The innocence of children, a common theme, is a misnomer. The innocence implies they had some capability to surrender it. They do not until we teach them how.
What children are is honest, uninhibited by the artificial constraints of a “polite” society. We tell them, do not lie. But when we ask them if they like the food offered, we expect them to be polite and say “yes, thank you,” and eat every morsel. Even things as abominable, unpalatable, and disgusting as Brussels sprouts (sometimes incorrectly known as Brussel Sprouts).
An honest person would recoil at the sight of these things and say “no, I do not.” But we train away their natural honesty and replace it with a false politeness.
Kids have a way of looking at life that time often erodes. And that is unfortunate.
The other day, my grandson, Levi, asked to go to a local playground, despite the temperature hovering in the low 20s and a windchill factor making it feel like Siberia.
Since I often encourage any activity that avoids the use of digital apparatus, and not to appear hypocritical, I agreed to a brief visit.
It is during these often-unplanned events that some of the most profound and deep philosophical thoughts arise from these uninhibited beings.
Placing him on the only swing not coated with ice, he began swinging away. I would push him hard to get him moving, then jam my hands back in the pocket of the outer vest, which was over an inner vest and two sweatshirts. I would silently curse the invisible force of gravity requiring me to remove my hand from the warmth of the pocket and repower the momentum.
He seemed impervious to the cold as children often are. I was not, but I was committed to my principles.
And, of course, the conversation was non-stop. His face sometimes clouded with the warm-breath mist accompanying his words.
This is a small but memorable part of that conversation.
Levi: “I remember the first time I tried a swing.” JB: “You do?” “Levi: “Yup, I remember all my memories.”
“I remember all my memories.”
The words stuck with me the whole rest of the day and were waiting to replay in my mind first thing this morning.
I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to retain that ability to hold fast to all your memories. It would remind us to learn from the memories of our mistakes, appreciate the memories of all those who have influenced our lives, and embrace the simple memories of a conversation with a wise four-year-old philosopher whose turn of phrase can enlighten a world.
Joe and Hope searched the sky for signs of the sleigh.
“Shouldn’t they be back by now?” Hope said. “They’ve been gone a long time.”
“I don’t know,” Joe said. “Maybe it’s just taking longer than he thought it would.”
The sound of sleigh bells drifted over the hill. “Sound like them now,” Joe said. “Jeez, why are they making so much noise?”
Joe and Hope turned to look behind them but saw nothing. There was a shift in the direction of the sound, and it came from near the cave.
Turning back, Joe and Hope peered over the ridge and were stunned by the sight. Exspes stood next to the sleigh. Joe’s grandfather, Spero, and the two elves looked like they were asleep.
With a wave of his hand, Exspes sent the sleigh into the cave. Looking out through the swirling snow, he smiled.
“You’re wasting time, Joe. No one is going to help you. Bring me the star or you two will never see your grandfathers or friends ever again.” He turned away and walked inside.
“Now what?” Joe said, sliding down to the bottom of the ridge. “I have no idea how what to do now. We can’t give him the star.”
“Wait, what’s that?” Hope said.
“Where?” Joe said.
“There in the snow, to the side of the cave.”
Joe wiped the snow from his eyes and tried to make out what Hope pointed at, then he knew what it was.
“It’s my backpack!” Joe said. “My grandfather must have realized what was happening and pretended to be asleep. He dropped it when Exspes wasn’t looking. Stay here, I’ll be right back.”
Joe disappeared into the snow and was back in a flash.
“Now what?” Hope said.
“Now we teach Exspes a lesson on the importance of possibilities.”
“And how do we do that?” Hope said.
“Can you hide the star?” Joe said.
“Hide it?” Hope said, confusion on her face. “Yeah, I can hide it, but only for a short time. Why?”
“Just trust me on this,” Joe said. “How long will it last?”
“I don’t know, ten, maybe twenty minutes.”
“Okay, that should be enough. When I say so, hide it, okay?”
Hope nodded, unsure where this was going.
“Follow me,” Joe said, and headed toward the cave. Not waiting for her to react.
“Where are you going?” Hope ran to catch up. “He’ll see us.”
“Exactly…”
*****
Making their way inside the cave, they moved as slowly and as quietly as possible.
“No need for stealth, Joe. I know you’re here. And I know you’re not alone.”
Joe looked at Hope, shrugged, then slung the backpack over his shoulder. Leaning over to Hope, he whispered, “Hide the star.”
Hope nodded, turned back toward the entrance, and mouthed a few words. The star blinked then faded from the sky.
Walking into the light of the fire, Joe saw his grandfather and the others sitting in the sleigh, awake but unable to move.
