Madison and the Missing Moon!
By Jamie Busby
Published by Jamie Busby at Smashwords
Copyright 2009 Jamie Busby
Smashwords
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Madison and the Missing Moon!
There was once, in fact there still is, a little girl called Madison! She had lots of friends and her Mummy & Daddy loved her very much. It just so happened that EVERYONE loved Madison because she made everybody so happy!
Madison was a very happy little girl too & one thing that made her REALLY happy was the Moon. You see, Madison loved the Moon and liked to look up at the sky every night to see it shining because it made her smile.
It seemed the Moon was always in a different place & was a different shape. Sometimes she could see it all, big & round in the sky. But sometimes, she could only see a small piece of it, Madison never knew what she would see each night when it got dark!
But one night there was no Moon at all. The Moon still wasn’t there the next night either. It wasn’t there all week, or the week after that too. There was STILL no Moon. Christmas was coming and Madison really wanted to see the Moon but it just wasn’t there anymore. There could be only one reason……..
The Moon was MISSING!
Madison looked everywhere in the sky, but the Moon was nowhere to be seen. “I must ask someone if they know where the Moon has gone” thought Madison.
The next day she asked her Daddy; “Daddy, where has the Moon gone?”
“I don’t know Madison, maybe it’s gone on its’ holidays” replied Daddy.
“Don’t be silly Daddy, the Moon doesn’t go on holiday!” said Madison. “I will have to ask someone else” she thought.
So the next day Madison asked her Mummy; “Mummy, where has the Moon gone? Daddy says it might be on its’ holidays”.
“The Moon doesn’t go on holiday!” said Mummy. “Maybe the Moon is poorly and in bed getting better.”
“Don’t be silly Mummy, the Moon doesn’t get poorly!” said Madison. “I will have to ask someone else” she thought.
The next day Madison was at nursery and asked her teacher Miss White, then her Grandad, then her friend’s Mummy Emily, then her other Grandparents Nana & Poppa. Their answers made Madison laugh out loud!;
“Maybe it’s busy doing the housework” said Miss White.
“Maybe it’s gone to do the shopping at Tesco’s” said Grandad.
“Maybe it’s gone to play on the swings at the park” said Emily.
“Maybe it’s gone horse riding” said Nana.
“Maybe its playing football with it’s friends” said Poppa…..
“The Moon doesn’t do any of those things!” she told everyone.
Madison couldn’t think of anymore people to ask about where the Moon had gone and she was feeling sad. Christmas was only a few days away and she STILL hadn’t found out where the Moon was. Maybe it really was lost, maybe it would never come back?...
She went back to Daddy; “Daddy, I’ve asked almost everyone I can think of if they know where the Moon has gone and nobody knows, all their answers were a bit silly” she said, looking rather glum indeed.
“Well Madison, I’m not sure where the Moon has gone, but I am going to take you to a wonderful place to see someone very special today that will hopefully make you happy again!” said Daddy.
“Where are we going and who are we going to see Daddy?” said Madison.
“It’s a secret! Just put your coat on and we’ll get in the car so I can take you there right now” said Daddy. “Ok!” said Madison.
She was very excited now and started to wonder if she was really going to find out what had happened to the Moon. Where was Daddy taking her? Who were they going to see? Madison could hardly wait to see and she had butterflies in her tummy!
Madison and her Daddy got in the car and before long, they had parked up and were in town. They were walking around the shops which all had beautiful Christmas decorations and twinkly lights in the windows, Madison thought how pretty it all looked!
“Where are we going Daddy? I’m very excited!” she said.
“Just give me 5 minutes and we’ll be there Madison” said Daddy.
There were crowds of people in town that day, some rushing about one way & some rushing about the other way. It was so busy that it made Madison dizzy!
“Why are there so many people in town Daddy?” she asked.
“Everyone is doing their Christmas shopping, buying presents for all their family and friends” said Daddy. “It’s like this every day all over the world when it gets close to Christmas!” Daddy told her. “Do you like it?” he said.
“I LOVE it Daddy!” said Madison. “It’s so exciting and it’s so nice to see everyone looking so happy!” she added.
One thing was still bothering Madison though and she had a little frown on her face, which Daddy noticed.
“What’s the matter Madison?” asked Daddy, “Why are you sad?”
“Everything is so lovely Daddy, but I just keep thinking about the Moon and where it has gone. I am sure it is lost” said Madison.
“Don’t worry about that for now sweetheart” said Daddy, “I think you might be able to get some help today if you’re a good girl and keep smiling.” Daddy looked at her with a big smile, this made Madison smile too!....
Madison looked at her Daddy and wondered what he could mean. She had that funny feeling of butterflies in her tummy all over again! Where were they going? Was there someone who could help her find the Moon? Then she noticed that they were walking towards a large crowd of people……..
Madison & Daddy had arrived at the square in the middle of town. She could hear music & singing and there were people standing on the balcony of the Town Hall high above her head. It was very busy though and she couldn’t see much. Just as she was about to speak, Daddy said “Come here Madison” and picked her up. Before she knew it, Madison was sitting high up on Daddy’s shoulders; Now she could see everything!
There was a band playing music, a choir singing Christmas carols and the Mayor was standing on the balcony of the Town Hall with some other very important people. Daddy was standing up against a shop window with Madison high up on his shoulders, she could see it all! A huge crowd had gathered and they were all watching the choir. Everyone inside the shops and the people who lived in the houses above the shops were all watching what was happening through the windows. Some people were leaning out of their windows just so they could see. People were also walking past in every direction, it was so busy and Madison loved it!
The choir finished singing their Christmas carols and then the Mayor started talking through a microphone so everyone in the crowd could hear; “Hello everybody! Welcome to all of you who have come to see us turn on the Christmas lights!” he said.
“Wow!” thought Madison. All the lights that were hung up on the shops and down the streets were about to be switched on!
