Before the Holidays
The children had no idea what it all meant. Every year about this time, the grown-ups got really distracted and busy.
“Go play!” the mothers would command in stern voices, as if the children somehow needed to be persuaded.
The children would giggle and dash outside, glad to frolic for the afternoon in the fresh, December air.
“Tag! You’re it!” one would call, and the races would begin.
They played until dusk, being careful to freeze in their tracks if a human ventured past. (It was a primary rule never to ruin the humans’ illusions that you were immobile. It might frighten them very badly to see you racing through the forest..)
When the day’s light faded and they came inside the family’s fold, the grownups were relaxed, their eyes twinkling with secrets. “Did you have a good time?” the fathers would ask.
And the mothers would serve them supper, give them a special kiss, and tuck them in, crooning, “Sweet dreams, little one. Sweet dreams.”
And the children didn’t care whether they understood the grown-ups or not. It was enough that they were so happy.