“Joe, what are you doing?” his grandfather said. “Run, leave us!”
“Not in me to do that, grandfather. Besides, I have what Exspes here wants.”
At Joe’s words, Exspes moved to stand in front of Joe.
“You have the star?” he said.
Joe shrugged the shoulder holding the backpack, “In here.”
“Give it to me!’ Exspes said.
“Not until you let everyone go.” Joe said, taking a step back.
“I said give it to me,” Exspes snarled. “You’re in no position to bargain.”
“Oh, but I am, you see,” Joe said. “I took the star and managed to contain it in here. Go, look for yourself. The star is no longer in the sky.”
Exspes hesitated a moment, then went outside. He was back in a flash. “Well, well, the little wizard lived up to his family’s reputation. Give it here,” Exspes stuck out his hand, “now!”
“Not until everybody else is free,” Joe said. “Keep in mind, I put it here and I can put it back.”
Indecision was written all over Exspes’s face. Glancing between the sleigh and Joe he seemed unable to decide. “How do I know you’re not lying?”
“You don’t,” Joe said. “But the star is no longer in the sky and here I am with Hope and this backpack.”
“Fine,” Exspes said, and the sleigh moved back outside.
Hope whispered into Joe’s ear. “Ah, you better hurry, I don’t know how much longer it will stay hidden.”
Joe nodded and smiled. “Are you sure you really want the star and to destroy Christmas?”
“More than ever, there is nothing but lies in the promise of possibilities,” Exspes said. “I’m doing the world a favor.”
“Okay,” Joe said, sliding the backpack off his shoulder and holding it out.
“Joe, what are you doing?” Hope said.
“Trust me on this.”
Exspes grabbed the backpack and moved away. He undid the straps and pulled open the cover.
“It’s empty! You lied,” he said. “You’ll pay for this,”
“And yet a moment ago,” Joe said, “you believed the star was inside there. You believed in the possibility, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t…I… I…ah,” and Exspes went silent.
Joe walked over to stand next to Exspes. “Just because some possibilities never happen, doesn’t mean they all are impossible. That’s what you’ve forgotten. Christmas isn’t about everyone getting all their wishes. It’s about enjoying the ones that do come true and being part of making possibilities for others that come true.
“You’ve always had the possibility of believing that within you. And by opening the backpack you’ve brought it back.”
“I’m sorry,” Exspes said, handing the backpack to Joe.
“No need to apologize for the past, as long as you learn from it, remember to embrace the present, and believe in the possibilities of the future.”
“I will,” Exspes said.
And right at the moment, the star reappeared in the sky, lighting up the outside world.
Climbing back aboard the sleigh, they headed off. First stop was taking Hope and her grandfather home. Then they flew back to Joe’s home.
“Until next time, boys,” Joe’s grandfather said, waving as the sled rocketed into the sky.
“Okay, pal,” Joe’s grandfather said. “Good job, I knew you were ready. See you next time.”
“What do you mean?” Joe said. “Aren’t you coming with me? It is Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, I’ll be there. I’ll always be there in your heart. I’ve got some plans with your grandmother. We’ll talk again soon.”
Joe watched as his grandfather walked away, fading into the night. Joe glanced at the star, now a bit brighter than before. The door to his house opened and his mother came out.
“What are you doing out here, Joe? It’s freezing,” his mother said, looking around. “Who were you talking to?”
“Just grandfather, talking about grandmother, and all the Christmas stories they’ve shared.”
“Look, Joe,” his mother said, putting her arms around him. “We all miss them, we do. And it’s good that you keep their memory alive in your heart, but you know they are no longer with us, right?”
Joe just smiled.
“Now come on inside,” his mom said, taking his hand, “and I’ll make hot chocolate.”
As they made their way to the door, the star seemed to grow brighter.
“Is that the star you told me about?” his mother asked, stopping to gaze at the light.
“Yup, that’s the one.”
Joe’s mother smiled, looking at the sky. “I wonder how he knew?” she said softly.
“Who?” Joe said.
“Your grandfather… Ah, never mind, it was just story he once told me.”
Joe smiled and nodded, then tilted his head to look past his mother. His grandfather appeared again, smiling and laughing. He could hear the old man’s words in his heart, as he always did.
“It doesn’t matter who believes you, Joe, as long as you believe. You and I both know the story is true. The gift from the Christmas star will be with you all your life. And someday, when you have your own grandkids, you can tell them all about it.
“There is no better gift than believing in possibilities.”
The End!
And with another year gone by and another Christmas upon us, I wish you all the merriest of holiday celebrations. Always remember, anything is possible if you believe! Merry Christmas!
