Tuesday, December 20

 

Molly and Schrodinger had been up since 6 am, and had been at the bookstore since 7. Tuesday was normally their day off, but today they were going to be delivering all the gingerbread houses that had been decorated, and that meant being very organized. The night before, Molly had made sure everything was packaged correctly, and labeled, so they wouldn’t have any issues.

 

Now, all thirty-five houses and the massive gingerbread train that was going to the Station were ready to go, and she and Schrodinger were enjoying a cup of tea while they waited for everyone else to get there. School was out this week, but it was bitterly cold, and Kiaya had decided that she was going to wait for Corrine, rather than walking to the bookstore. Molly didn’t blame her at all.

 

“I wonder if we should rethink our plans for today,” she said to Schrodinger, holding the warm mug between her hands. “It might be too cold for us to take the sled to make deliveries.”

 

But think of all the kids who are hoping for a glimpse of Old Man Winter’s reindeer, Schrodinger said. And he loves it.

 

“I know.” Molly sighed. “But is it worth getting everyone sick?”

 

Schrodinger considered that. There must be some way to keep us warm and still be able to go into the sledge, he said. Maybe Old Man Winter will have some ideas.

 

“Maybe.”

 

He did, as it turned out. By the time Corrine and Kiaya came in with the kids, he had turned up, and was enjoying his own cup of tea and a plate of Molly’s peppermint candy cane cookies.

 

“Old Man Winter, you look fabulous!” Kaylee said, running in to the kitchen to give him a hug, her cheeks bright pink from the cold. “Are you going to help us deliver the gingerbread?”

 

“Of course!” he said, beaming as he hugged her back. “Why else would I be here?”

 

“Because you like Molly’s baking?” Gideon said.

 

Old Man Winter threw back his head and laughed. “Well, okay, yes, there is that. But would I be dressed like this to just visit Molly?” And he gestured to his outfit.

 

He was dressed in a dark red coat with gold and silver snowflake designs woven into the wool, trimmed in white fur. The coat fell to mid-calf, and he had tall black boots that were similar to Pavel’s, although they weren’t quite as flashy or tight. A golden sash tied the coat shut, and his matching crimson hat (also trimmed with white fur) sat on the island.

 

“If I had a warm coat like that, I’d be wearing it today,” Kiaya confessed. “It’s bitter out!” Her cheeks were pink too. “How are we going to deliver the houses? Not the sledge, I hope!” She flushed then, and looked guiltily at Old Man Winter. “No offense, but it’s way too cold to be traveling in that.”

 

He winked at her. “Don’t you trust me?”

 

“Of course!” Lily said immediately. “Are you going to use magic to keep us warm?”

 

“Well, let’s just say it’s going to be fine,” Old Man Winter told her. “The gingerbread is all loaded and ready to go once you guys warm up.”

 

And once we do the Advent castle, Jack said. We can’t forget that!

 

“No, of course not!” Old Man Winter said. “Are you enjoying it?”

 

It’s amazing! Schrodinger said. You guys did an amazing job!

 

Old Man Winter preened a bit. “We did, didn’t we?”

 

Once everyone was warmed up, Molly brought the castle out and they all started looking, including Old Man Winter.

 

“Don’t you know where they all are?” Kaylee asked him.

 

“No, actually,” he said. “I built the castle, but Jade and Jack did the actual enchanting. So this is my first chance to see it in person.”

 

“Look, here it is!” Gideon said, his finger reaching out to touch the tiny “20” on the side of the stables. The stable window opened, and showed them a manger, with reindeer munching on hay and grain. A groom was brushing one of them, while in the background, two other grooms were working on some of the tack. One of them was affixing jingle bells to a bridle; he looked up, and tossed a bell out to them.

 

When Gideon caught it, it had a note attached. “Spreading cheer is the best present one can give,” he read out.

 

“Well, let’s go spread some cheer, then!” Old Man Winter said, taking his hat and putting it at a jaunty angle on his head.

 

When they went outside and piled into the sledge, they all exclaimed aloud. There was a perceptible bubble of warm air around the edge of the great vehicle, and instead of bitter cold, it was merely chilly.

 

“How did you do this?” Kiaya asked, as they settled in.

 

“I’m Old Man Winter!” he laughed and then flicked the reins and the reindeer took off, bells ringing.

 

>Activity: Well, I can’t give you Old Man Winter’s magical sledge, but it’s a great day to go sledding!