Story for Alma

In a cozy little cottage in the heart of a snow-kissed forest in France lived a sweet little girl named Alma. She had twinkling blue eyes as vibrant as the French Riviera and fiery red hair that danced in the wind. This festive season, Alma was especially excited, blessed as she was with the kindest parents, Florence and Hani, who filled their home with love, joy, and endless stories.

Hani was a jolly fellow, always ready with a laugh, and a story about the magical creatures that haunted the forest. Florence was nurturing and patient; a perfect blend of tenderness and courage. She would often weave tales of the Christ Child who resides in the North Star, watching over them.

One chilly December night, as Florence was tucking Alma in her bed, she narrated about the magical Christmas Star. Florence explained that the light of the star was a symbol of the Christ Child's love for everyone. Intrigued and wide-eyed, Alma asked, "Why doesn't everyone have this light, Mama?"

Florence smiled, kissed her forehead, and said, "They do, my love, but they need to discover it within themselves."

Inspired by her mother's story, Alma decided to seek the source of the Christmas Star’s light. But the path to such a profound truth was not simple. One morning, with her parents' blessing, she set off towards the heart of the forest.

In her quest, Alma met a talking pine tree, Mr. Evergreen. "I've seen many things, but I've never seen the source of Christmas Star’s light. Perhaps, the Old Owl might know. But beware, you must answer his riddles to get an answer."

Armed with courage and determination, Alma hiked uphill to meet the Old Owl. After solving his riddles, the Old Owl confessed, "I don't know where the source of the light is, dear child. But I've heard the Winter Witch might."

Alma's heart sunk as fear crept in. The Winter Witch was not particularly friendly. Gathering her courage, she journeyed through the snow-covered path, murmuring, "I can do this. I must find the light."

Alma, with a shiver and a deep breath, knocked on the Winter Witch's door. The Witch, old and kinder than the stories suggested, asked, "Why seek the source of a light that already glows inside you, little one?"

The Witch, with a tender smile, placed her hand on Alma's heart, "By being kind, by helping others, by laughing, and by loving, dear Alma. That’s how you uncover your light."

Suddenly, Alma realized the essence of her mother's story. The glow of the Christmas Star wasn't about a physical light; it was about the light of love, kindness, and joy that resides within everyone.

Triumphant and enlightened, Alma returned home. She told her parents about the love, kindness, and joy she experienced, and how it made her feel warm and radiant. The forest, the talking tree, even the Winter Witch, had been her guides, helping her uncover the true meaning of the Christmas Star's light.

As Alma finished her story, her parents smiled, brimming with pride. That night, as Florence tucked Alma in, she whispered, "You found the light, didn't you?"

And so, Alma learned that while you can't always get what you want, you can find what you need within yourself.

As the Christmas Star twinkled outside the cozy cottage window, a family held each other close, their hearts glowing with love, kindness, and radiant light, just like the star they admired.