Joe Broadmeadow December/2025
Click the play button below for a memory of Christmases past and all the possibilities ahead.
Go ahead and dance like nobody’s watching—or like everyone is staring, judging, and secretly wishing they had your moves!
Walking along the edge of a frozen river, Joe had time to think. This doesn’t make sense. There are always possibilities. How can something exist without possibilities? Why would someone believe possibilities are something to stop?
“Because they bring a false hope,” said a voice that seemed to come from all directions at once.
Joe stopped dead in his tracks, spinning around trying to find the source of the voice.
“Who are you?” Joe said, still turning but seeing nothing. “Where are you?”
“I am everywhere and nowhere. I am the one you seek. But you are wasting your time.”
“Seek? Everywhere and nowhere?” Joe said. “Why does everyone think they have to sound like some fantasy movie?”
“It’s not working?” said the voice, a bit more softly.
“No, it never does,” Joe said. “Show yourself.”
“Where would the challenge in that be?” the voice said.
“Are you afraid to let me see you?” Joe said,
The silence seemed to last forever.
“Did you really think that would work?” the voice said.
Joe shrugged, “it was worth a try.”
“I see you have a bit of an attitude about you. I find that interesting. Perhaps I will let you find me…or not. Let’s see how clever you are.”
Joe heard the sound of a hammer hitting a nail. He looked through the snow and saw a shadowy figure nailing a paper to a tree. As he started toward the creature, it disappeared into the storm.
Fighting against the wind, Joe made his way to the tree and yanked off the paper. Pulling up the collar of his jacket to offer some protection from the wind, he read the words.
He’s as blind as he can be Just sees what he wants to see Nowhere man, can you see me at all?
What the heck does that mean? Joe thought.
“As the childrens’ saying goes,” said the voice, “that’s for me to know and you to find out. Come find me, Joe, but remember the words. I am not far, and I am not near. You are closer than you think, and farther away than you know.”
“What is it with riddles?” Joe said to the wind.
“I think it’s assumed to be part of these stories,” the voice said. “Who am I to question such expectations?”
The sound of the storm chased away the last of the voice and Joe was alone again.
Shielding his eyes from the wind-driven snow, he tried to see something, anything that looked like a destination. For a moment, the wind relented and Joe caught a glimpse of light on the horizon.
He started in that direction, but the light soon disappeared into the blizzard. Well, Joe thought, heading somewhere is better than nowhere I suppose. What do I have to lose?
Trudging on for what seemed like miles, Joe would catch brief moments when the light would appear. While it didn’t seem closer, it did seem brighter. Putting his head down, he forced himself onward.
A few moments later, he walked right into a solid wall of ice. “Ouch,” he said, rubbing his head.
“Well, I’ll be,” the voice said. “You managed to find your way.”
“Didn’t think I would?” Joe said, still massaging his head.
“No, I didn’t. I never do.” The voice answered. “I suppose you want to come inside.”
“Is it warmer in there?” Joe said. “I’m freezing out here.”
“It is.”
“And?” Joe said, growing tired of these mind games.
“Alright, come on in,” the voice said.
The wall in front of Joe faded away and light came from within. As soon as Joe walked in the warmth enveloped him.
Following the curvy path, he made his way deep into the cave. After a short distance he came into an enormous chamber. At the end of the chamber was a giant chair on top of a flat rock.
Sitting there was a wrinkled old man, dwarfed by the size of the chair. Joe walked to stand in front of him.
“You’re the nowhere man?” Joe said.
The man glanced left and right, up and down, then turned back to face Joe. “Figured that out all by yourself, did you?”
Joe just shook his head. “Yeah, I did.”
“Well, then I can see why Santa sent you on this fool’s errand. You are either deceptively brilliant or expendable. I’m leaning toward expendable.”
Joe just stared at the old man.
“What is that your grandfather always says about things aren’t always what they appear to be?” As the echo of his words died down, the man morphed into a giant dragon, then a lion, then an elf, then back to the wrinkled old man.
Joe staggered back a few steps.
“Surprised?” the man said.
“You might say that.” Joe said. “But I’m missing the point.”
The man stood then took a few shaky steps down to stand in front of Joe.
“I know why you’re here. I know what you came here for. I just wanted you to understand what it is you’re facing.”
“If you’re trying to scare me, it won’t work.” Joe said, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else.
“Bravado does not suit you, young man,” the man said. “But I am always ready for a challenge. You want to bring the gift of possibilities back to Santa, right?”
“Not only do I want to do that, but I am also going to do that,” Joe said, hoping the man couldn’t hear his heart racing in his chest.
