EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children.

Dad glanced again at their ice-covered car, then at the giant Christmas tree. “Well, gang? What do we think?”

“Let’s stay!” Noah shouted immediately.

Dad looked at Gabby. She realized she was actually excited about being here and whatever awaited them in this strange, magical place, but because she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, she shrugged. “Up to you guys.”

“I know it sounds strange…but I feel like maybe we’re supposed to be here,” Mom said. She and Dad held each other’s gaze for a moment before Dad smiled, turning back to Emily.

“Ok Mayor, I think we’re staying,” he said, and Emily clapped in delight.

“Wonderful! Now that that’s settled, I’ll leave you to it,” Emily said, gesturing toward the glowing ornament.

It glowed even brighter as they made their way over to the town square. As they stood in front of the tree, the ornament floated down all on its own, and they watched in amazement as it landed softly in Dad’s hand.

He read aloud the words inscribed on it. “When all hands meet upon the glow, the journey ahead will start to show.”

Together, they placed their hands on top of it. The instant they did, a swirl of snowflakes wrapped around them. Gabby felt a shift in the air, and her stomach tingled the way it did when she rode a roller coaster.

The snowflakes fell to the ground, revealing them to be in a small courtyard. Decorated evergreen trees surrounded the space, and the path leading out was lined by a short fence wrapped in lights.

A rosy-cheeked girl in a red scarf was waiting for them. “Welcome, welcome! I’m Clara, and you’ve arrived just in time for our Wishing Star Scavenger Hunt!”

Noah bounced in excitement. “A scavenger hunt? This is awesome!”

Clara handed them a small glittery card. “The Wishing Star Scavenger Hunt is special,” she explained. “You’ll need to follow each clue to find a hidden star. There are three stars waiting for you, and each one holds a special holiday wish from someone in Merrywood Falls. Your task is to find the stars and fulfill the wishes!”

Gabby studied the card and read the clue out loud. “Follow the scents of cinnamon and spice; I sit in the window, shining my light.”

Noah pointed to the nearby bakery, the scents of gingerbread and cinnamon baking wafting out the door. “Well the first clue is easy — it has to be there!”

The family hurried inside, quickly spotting a small, glowing star nestled among the gingerbread village displayed in the front window. They carefully retrieved it, reading the attached tag.

Wish: A batch of festive treats to warm the hearts of those who need it most.

Dad raised an eyebrow. “Festive treats? Like Christmas cookies?”

“Exactly!” a woman wearing a flour-dusted apron said from behind the counter. “I’m Ginger, and you must be here for the Wishing Star Scavenger Hunt! I was hoping a new family had arrived.”

She gestured toward the bakery counter, where jars of sprinkles, bags of frosting and dozens of cookie cutters were neatly laid out.

“There are some residents at the Merrywood Falls senior center who would love some holiday treats. Could you help make their wish come true?”

Noah was already at the counter, reaching for a bowl. “Let’s do it!”

They got to work, rolling dough, cutting festive shapes and decorating cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. Laughter filled the air as they accidentally dusted each other with flour and snuck bites of cookie dough. Soon, a beautiful array of holiday cookies were ready to be packaged.

“I’ll make sure these get to the senior center,” Ginger said, her eyes twinkling. “You did wonderful on your first challenge; I think I can feel Merrywood Falls becoming just a little brighter, and for that we thank you.”

Gabby’s mom grinned, pulling Gabby and Noah in close and kissing the tops of their heads. They left the bakery feeling as warm as the cookies they’d just made, happy they’d added a bit of sweetness and warmth to the hearts of Merrywood Falls.

Read chapter 4 in tomorrow’s newspaper.