Link to the beginning of the story https://atomic-temporary-37778625.wpcomstaging.com/2024/12/12/rescuing-christmas-memories-the-land-of-forgotten-toys/

Levi watched as the creature sat in silence. Within moments, hundreds of the children, 0r these shadows of memories, gathered around him. This seemed so strange to Levi. So desperate for any companionship even this was better than being alone.

The creature took a deep breath and then looked at Levi.

Levi wasn’t certain, but it looked like a tear fell from one of the creature’s eyes. No one else seemed to notice.

“A long time ago, I was one of Santa’s Elves. I was happy working with him and the other elves, building toys, readying the sleigh, and caring for the reindeer. Life was good for me. But then I began to notice a change.

“The number of gifts grew beyond just more people in the world. What used to be one or two gifts and a full stocking became five, then ten. I asked Santa why this was, and he had no answer. He said the world was changing, and maybe we’d no longer be needed someday.”

“No way,” Levi said. “We all love Christmas.”

“But what do you love about Christmas?” the creature asked. “What do you love about it?”

“Well, we get lots of presents and…” Levi stopped mid-sentence. “But it’s not about the presents, is it?”

“Well, the presents are just something people who care about you give you on Christmas. It’s the act of giving that matters.” The creature rose from his seat and disappeared into crowd of children. He emerged a moment later.

“Do you know what this is?” he said, pushing a small boy clutching a deflated football.

Levi leaned in to look. “It’s a football that needs air.”

“You don’t recognize it?” the creature asked.

Levi shook his head,

The creature whispered to the little boy. The boy walked over to Levi and handed him the ball.

“What do I do?” Levi asked.

“Look at it,” the creature answered.

Levi turned the ball over several times before he saw the faded letters. L E V I  written in his mother’s handwriting.

“This was mine?” Levi said. “I don’t remem…wait. Yes I do. Wyatt gave it to me, and then I lost it somewhere.”

“Would you like to see more?” the creature asked.

“No, I think I understand,” Levi said. “But why steal these memories?”

“I don’t steal them. I save them. People are so careless with the very things that matter most because they forget what is important.  It’s not the gift itself that matters, as I’m sure you’ve heard. It’s the act of taking the time to give to someone.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a palatial mansion or an orange, it’s the act and the thought that count. When you forget about this football, you forget your brother’s thought and effort in making it a gift.  That is what matters.

“It’s the memories that are important.”

And a light went on in Levi’s head. “ITMTAI!” he yelled. “ITMTAI!”

“What are you blabbering about?” the creature said.

“It’s The Memories That Are Important. I T M T A I.”

“What is that from?” the creature asked.

“Someone sent a message to Santa with just those letters. A message for us to figure out. And you just did. It IS the memories that matter.”

“You are right, Levi,” the creature said. “That is exactly the reason.”

“But what’s all this dark scary act?” Levi said. “These children, or memories, seem lonely and scared.”

“No one else was saving them. I knew there was the chance some of them would be remembered, but most would just fade away when those who’d forgotten them pass on.  Yet something strange happened.

“The memories lived on. Some have been here hundreds of years, long after those who first created them have gone. Memory is persistent and powerful. There is hope here despite the appearance.

“I’m afraid I only know how to gather them. I have no idea how to restore them.”

Levi thought for a moment. “I have an idea.”

Tomorrow: The Infinite Power of Memory

(Author’s note, Christmas is about sharing. Please share this with everyone you know!)