“This is brilliant Daddy!” she said.
“I thought you’d like it!” said Daddy from down below.
She was up on Daddy’s shoulders remember!
The Mayor said “Are you ready?” and the crowd all screamed out a big, loud “YESSSSSS!”......
“Ok” said the Mayor “I will begin the countdown.”
“What is the countdown Daddy?” said Madison.
“The Mayor is going to count from 10 down to 1 and then switch the lights on” said Daddy, “Watch!”
The Mayor started to count slowly and everyone joined in!
“10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1!.....”
He then pressed a big button and all at once, every light in the town came on at the same time! It went from being quite dark to very bright indeed. There were stars & angels & candles & pictures all made up of lights and suddenly, they had all come to life and were lighting up the whole town; Madison thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen!
“Do you like the lights Madison?” said Daddy.
“Yes I do Daddy” said Madison from high up on Daddy’s shoulders, “I LOVE them!” She looked around at all the lights and all the people and thought what a magical time she was having, surely it couldn’t get any better!.....
Then the Mayor spoke again to the crowd; “We have a very special guest today but he’s a bit shy, can you all join me in calling for him?”
“YESSSSSS!!!!!!!” replied the crowd loudly.
“Ok then” said the Mayor, “Let’s call him; FATHER CHRISTMAS!....” he shouted. “Join in everyone! FATHER CHRISTMAS!.....” and the whole crowd started calling his name too!
“Where is Father Christmas?” asked Madison, very excited again by now.
“He’s somewhere close, keep calling his name Madison!” said Daddy.
The whole crowd, including Madison & Daddy, were now calling his name and it was the loudest noise Madison had ever heard;
“FATHER CHRISTMAS!...... FATHER CHRISTMAS!...... FATHER CHRISTMAS!.....” they called.....
Then suddenly, up on the roof above the balcony where the Mayor was standing, Madison & the crowd could see a red glove.....then a red arm with white, fluffy cuffs......then a red hat with a white bobble......then a face with rosy-red cheeks and a great big white beard.....then a big, plump body wearing a red suit......
“It’s Father Christmas Daddy!” squealed Madison, “He’s up on the roof!”
“I see him too!” said Daddy. “Look, he’s coming down.”
It was indeed Father Christmas and he was standing on the roof waving at the crowd. The crowd were all waving back and calling his name and screaming! He came to the edge of the roof and looked like he was going to fall onto the balcony, but instead of falling, he floated gently down until he landed softly next to the Mayor.
“How did he do that Daddy? Why didn’t he fall?” said Madison.
“Because he has special magic powers; One of the things he can do is fly!” said Daddy, “I told you he was special Madison!”
“Is it real magic Daddy?” she asked.
“Of course it is” said Daddy, “everyone knows about Father Christmas and his magic! You’re a very lucky girl to see him.”
Father Christmas was now on the balcony and he spoke into the microphone to the crowd of people;
“Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas everybody! It’s wonderful to be here, I hope you all get the presents you want on Christmas day. I’m sure you will, as long as you’ve been good girls & boys of course!” he said.
Then, using his magic, he floated down from the balcony into the crowd where some of his little elves were waiting for him, Madison couldn’t believe her eyes! He started walking through the crowd followed by his elves and Madison watched him go past, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was shaking people’s hands and speaking to everyone as he passed, but he moved very quickly for such an old looking man. He turned a corner and was gone.
“Wow Daddy! That was the most brilliant thing I’ve ever seen!” said Madison. “Where has he gone? What do we do now Daddy?”
Daddy lowered Madison down off his shoulders and stood her back on the ground, she felt very low down again.
“Come with me Madison, we have lots left to do!” said Daddy.
Madison’s head was spinning and she couldn’t wait to tell Mummy about all that had happened. She held Daddy’s hand tightly and they walked off the same way Father Christmas had gone. Madison had a feeling that this adventure was not over yet and she could feel the butterflies in her tummy, again!.........
Madison and her Daddy had got to the biggest shop in town and there was the longest queue of children that she had ever seen, all standing with their Mummy’s or Daddy’s, waiting in line to go in. It was like a great big snake made of boys & girls and Mummy’s & Daddy’s!
Then Madison saw that there was a huge picture of Father Christmas on the front of the shop. On the picture, he was eating a biscuit!
“What’s going on? Why is everyone queuing? Why is there a picture of Father Christmas eating a biscuit?” she thought.
Madison and Daddy held hands and joined the queue, it was slowly moving forward into the shop through one door. Madison saw that there was another door round the side of the shop where little boys & girls kept coming out of with their Mummy’s and Daddy’s. All the children were smiling & laughing like they had just had the most wonderful time!
“Daddy, where are we going? What is in the shop? Why is everyone queuing up here and coming out the other door looking so happy?” said Madison.
“Well” said Daddy, “You see the picture up there of Father Christmas?”. She looked up at the picture and nodded.
“Today is a very special day because not only has Father Christmas taken time off work to come to our town, but he has come to this shop to see all the children too!” Daddy told her. “This is where he went after you saw him earlier”.
Madison could hardly believe what Daddy had said.
“So, that means……that means……errrrrr…….” said Madison!
“YES!” said Daddy, “I have brought you here to see Father Christmas!”. Madison could hardly believe it. She thought that Father Christmas must have gone back home after speaking to the crowd. But NO! She was going to actually get to see him and maybe even speak to him! Now, she was so excited and the butterflies were flying around in her tummy so fast that she thought she was going to burst like a balloon!
“What happens Daddy? What do I say to him? What will he say to me?!” asked Madison.
“Don’t worry sweetheart” said Daddy, “He will just ask you what presents you would like for Christmas and if you have been a good girl. If you have been a good girl, Father Christmas will make sure you get everything you want!”
“Have I been a good girl Daddy?” asked Madison, looking a bit worried.
