The Spirit of Christmas: The Story of Noel
Once upon a time, in a small snowglobe village nestled between mountains of white and forests of evergreen, there was a tiny house painted in cheerful tones of red and green. 'Twas the home of a kind, elderly couple who were quite renowned in these parts - Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
There is a warmth about them that outshines all our Christmas hearths combined, the villagers would often say. And yet, despite their general merriment, they harboured a deep-seated sorrow.
The one thing they desired most - a child, now seemed like a distant dream betrayed by fate. There had been many Christmases when the sound of children laughing and caroling had brought tears to their eyes, their longing reflected in the frosty windows of their cosy house.
So it was that Mrs. Claus, under the enchantment of the Christmas spirit, whispered a fervent wish to the sky. "Oh, Star of Bethlehem — lend this humble soul an ear. If you hear my plea, give us a child. A child whose laughter will fill our silent home. A child who will strengthen the spirit of this holy day in our lonely hearts.!"
The stars twinkled that cold night, as if acknowledging her wish. She gave a small smile before softly closing her eyes into the hands of sleep, unaware that a miracle was afoot.
Come Christmas morn, as the first rays of the sun began to gently warm the snowy landscape, a strange sound was heard from within the Claus household — the sound of laughter. Not any typical laughter, it was a child's mirthful giggle, echoing like a serenade in the otherwise silent daybreak.
With wonder-filled eyes, the elderly couple beheld a sight they barely believed. In their living room, sat a child, robust and jolly, cheeks glowing like the pink winter sun. He was bundled in a suit of red with a hat that seemed a size too big, yet, strangely fitting.
"Who are you, little one?" asked Mr. Claus, his voice quivering with shock, disbelief, and a happiness he hadn't known in years.
"You may call me Noel," came the cheerful reply. "I am the child of Christmas morning and your wish, my dear mother," he addressed Mrs. Claus who stood with tears of joy pooling at the corners of her eyes.
The village danced with joy, their beloved Mr. and Mrs. Claus, finally had their deepest desire fulfilled. Noel grew each year with an air of laughter and love all-around him, imbued with the true spirit of Christmas – the spirit of giving, understanding, and joy.
He was different from the other children though, for Noel aged but once a year, growing a tad older with each Christmas and eternally remaining the child of the holiday season. His laughter became the heart of the village's yuletide aura. Indeed, Noel became the embodiment of Christmas itself.
In due time, after many a Christmas had been celebrated, Mr. and Mrs. Claus left their mortal world. Their joy, their laughter, their love still resonated through their humble abode, leaving a legacy that lied in the capable hands of their son - Noel.
Today, centuries later, Noel still rings in Christmas each year in the hearts of children and adults alike, his laughter echoing in the silence of the night, living on in the gentle rustle of wrapping paper and the excitement of children opening their gifts.
This is how, dear friends, the mirthful sound you hear in laughter, and the joyous spirit you feel at the stroke of midnight on Christmas — are whispers of a wish, a wish softly spoken many, many Christmases ago, to a silent starry sky. It's the spirit of the first Christmas Child, the spirit we all know as Santa Claus.