“Excellent, I love to rob someone of their confidence,” the man said. “Here’s how we shall play this little game. I will give you two challenges. Complete them and I will hand over the gift of possibilities.”
The man turned back, walking up the stairs to his chair. Taking a seat, he stared at Joe for a long moment.
“But if you fail, not only will Santa never get the gift of possibilities back, but he will never deliver gifts again.”
“You can’t do that!” Joe said. “That’s not possible.”
“And this from the mouth of someone who cares so much for possibilities,” the man said. “Let me refresh your memory of where you are. I do not believe in possibilities. I do not believe in imagination. I believe in the realities of this world. I see what I want to see.
“Not only can I do these things but, as soon as you fail as I know you will, I will do these things and be done with Christmas once and for all.”
“What are these tasks?” Joe said, with a determination that even surprised himself.
“The first is simple. Find the Cave of Lost Hope and bring the young girl named Hope back here.”
“And who is she?” Joe asked.
“Someone who has something that belongs to me.”
“And if she refuses?” Joe said.
“Then find a way to make her return,” the nowhere man said, then faded from view.
Spero, Joe’s grandfather, and Joe climbed down from the sleigh.
“Take the sleigh and go hide,” Spero said to Levi David. “We don’t want to alert them to our being here. If we need you, I will call for you.”
“Where are we?” Joe asked, rubbing his hands together to warm them. An icy breeze sent chills right to his bones.
“This is the real nowhere land. It is a long way from everywhere else.” Spero said. “And this is where you begin.”
“Me?” Joe said. “I’m a bit confused. First, you guys pull this trick on me, making me think everyone’s forgotten me, then you tell me I have some special mission for Santa. Could someone, anyone, tell me why?” He folded his arms across his chest and waited.
“He is just like you, isn’t he?” Spero said.
“I told you he was, stubborn as all get out,” Joe’s grandfather said.
“Ah, I’m right here listening, you know.” Joe said.
Spero put his hands up. “Okay, you’re right. We owe you an explanation.”
*****
When the story was over. Joe stood in silence. Spero and Joe’s grandfather waited for it to sink in.
“So, I’m a, a what an elf? A kid? A freak? What?”
“What you are, Joe, is special. Always remember it is not our differences that matter, we have a common purpose in living our lives. We are all just beings in the universe. You and I and a long line of people like us who were around for eons are here to protect the Spirit of Christmas from those who would take it from this world.
“Hard as it may be to believe, not everyone appreciates the true spirt. There are those who would want it gone from this world. Christmas reminds us of all the possibilities in life.
“It’s not the gifts themselves that are magic, it’s the wonder, joy, and imagination they bring. The act of giving, for no other reason than to see someone smile, is the most important proof of our humanity. But for that to happen, we must believe in the possibilities.”
Joe looked at his grandfather, then at Spero. “And I have to find this nowhere person and convince him of this?”
Spero and Joe’s grandfather nodded.
“Okay, I think we can handle this,” Joe said. “Let’s go.” He started to walk away, then stopped.
“You guys coming, or what?”
Spero nodded at Joe’s grandfather.
“Joe,” his grandfather said, dropping down on one knee and putting his hands on Joe’s shoulders. “You must do this alone. Whoever did this, this nowhere man, won’t appear to people like us. He’s certain, as people grow older, they forget to believe in magic. In many ways, he’s right. We could never get close enough.
“But he will not fear a child. He doesn’t think children really believe in these things. The saddest part is, he is also right about that. This world is changing. Kids spend less time using their imaginations. They are losing the ability to believe in possibilities.
“You have to get that back for them.”
Joe thought for a long moment. He always knew there was something different about himself. Some teachers would be annoyed at his not paying attention when he would be staring out the window imagining flying dragons, wizards, and trolls.
Even the ones that encouraged him had to reel in his imagination.
But he didn’t just imagine them, he saw them as if they were real. He often lived through these adventures and spoke to these creatures. The teachers would tell him how much they enjoyed the stories he would tell, but they never understood how real they were to him. Now it seems they were real.
In some ways, he knew this day would come.
“Okay,” Joe said, “a solo quest it is. Can you at least point me in the right direction?”
Joe’s grandfather struggled back to his feet, smiled at Joe, then pointed toward a bright star. “Follow that, young master, until you find what you seek.”
“What you seek? Young master?” Joe said. “You trying to sound like an adventure book character?”
“Is it working?” Joe’s grandfather said.
“Not at all,” Joe said.
Joe’s grandfather shrugged. “Ah well, okay. Go that way, I’m not sure the star will be any help.”
“Thanks,” Joe said, then walked over the ridge disappearing into the swirling snow.