“YES YOU HAVE DARLING!” said Daddy, “Father Christmas always knows if you have been good or not anyway because of his special magic! Sometimes, naughty children tell him that they have been good when really, they have been very naughty. But Father Christmas ALWAYS knows the truth!”
“Oh, I see” said Madison.
“But you don’t have to worry though because you have been a very good girl. Anyway, do you know what you are going to ask him for?” said Daddy.
“I’m not sure Daddy” said Madison, “I will have to think about it”. So Madison started thinking about what she would ask for…..
All the time Madison was thinking, she couldn’t help but notice that the queue was getting closer & closer to the shop doors. The closer they got, the more excited she became and she had that feeling of bursting like a balloon again, but this time she was sure she would explode!
“We’re getting close now Madison, do you know what you’re going to ask for yet?” asked Daddy.
“I’m still not sure Daddy. I wish I was a bit taller though, I can’t see what’s happening” she replied.
With that, Daddy picked up Madison and put her straight back on his shoulders! Now she could see EVERYTHING again! She looked all around her. People were walking or queuing everywhere she looked, she had never seen anything like it in her life. This was even better than watching the Mayor turn the lights on!
“How is it back up there on my shoulders?” said Daddy.
“Its brilliant Daddy, I can see everything again! We’re getting very close to the shop door” said Madison.
“I think we’re nearly there Madison, not long now” replied Daddy……..
Madison was now thinking so hard about what she was going to ask Father Christmas for that she hardly noticed when Daddy said “Look Madison, we are next in line! Are you ready? Have you thought of anything you want to ask Father Christmas for yet?”
“I’m still not really sure Daddy” she replied. “I have lots of toys & games, I’m not sure if there is anything else that I want Daddy.”
“There must be something” said Daddy. “Just think about what you would like more than anything else in the world and ask for that. The more you REALLY want something, the more likely you are to get it, as long as it is a good thing” explained Daddy.
Madison closed her eyes and thought as hard as she could about what she REALLY wanted. Daddy was watching her and he noticed a little smile begin to spread across Madison’s face.
“Why the smile Madison? Have you thought of what you want to ask Father Christmas for?” said Daddy.
“I think I might have Daddy. It’s not a normal present, but I might just ask anyway and see what happens” replied Madison.
“It doesn’t matter WHAT it is Madison; If there is something you really, really want and it is a good thing & it would make you happy, Father Christmas is the perfect person to ask!” said Daddy.
Before Madison could answer, Daddy quickly got her back down off his shoulders and held her hand. “It’s our turn Madison” said Daddy. “Then let’s go” said Madison, “I think I’m ready!”……
Holding hands with Daddy and with the butterflies now flying faster than ever in her tummy, Madison walked slowly towards the entrance. It was HER turn and she couldn’t believe it was really happening! There was a little elf, one of Father Christmas’s helpers, waiting for them as they got to the doorway. He was not quite as tall as Madison and dressed in a costume that was green with red stitching all over. He even wore a green & red hat which had a little bell on top!
“Welcome to Santa’s Grotto!” said the cheerful little elf. “My name is Twinkle-Toes and I will be your guide!”
“And hello to you too Twinkle-Toes!” said Daddy.
“Who is Santa? What is a Grotto?” whispered Madison to Daddy.
Daddy kneeled down & whispered back into Madison’s ear, “Santa Claus is Father Christmas’s real name and a Grotto is the special place where children visit him. THIS is Santa’s Grotto!”
“Oh, I see!” said Madison, she was now smiling more than ever!
“Is everything ok?” asked the elf, “Santa is waiting to see you now.”
“Everything is fine” said Daddy, “This is my little girl and her name is Madison.”
“Ok” replied the elf, “Santa is very busy! It’s 6 o’clock and there are still lots of children to see. Are you ready Madison?”
“I think so Twinkle-Toes!” replied Madison. “Well let’s go then!” said the elf…..
Twinkle-Toes led the way through the entrance to the Grotto and locked the door behind them. Madison & Daddy followed, hand-in-hand. There were other little elves standing around and they were all smiling or dancing or chattering to each other in high-pitched voices. There were Christmas lights and decorations everywhere, Madison had never seen anything like this before in her life and she didn’t know where to look. She felt like she had to look at as much as she could while she was there, just in case she missed something!
Twinkle-Toes asked them if he could take their coats. Madison & Daddy noticed that it was quite warm so they both agreed. The little elf hung their coats up on 2 pegs and explained that they could get them back on the way out. Coats off and finally ready, Madison & Daddy & Twinkle-Toes set off…..
They continued towards what looked like the opening to a large tunnel cut out of rocks. It was dimly lit and light seemed to be coming from somewhere down below at the end of the tunnel, wherever that was. Twinkle-Toes was skipping merrily ahead of them and Madison couldn’t help but feel a little bit worried.
“Are we going to be ok Daddy?” she asked.
“Of course we are Madison” said Daddy, “there is nothing to be scared of and I’ll be with you all the time!” This made Madison feel much better as they followed the little elf into the tunnel.
The start of the tunnel was quite wide and high, Madison could see that it had been cut out of real rocks and it was a bit dusty. There were twinkly Christmas lights spread all over the walls and ceiling of the tunnel. It was very pretty but Madison was still feeling a bit nervous because she couldn’t see where the end was, the part where Father Christmas was hopefully going to be. She looked up at Daddy, he looked back at her with a smile and a cheeky wink! This made her feel better again.
“Come on then, let’s get moving” said Twinkle-Toes, “Santa is just down here and he can’t wait to meet you Madison!”
Twinkle-Toes kept leading the way, skipping & singing & dancing round-and-round as he went with Madison & Daddy following. Madison noticed the tunnel starting to get narrower and lower as they got deeper into it, even Daddy was having to crouch down.
“Not much further now!” said Twinkle-Toes.
“Phew!” said Daddy, “this tunnel is getting a bit small for me to fit in!”
