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

“I can’t make out what they are saying,” Grandfather said. 

“You can’t hear anything anyway,” Wyatt said. “Mom says you do it on purpose to aggravate her and Grandma.”

“Don’t listen to your mother,” Grandfather said. “That is, don’t listen to her when she tells stories about me.”

“Will you two be quiet and listen!” Vel said. “And I thought you had an idea, Wyatt.”

“I do, but I was trying to be sure. Put the keys in, and let’s open the door.”

“Won’t the creature hear us?” Grandfather said.

“Exactly,” Wyatt said. “We want him to.”

“We do?” Vel and Grandfather said at the same time.

“Yup. We’ve been wrong about this the whole time.” 

Wyatt put the first stone in the keyhole. Vel hesitated a moment, then put the second one in. The door slid open once again, and the three ventured inside. 

*****

“I can sense the others have joined us,” the creature said. “Let’s hope they come to understand as you have.”

“Oh, we do,” Wyatt said. “We do.”

The creature rose and turned to look at the others. Wyatt was smiling, Vel was showing mixed feelings, and Grandfather was poised on the edge of charging the creature.

“Let my grandson go!” Grandfather said, moving to stand between everyone else and the creature.

“He’s always been free to go,” the creature said. “I apologize if my assistants were a bit overzealous.”

“I said let them…wait. What did you say?” Grandfather said, a bit confused.

Levi laughed, then came over to stand next to him. “This isn’t a prison. This is a collection of all the memories people have forgotten. This creature here, ah,”Levi turned around. “What is your name?”

“Erinnerung. But I was known as Eron when I worked as an elf,” the creature said.

“Eron?” Vel said. “I’ve heard stories about you. You’re a legend in Christmastown.”

“Wait, wait. Is he a good guy or a bad guy,” Grandfather said. “I’m confused.”

“He’s a good guy, Grandfather,” Wyatt said. “And I figure it out all on my own.”

“I knew you would,” Levi smiled, glancing at the child with the football. “Tell ‘em.”

Wyatt walked over and stood next to Eron. He looked at his grandfather.. “When we were outside the door and heard the voices, I suddenly remembered the football,” pointing to the child. “That football. And it came to me why this all happened. It was always about the memories.

“Eron’s magic wasn’t stealing your memory. It was you, and Levi, and I letting our memories go, Something everyone does. They let their memories go.”

Levi put his arm around Wyatt. “It is never about the presents, but about the memories they create, Gifts do not last forever, but the memories they make can if we hold onto them. The real power of memories is they can be shared and preserved.”

“But what about all these children?” Grandfather said. “They look sad.”

As the words left his mouth, the children disappeared and the room filled with glowing orbs.

“What’s happening?” Grandfather said.

“The power of memory,” Eron said. “Your grandchildren here have found a way to restore them.”

“But how?” Grandfather asked.

“Do you know what our favorite part of Christmas is?” Wyatt asked.

“No, my boy, what is it?” Grandfather said, bending down on one knee.

“After the presents are opened and we’ve had dinner, we sit around and talk. You and Grandmother and Mom and Dad tell stories about the Christmases long long ago. When you share those memories of when you were a little boy and all your adventures, it makes new memories. I didn’t know that then. I just thought they were funny stories. But I see now you were sharing your memories and making new ones for us.”

“Out of the mouth of babes,” Grandfather said, wiping away a tear. He rose and looked at Eron, putting out his hand. “I owe you an apology. I did something I promised myself I’d never do by judging someone before I knew their story. I’m sorry for that.”

Eron smiled. “No need. What would be the best thing to come of this would be to share all these memories.”

“But how can we do that?” Grandfather said.

Levi reached up and took his hand. “That’s easy, Grandfather, by telling the world the stories and sharing the memories. Memories are stories that need be told over and over.”

The End!

And with that, I bid you a Merry Christmas and  Happy New Year. I am sure you will remember to remember. There is nothing so precious as to share a piece of one’s heart with others. Memories are the most heartfelt gift.

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