Read by Michael Flamel

Ah, my dear friends, welcome back to Santa’s Garden, where the magic of Christmas is in full bloom! As we approach the most wondrous night of the year, let me take you on a journey behind the scenes, where the bustling activity of sleigh preparations unfolds like a symphony of joy.

In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, the North Pole buzzes with excitement. The merry elves scurry about, their laughter echoing through the snowy landscape as they make final preparations for our grand adventure.

First and foremost, there’s the matter of loading the sleigh. You see, my sleigh isn’t just any ordinary mode of transportation—it’s a marvel of engineering designed to carry the countless gifts we deliver to children around the globe. With meticulous care, the elves stack presents of all shapes and sizes, ensuring that each one finds its place snugly in the sleigh’s cargo hold.

But what, you may wonder, fills those parcels? Why, the fruits of our garden, of course! From the Joyful Seeds we planted earlier in the year to the Magical Candy harvested with love, every gift that finds its way into the sleigh is a testament to the wonders of nature and the spirit of giving.

As the elves work tirelessly to load the sleigh, Mrs. Claus joins me in the greenhouse, where we oversee the final stages of preparation. With her keen eye for detail and boundless creativity, she ensures that each gift is wrapped with care, adding a touch of magic to every package.

Meanwhile, outside in the crisp polar air, the reindeer eagerly await their moment to shine. With their noses twitching in anticipation, they watch as the sleigh is loaded, knowing that soon they’ll take to the skies and embark on another incredible journey.

But before we can take flight, there are a few last-minute tasks to attend to. I inspect the sleigh from top to bottom, checking every bolt and fastening to ensure that it’s in perfect working order. The elves, ever resourceful, make any necessary adjustments with a cheerful whistle and a twinkle in their eyes.

And then, at last, the moment arrives. With a hearty cheer and a jolly “ho, ho, ho,” we bid farewell to the North Pole and set off into the starry night sky. As the lights of home fade into the distance, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride in my heart. For in that sleigh, laden with gifts grown in our garden of wonder, lies the true magic of Christmas—the spirit of love, kindness, and generosity that binds us all together.

And so, my dear friends, as we journey across the world, spreading joy and wonder wherever we go, I invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of the holiday season. For in Santa’s Garden, the true meaning of Christmas blooms eternal, filling our hearts with warmth and our souls with the joy of giving. ❖