Madison also noticed that it had been getting darker & darker as they had been going down the tunnel. There were no more twinkly lights, they were all behind them now, there was little more than a dim glow coming from candles that were fixed to the wall. The tunnel went round & round and downwards in a spiral, you could not see very far in front of you at all. Madison could only really see the rock that the tunnel was made out of and lots of flickering shadows made by the candle-light. She was about to tell Daddy that she was feeling a bit worried again when the tunnel started to straighten, just a little bit and the light started to get brighter too, just a little bit……
“Are you both ok?” asked Twinkle-Toes, skipping merrily ahead.
“How much longer?” replied Daddy.
“We are almost there, don’t stop now!” said the elf, “Look!”......
By now, even though the tunnel had become very narrow and even though Madison was having to duck her head down because the ceiling was so low, there was beautiful, soft white light beginning to flood in everywhere! Not just that, but the tunnel was starting to get wider, higher & straighter. The light was getting brighter and brighter & Madison could see the tunnel opening out into some sort of room. Daddy squeezed her hand gently to let her know everything was ok and before they knew it, they had arrived at a great big underground cave! Madison could see that this was where all the beautiful light was coming from and it looked so pretty! Daddy was pleased because he could now stand up straight again!........
There was a huge Christmas tree in the far corner decorated with lights and shiny streamers in every colour of the rainbow. Not only that, there was an open fire built into the cave wall. It was glowing and flickering away, full of wooden logs burning slowly and giving off warmth. In front of the fire was a red woolly rug and lying on the rug was the biggest, fluffiest white dog with the most gorgeous coat of hair you could imagine! He just lay there on the rug with his tongue hanging out panting, he seemed to have a smile on his face and his eyes were full of kindness. The whole place not only felt Christmassy, it smelt Chrismassy too!
Before Madison had time to think, the big smiley dog said;
“Hello & welcome to Santa’s Grotto! My name is Tinsel and I am Santa’s pet dog and good friend. Don’t be worried Madison, all animals can talk where we come from!”
“Dogs can’t talk! And how does he know my name?” thought Madison to herself.
While she was still thinking about all this, her head spinning again and the butterflies flying round her tummy faster than ever, Tinsel said;
“Dogs CAN talk where we come from, like I just told you, and we know every little boy’s & girl’s name! As long as they have been good that is!”
“Errrr…..ok……I’m ever so sorry” said Madison. It was like the dog knew what Madison was thinking!
“That’s ok, we know that most people don’t realise that Santa’s animals can talk! We also know that most people don’t understand how powerful Santa’s magic is; Well now you do!” replied Tinsel.
Madison & Daddy just stood there, hand-in-hand & mouths wide open, looking around trying to take it all in. Elves, tunnels, talking dogs, magic; It was a lot of stuff to think about in one go! Madison noticed that the cave seemed to carry on round to the right. Daddy had seen this too and they were both leaning forward trying to have a look, it was like their feet were glued to the floor!
“Are you ready then Madison?” said Twinkle-Toes.
“Do you want to meet Santa now?” said Tinsel.
“I think so!” replied Madison. She looked at Daddy and he nodded with a smile.
“Well come with me then” said Twinkle-Toes, offering Madison his little elf-hand. She looked at Daddy again, he nodded back as if to say “It’s ok”, so Madison took Twinkle-Toes hand……
They started to walk slowly round the corner of the cave to the part they couldn’t see.
“You can stand here by me and watch if you like Daddy” said Tinsel from the rug. So Daddy went over towards Tinsel. As the 3 of them walked, ever so slowly, Madison & Daddy were gradually able to see more & more of what was round the corner in the hidden part of the cave that they couldn’t quite see yet. Bit by bit, inch by inch, they could gradually see it all and it quite literally took their breath away!....
As they walked around the corner of the cave that they had been straining to see, it opened up into a big open area, like a living room in a house but with no furniture or TV like you have at home! There was a Christmas tree in both corners of this room and they were each decorated with the most beautiful lights & streamers & baubles you could imagine. Then their eyes slowly drifted across to what was in between the Christmas trees. There was another large red rug that led up some steps to a small stage area. Their eyes now slowly started to move up to what was sitting on the little stage, 3 steps up. It took their breath away, again!.........
On top of the stage was an enormous golden throne, Madison thought it looked like the sort of chair that the Queen would sit on. It had a big red cushion as a seat and it was covered in lots of pretty decorations too. Madison just stood there open-mouthed, holding hands with Twinkle-Toes. She looked back at Daddy and his mouth was wide open with shock too! But what happened next nearly made Madison’s & Daddy’s eyes pop out!........
From the right of this room, they heard some footsteps and then, before there was chance to wonder who it was, there he was; Father Christmas! He was dressed in his red suit & hat with white fluffy seams and looked just like the picture Madison had seen outside the Grotto. He walked towards his special chair, glancing at Madison as he went. It seemed like he was about to laugh and his eyes looked like they were smiling.
“How can eyes look like they are smiling?” thought Madison. For some reason, she actually began to feel calm again, no more butterflies and her head had stopped spinning. It was lovely and peaceful, Madison wanted to enjoy every single moment she had down here in the Grotto. Daddy was thinking the same too!
Father Christmas shuffled up the 3 little steps, flopped down into his big chair and looked straight into Madison’s eyes. He was still smiling, his face and his eyes, then he spoke;
“So, who have we got here Twinkle-Toes?” said Father Christmas. His voice was very deep, but soft and gentle at the same time.
“This is Madison and she has come with her Daddy” said the elf.
Father Christmas looked at Daddy and nodded at him as if to say “Hello!” so Daddy nodded back in the same way.
Then Father Christmas looked at Madison and said “Come to me my dear child and we’ll have a little chat shall we?”
Twinkle-Toes let go of Madison’s hand and gently nudged her in the direction of Father Christmas, so Madison began to walk towards him. The closer she got, the more she could see how rosy his cheeks were, how white his beard was and how smiley his eyes & face were! Before she knew it, she was at the top of the 3 little steps and standing right next to him! Even after all that had happened today, Madison thought that this was the best moment so far and she gave Father Christmas a little smile, which he returned along with a nod of his head.
For what seemed like a very long time, Madison just stood there staring at him, both of them smiling at each other. Then she glanced back at Daddy who smiled at her to let her know everything was ok.
“Ok?” thought Madison, “this is the best thing ever!”
While Madison was busy thinking about what an amazing time she was having, Father Christmas leaned forward and picked her up. He looked such an old man, but he picked Madison up like she was just a feather. Next thing she knew, she was sitting on his lap and it was very comfortable and cosy indeed!
“Right then” said Father Christmas smiling, “down to business! What is it that I can do for you Madison?”
“Hello Father Christmas, my Daddy has brought me to see you but I’m not sure how to ask you for what I really want” said Madison.
“First things first Madison, please call me Santa. After all, that is my name!” said Santa laughing. Twinkle-Toes laughed too and so did Daddy. Madison looked back at Daddy and the elf chuckling away and had a little giggle herself!
“Ok, sorry about that Santa, but this is the first time I have been to a Grotto you see” said Madison.
“That’s fine Madison, nothing to worry about, no harm done. I can see you are a very sweet little girl. Now, tell me, this is very important; Have you been a good girl this year?” asked Santa.
Madison looked backed at Daddy who smiled and was nodding as if to say “Tell him YES!”
Madison turned to Santa and replied “I think I’ve been a good girl. Mummy & Daddy say I have, but I’m not totally sure I suppose.”
Santa looked across to Twinkle-Toes, who passed Santa some papers with lots of writing on them. Santa looked at the papers very closely, muttering to himself as he read them and letting out the occasional “Mmmm” or “Aaaaah”.
After about a minute or so, Santa gave the papers back to the elf and said “Sorry about the wait Madison, I was just checking your behaviour records for the last year.”
“My behaviour records?” said Madison, “What are they?”
“What are they?!” laughed Santa. “Every child in the world is closely watched by my special helpers all year round and everything you do, good or naughty, is recorded so I can decide who gets the presents they want for Christmas.”
“So I have been watched all year?” asked Madison. “How come I have never noticed anyone watching me Santa?”
“You can’t see my helpers Madison, they are magical helpers like Twinkle-Toes and all the other elves” said Santa.
Madison thought about this for a moment, then said “Well, what did my records say about me Santa? Are Mummy & Daddy right?”
She was a bit worried as she waited for an answer off Santa, who was by now laughing so hard that big tears were rolling down his rosy-red cheeks!
“Mummy & Daddy are indeed right, they usually are! It seems that you have been a very good girl indeed!” he said. Madison let out a big sigh and relaxed a bit, she even managed a little smile.
“That’s more like it” said Santa, “No need for frowning Madison! It’s time for you to tell me what you would like for Christmas”…….
This was it. The time had come. It was the moment of truth and Madison felt a shiver run through her body. She looked up at Santa; Then she looked at Daddy, who gave her a big smile and a thumbs-up as if to say “Go on Madison, you can do it!”
Madison looked back at Santa and said “There is something I really, really want, but I don’t think you can help me.”
Santa looked puzzled and began to frown. Then he scratched his head as if he was a bit confused.
“You don’t you think I can help you?” he said.
“I’m not sure, but it’s not a normal present I want you see Santa. I have lots of lovely toys & games & clothes anyway, I don’t think there is anything normal that I really want” she replied.
“Well Madison” said Santa, “why don’t you just ask me anyway and let me decide if it’s normal or not and whether I can help you or not. How does that sound to you?”
“Ok” said Madison, “but don’t say I didn’t warn you”……
Madison sat there thinking about how she was going to ask for what she wanted. It was a strange present for a little girl to want, but she did really, really want it.
“Go on Madison” said Santa, “Just tell me what it is and I’ll see what I can do.”
Madison looked into his kind, smiling eyes again, thought “Oh well, here goes nothing” and took a deep breath before starting….
“Santa, I would like to find the Moon as I think it is surely lost” said Madison, as quick as she could. She just wanted to get the question out of the way because she thought it sounded silly.
Santa’s eyes opened wide, he scratched his head again, then said; “The Moon is lost? Why do you say this Madison?”
“I used to look at the Moon every night, but it has been missing for over 2 weeks now. I am worried it is lost and for my Christmas present, I would like to find it again. Please…..” she replied.
“You don’t want a doll or a bike or a teddy bear or some toys?” said Santa.
“I have enough of those things Santa” said Madison, “All I really want for Christmas is to find the Missing Moon”.
She stared at Santa’s face, he looked confused again and she had no idea what he was thinking. After all, what could he do? Santa’s job was to give out presents to children at Christmas, he didn’t have anything to do with the Moon, or the stars or the sun for that matter. Santa looked down at her with a slight frown, Madison felt a bit nervous, but slowly that frown turned into a smile, and then into laughter. Then big tears were rolling down his rosy cheeks again and he was hugging Madison as if she had told him wonderful news!
“My child, I have never, ever in my lifetime heard such an unusual request for a Christmas present. Yet at the same time, I have never had anyone ask me for something who really wanted it as much as you obviously do” said Santa, staring deep into Madison’s eyes. “You could have asked for any toy or game or doll, but you ask me for this. This is a beautiful moment for us all, am I not right Twinkle-Toes?” he shouted, looking up and aiming his words at the little elf now. Twinkle-Toes stood there with big tears in his eyes. This time though they were not tears of laughter, but tears of love & happiness.
“Yes it is Santa, truly beautiful” sniffled the elf, trying hard not to burst out crying! Daddy was still smiling but Madison was sure she saw him wiping his eyes too! She couldn’t believe what a fuss her Christmas wish had caused, she started to wonder if it would have just been easier if she’d asked for a new Teddy bear!......
Santa continued; “It’s times like this that make me realise it’s all worthwhile. I feel truly blessed to have met you today Madison!”
“Errrr, thank you Santa, I don’t know what to say!” she replied.
“You don’t have to say anything little one!” roared Santa, “just let me have one more hug!” he added.
He hugged Madison tight, chuckling away to himself and rocking back & forth in his chair. When he had finished what Madison thought must be the biggest hug EVER, he carried on;
“I must tell you Madison, even though I have never heard such an unusual Christmas wish before, it doesn’t mean that I can’t help you.”
Madison sat there and wondered what he meant. Could he help? Would Santa be able to find the Moon for her?.........
“So, will you be able to help me Santa?” said Madison with a hopeful look on her face.
Santa looked at her closely with a big smile on his face. “I will do my best” he said. “Now listen very closely and I will tell you what to do.”
“Ok Santa” said Madison, “I will do ANYTHING if you can help me.”
“Right then Madison” he continued. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. When you go to bed, I want you to wear the warmest pyjamas you have got and have your coat and slippers ready.”
“Errr, ok Santa. Why do I need to wear warm bed-clothes and be ready? Ready for what?” asked Madison.
“You will see why on Christmas Eve won’t you little Madison!” said Santa. He looked down at the presents that were wrapped up and scattered all over the floor around him. Then he reached out, picked one up and said “For now, I would really like you to have this. You can open it when you have gone and I hope it will always remind you of today.”
He passed the present to Madison. It was round shaped on top with some sort of flat base on it. It was quite heavy for a small present and it felt like a cup with a hard, round ball on top.
“Thank you Santa, whatever it is” said Madison, “I will keep it for EVER!”
“Yes my dear, I have a feeling you will!” said Santa, still with a big smile on his face. He now had a twinkle in his eye too!
“And a big Thank You to you too Madison, you have made my day!” He then gave her another very big hug before lifting her down off his lap and putting her back on the floor.
“So, I’ll be seeing you again then maybe Santa?” asked Madison.
“Maybe you will Madison and a lot sooner than you think!....” he replied. “Now you must be going, Twinkle-Toes will show you out.” “Goodbye to you too Daddy!” Santa bellowed across the room.
“Goodbye Santa!” said Daddy, “Thank you for everything!”
Daddy walked across and picked up Madison who was clinging to her present. They followed Twinkle-Toes into the little side-room off the main Grotto, the room that Santa had walked out of when they first saw him. Madison’s eyes never left Santa’s eyes until the 3 of them found themselves in this little room. There was a chair and a table in this room, with a plate of bread & cheese on the table. Santa had been in here having a little snack before they saw him thought Madison! Past this was a stone staircase with 6 steps leading up to a little wooden door. Twinkle-Toes led the way up the stairs and stopped at the door.
“There you are Madison & Daddy, I hope you had a lovely time” said the little elf. “I know I did!”
“It was brilliant!” said Madison.
“Yes, it was wonderful, thank you so much!” said Daddy.
“Well, it’s time to say goodbye for now, but don’t forget what Santa told you Madison!” said Twinkle-Toes, opening the little wooden door.
“I won’t forget” replied Madison, “I will NEVER forget any of this!”
Madison went through the door first, Daddy crouched down and followed her.
“Goodbye then, to both of you!” said Twinkle-Toes.
“Goodbye Twinkle-Toes!” replied Madison & Daddy at the same time.
Just before the little elf shut the door, Daddy remembered that they had left their coats inside. “What about our coats?” he said to the elf.
“Just go back round the front and get them, I hung them up on the pegs” he replied. With that, the little door slammed shut and they could hear it being locked from the inside.
Madison & Daddy looked around and could see that they were round the other side of the shop where the Grotto was, in fact, they were nearly round the back. They could feel the cold now, so Daddy said “Come on then Madison, let’s go and get our coats.”
“Ok Daddy” said Madison dreamily. She was still thinking about everything that had happened in the Grotto with Father Christmas.
They walked back round to the front of the shop and headed towards the entrance. There was still a long queue of children & Mummy’s & Daddy’s waiting to go in.
“They are all going to have a lovely time seeing Santa aren’t they Daddy!” said Madison, she was feeling excited and wide awake again now.
“Yes Madison, I think they are!” said Daddy. He was excited too and couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing it had just been down in Santa’s Grotto too!
They walked towards the entrance and there were people dressed in elf costumes letting people in, but it seemed a bit different from when Madison & Daddy had gone in. These elves were normal sized grown-ups and their costumes didn’t seem to fit them very well. Madison & Daddy looked at each other with puzzled looks on their faces.
“Excuse me, can we come in and get our coats please, we left them on the pegs when we came in” said Daddy to a rather tall, fat elf. Madison thought that he didn’t look like an elf at all.
“Ok, come in” said this big, lumpy elf in his tatty costume.
As they walked in, Madison whispered to Daddy “Where are all the real elves Daddy? These are just normal grown-ups pretending.”
“I really don’t know Madison” said Daddy, “Let’s get our coats”.
They walked through to the pegs on the wall and there were their coats, just where Twinkle-Toes had put them. Daddy took them off the pegs and they put them on.
“That’s better isn’t it Madison, nice & warm now” said Daddy.
But Madison wasn’t listening. She was staring, open-mouthed & confused, at where all the children were going. Daddy turned and looked too, then he realised why Madison looked so puzzled……
They could see straight into the room where all the other boys & girls were going to see Father Christmas. There was a large man in a red suit sitting on a chair with what looked like a pretend beard stuck on his face. He looked a bit like Father Christmas, but he most definitely was not the same Father Christmas that Madison & Daddy had just seen.
“Where is the tunnel?” whispered Madison, “and where are all the little elves, the real elves?”
“I……I don’t know Madison” said Daddy, he couldn’t understand it either. This was totally different to when they had come in earlier.
Then Daddy looked up at the clock…….
What he saw made him rub his eyes; It was 6 o’clock, exactly the same time as when they had first met Twinkle-Toes! Daddy checked his watch; 6 o’clock. He asked one of the big grown-ups in an elf costume what the time was; “6 o’clock” they said.
“How could this be?” thought Daddy, “I’m sure we were gone for about an hour but it’s still 6 o’clock, it’s like time has stood still!”
“Are you ok Daddy?” said Madison.
“Yes sweetheart, I’m fine, I just can’t believe how quick we have been, that’s all” said Daddy.
But by now, he realised that something a bit strange had happened. In fact, Daddy knew that it must be Magic! There could be no other explanation, could there? Pretend elves, pretend Santa, no Twinkle-Toes & no tunnel. What was going on?.......
“Guess what Madison” said Daddy.
“What?!” said Madison, she was smiling now because Daddy looked so funny when he was confused!
“I reckon we’ve just seen the real Father Christmas and everyone else is seeing the pretend one, with pretend elves too!” Daddy told her.
“I know Daddy” said Madison, “all of this is just pretend isn’t it Daddy?”
“Yes it is Madison,” said Daddy, “but the thing is……”
Madison interrupted him. “Why did we get to see the real Father Christmas? Is that what you were going to say Daddy?”
“Yes it was!” said Daddy. “How did you know?”
“Because that is exactly what I was thinking Daddy!” replied Madison, “Why did we get to see the real Father Christmas?”
“Well, I think that maybe the real Santa only sees the special children, the ones who really deserve to see him” said Daddy.
“What makes me so special Daddy?” asked Madison.
“It must be because you’ve been such a good girl. Also, I think you saw the real Santa because you wanted your Christmas wish so much” said Daddy, “I told you, if you really want something and it is a good thing, you will always get it in the end!”
“Brilliant!” said Madison. She could hardly believe that she had been lucky enough to see the real Father Christmas!
“It is brilliant” Daddy told her, “but I think that we had better keep it as our little secret between the 2 of us. Otherwise, everyone will want to see the real Santa!”
“Ok Daddy, I will never tell anyone, EVER!” said Madison.
With that, they walked out of the shop and back towards Daddy’s car. They walked past the back of the shop where the little door had been, the little door where they had left Santa’s Grotto a few minutes before. And guess what? It was gone! Where the door had been was just a wall, it was like it had never been there at all. Madison & Daddy looked at each other with big smiles and hurried on. Both their heads were spinning with excitement and Madison had got the butterflies back in her tummy flying faster than ever!..
Madison held her present from Santa tightly all the way home in the car. It was the only thing she had to show for her visit with the real Father Christmas and she never wanted to let go of it! She was also wondering what it could be.
“What do you think is inside this present that Santa gave me Daddy?” she asked.
“I don’t know Madison” said Daddy, “let’s wait until we get home and you can open it then.”
“Ok” said Madison with a huge smile on her face. “I can’t wait!”
When they got home, they went into the house and Madison ran up to Mummy, still holding her present off Santa.
“Mummy, we’ve had a brilliant time! I saw Santa and he gave me this present” said Madison.
“Whatever is it?” asked Mummy.
“I don’t know” said Madison and Daddy, both at the same time! Then they looked at each other and burst out laughing! After all the excitement of the day, now they were back home it was like they could sit back and enjoy thinking about everything that had happened.
“Why are you 2 laughing?” asked Mummy, she looked a bit confused.
“It’s ok” said Daddy, “it’s just that we had such an amazing time and it was all a bit……well…….MAGICAL!”
“Oh, I see” said Mummy, still looking confused!
“Come on Madison” said Daddy quickly, “I think it’s time you opened your present off Santa.”
“Yes please!” squealed Madison and sat down at the table…..
Madison put the beautifully wrapped present down on the table and sat there staring at it, her tongue was hanging out a little bit because she was concentrating so hard! Mummy & Daddy were watching Madison and were both wondering what she was doing.
“Are you going to open it then?” said Mummy.
“Yes Madison, you must really want to see what it is?” said Daddy.
“I don’t want to rush it and spoil it, that’s all” said Madison, “today was so much fun and it’s like I want it to last forever. When I open this present, it will be like the whole thing is over.”
“Ok Madison, but I think the whole thing has only just begun and surely you’ll never, ever forget seeing Santa today?” said Daddy.
“No Daddy, I’ll never forget it. I just want to take my time please” replied Madison.
“Does somebody want to tell me exactly what happened today?” said Mummy. “Is there anything I need to know?”
Madison & Daddy quickly looked at each other, Daddy winked at Madison and they both said “No Mummy!” at exactly the same time! This made all 3 of them laugh and Madison thought that this was surely the most splendid Christmas EVER!
“Ok then” thought Madison, looking at the present, “let’s get you open.”
She took hold of the wrapping paper and started to pull. It was very well wrapped and was difficult to find a place that would rip open, but then suddenly there was a tearing sound. Madison stopped and there was a little hole in the paper. She took a deep breath, grabbed hold of the paper where it was torn and just pulled as hard as she could……. “RIP!” went the wrapping paper as it came away from the gift it was hiding. And there, sitting on the table, was Madison’s present off the real Father Christmas……..
She looked at it and thought “What is it?”
Then she turned to Mummy & Daddy and said “What is it?”
It had a base that was like a big cup, the sort you would have tea in but bigger. On top of this was a glass ball with stuff inside it.
“What is it?” asked Madison. She was very confused now!
“It’s called a ‘Snowstorm’ Madison” said Mummy, “and it’s very pretty!”
“It’s gorgeous Madison, don’t you think?” said Daddy.
Madison looked at it closely. The base, the part that was like a cup, was painted green and carved to look like the trunk of a tree. Inside the glass ball sitting on top of the base was a little model of Father Christmas, but the best bit was that up in the top of the glass ball was the Moon! Not the real Moon of course, you couldn’t fit that inside a little glass ball and anyway, the Moon was still Lost. Inside here was a little pretend Moon, but Madison thought that it was every bit as beautiful as the real thing! She sat there looking at it, head on her hands and smiling to herself.
“Are you going to give it a go then?” said Mummy.
“Yes Madison, don’t you want to see if it works?” said Daddy.
Madison looked at them both with a puzzled look on her face, just like the puzzled look Santa had on his face when Madison made her Christmas wish.
“Give it a go? See if it works? What do you mean? Does it do something else?” said Madison.
Mummy & Daddy had big smiles on their faces.
“Let me show you” said Daddy.
He reached down and picked up the Snowstorm and said to Madison “Are you ready?”
“I think so!” replied Madison with a big grin on her face.
Daddy turned the Snowstorm upside down, then he turned it back the right way and put it on the table…..
“It’s snowing in there!” squealed Madison, “Look Mummy, look Daddy, it’s really snowing in there!”
“That’s why it’s called a Snowstorm!” said Daddy, “You just tip it upside down & back again and Hey Presto, you get a Snowstorm!”
Madison watched as the snow fell across the Moon and over Father Christmas inside the Snowstorm until it finally stopped. Then she tipped it upside down and back again before putting it back on the table and watching it all over again!
“This is brilliant!” said Madison.
“It is lovely Madison, you must have been a very good girl for Father Christmas to give you such a beautiful gift” said Mummy.
“She deserves it” said Daddy, “Father Christmas said so!”
Madison kept playing with her new present all through dinner, turning it upside down again and again so it would make a snowstorm inside! It was getting late now though and it had been a very long & very exciting day.
“I think it’s about time for bed now Madison” said Mummy after dinner.
“I think you’re right Mummy!” said Madison. “I’ve never felt so tired.”
“Ok then, Daddy can tuck you in tonight” said Mummy.
“Come on then Madison, let’s go sweetheart” said Daddy.
Madison held her Snowstorm tight and went up the stairs with Daddy.
“Can I sleep with my Snowstorm in bed with me please Daddy?” asked Madison.
“I think we had better leave it on the window sill tonight Madison” said Daddy.
“Ok, as long as you promise it will still be there in the morning. Today has been so wonderful that I am worried it might all be just a lovely dream” said Madison with a little frown on her face.
“I promise it will be there in the morning and I also promise that you were not dreaming today! You saw the real Father Christmas and the Snowstorm will always remind you of that!” said Daddy.
Madison began to smile again.
“And don’t forget what day it is tomorrow; Christmas Eve!” said Daddy, “Remember what Santa said about wearing warm clothes, coat & slippers?”
“Yes I do Daddy, what did he mean?” asked Madison.
“I’m not sure darling, but if I were you I’d be very excited and ready for anything!” said Daddy.
Madison closed her eyes, she was so tired now and felt all cosy & warm in her bed. There was a little smile across her face still, even though she was falling asleep.
“Nigh night Madison” said Daddy.
“Nigh night Daddy” said Madison, yawning as she spoke. It was the last thing she remembered that night before she drifted off into a beautiful, deep sleep…..
…..the next thing she knew, Madison was waking up. It was the same time as she usually woke and she felt good after having such a big, long sleep. She looked around her room, it looked all fuzzy because she had just woken. Then she remembered what day it was;
Christmas Eve!
Then she remembered the Snowstorm that Father Christmas had given her. She slowly moved her eyes to the window sill where Daddy had said he would leave it……. It was there! It hadn’t all been a dream, she really had seen Father Christmas yesterday! This made her feel better. This also made her feel excited. Not because it was Christmas day tomorrow but because she wondered what was going to happen that night because of what Santa had said about wearing warm pyjamas & a coat & slippers! While she was thinking about this, she heard Mummy call from downstairs;
“Come on Madison, breakfast is ready.”
“Ok Mummy, I’m coming” said Madison.
She got out of bed, had a quick glance at the Snowstorm and headed downstairs. She was very hungry indeed!
“Good morning Madison” said Mummy, “did you sleep well?”
“I think I did Mummy, I feel very good & very excited today!” replied Madison.
“That’s great!” said Mummy, “eat your breakfast and then we have to pop out for a while.”
“That sounds like fun Mummy!” said Madison, tucking into her bowl of cereal. It tasted lovely and she ate it all up.
“Right, I’ve got some things I need to do in town and then we will come home for dinner. Daddy will be here later” replied Mummy.
“Sounds good to me Mummy, let’s go!” said Madison.
She went upstairs, quickly got dressed and out they went, Mummy & Madison, off to town in the car. Madison was getting more & more excited as each minute passed!.......
They drove around town, stopping at different shops every now and then where Mummy would collect something or drop something off. There were people everywhere as usual, all rushing around carrying big, full bags; “Probably presents” thought Madison. She wasn’t really paying much attention though because she couldn’t stop thinking about yesterday’s visit to Santa’s Grotto! The day was passing quickly too and by the time Mummy had finished her last little job in town, it was starting to get a bit dark.
“Ok, all finished Madison!” said Mummy, “We can go home now.”
“Great!” said Madison. “I’m hungry again Mummy” she added.
“We’re going to have a nice dinner with Daddy tonight and then it’s an early night for you darling, big day tomorrow!” said Mummy.
“I know Mummy, I can’t wait!” said Madison.
Really though, Madison was not thinking about tomorrow, which was going to be Christmas day of course. Oh no! She was thinking about what might happen tonight! She had no idea what to expect, but from what Santa had said, something very magical might happen! That was it you see, she just didn’t know and it was making the butterflies whizz round in her tummy again thinking about it! She loved Christmas Eve anyway because it was so exciting, but this year it was going to be extra-special, she just knew it!…..
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(Pages 1-34 show above.)