“He will be okay, right?” Joe’s grandfather said.
Spero looked at the old man. “He will do as you and the others have done over the years. He will find a way. But we both know, it will not be easy.”
The first Joe realized the bonds no longer held him was when the Nowhere Man took him by the hand.
“Come with me. I want to show you something.”
Joe stood, looked around trying to look for an exit, then followed the Nowhere Man.
“It’s that way,” the man said, pointing without looking at Joe.
“What is?” Joe said.
“The door. But it will do you no good. There’s nothing out there and nowhere to go,” he stopped walking and folded his arms. “Go ahead, try if you want, I’ll be right here when you get back.”
Joe glanced toward the door and then back at the Nowhere Man. “Nah, I want to hear your story and why you’ve stolen the gift of possibility.”
The Nowhere Man nodded. “All in good time, Joe. And time is all we have here.”
“Can I ask you something, Mr., ah…” Joe said. “What do I call you?”
“I am known as Desperatus.”
“Known by who?” Joe said, while a murky memory buried deep in his mind struggled to get to the surface. “Is there anybody else here?”
Desperatus shook his head. “No, I am quite alone. But in a former life, that was my name.”
“Where are we going?” Joe asked.
“We are here,” Desperatus said, standing in front of a large curtain.
Joe came to stand next to him. “What’s this?”
Desperatus pulled the curtain back and Joe could see into a gigantic room filled with all sorts of toys and games. Ghostly images of kids played with drones and dolls and all manner of things.
GI Joes marched around the room. Harry Potter characters danced in the air. Children in all ages of dress squealed with delight as they tore open Christmas presents.
The images would fade from scenes from last Christmas into scenes from long ago with little boys using a stick to push a hoop along a dusty road. Then a group of little girls would appear, gathered around a small table, pretending to serve tea.
Some sights would flash by in an instant, others lingered for a time, but nothing ever stayed the same.
“What are these things?” Joe asked.
“This is what believing in possibilities does,” Desperatus said. “These precious possibilities Santa has given for years never last. They are not real. They are false hopes that lead to disappointment.”
“That’s not true,” Joe said. “I believe in possibilities.”
“Of course you do. You’re a kid. But kids grow up and never remember these dreams. I’ve saved them the disappointment that comes with growing up.”
“No, you haven’t,” Joe said. “You’ve taken away the best part of being a kid. You’re not interested in saving anyone. You’re just angry you no longer believe.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. Here they are and here they’ll stay and there is nothing you, or anyone else, can do about it.”
“We’ll see about that!” Joe said, heading toward the door.
“Go ahead,” Desperatus said. “Even if you managed to find a way back, they won’t remember you. I’ve taken away all their memories. You no longer exist as far as they are concerned.”
Joe thought for a moment. Something nagged at him. Something his grandfather always used to say. ‘Things are often not what they seem.’ Maybe this was what he knew I would face someday.
“Why keep me and let the others go?” Joe said. “If you have the power to steal memories, then why not just steal mine as well so I’d forget all about you?”
The truth is more often revealed by what people don’t say than what they do say. Desperatus pausing before he answered was one of those moments.
“I owe you no explanation.”
“True. You don’t owe me anything,” Joe said, “but I am here because you kept me here. If there is something you want from me, or need from me, just tell me.”
Desperatus glanced around, then mouthed the words, “wait for me outside.” He glanced around again, then walked away.
Joe watched as this Nowhere Man disappeared around the corner. A moment of indecision wracked Joe’s brain. Was this a trick? A trap? Was it true his grandfather no longer remembered him?
Then a thought occurred to him. Santa sent me here because I believe in possibilities. Maybe that is what I need to do. To show Desperatus that possibilities can last lifetime. And every possibility has the potential to turn out well, but even if it doesn’t there is always more to come.
Joe headed toward the door, hesitated before opening it, then yanked it open.
Before him was the last thing he ever expected. There in the snow-covered field was the sleigh, reindeer, Levi David, Wyatt James, Desperatus, and Joe’s grandfather all waiting on him. Smiles all around.
“What’s this?” Joe said, “This can’t possibly be another of your jokes, grandfather. Can it?”
Joe’s grandfather shook his head. “No, my boy, even I couldn’t pull this off. My friend here and Santa had to be certain you were ready.”
“Ready for what?” Joe asked.
“The part about someone has taken the gift of possibilities is all true. There’s more to it, but you need to learn this on your own. We had to be sure that, with all the obstacles you’ll face, you’d choose to see the possibility of success.
“When you walked out that door,” his grandfather said. “We all knew you were the one. My friend here threw a lot at you, and it didn’t matter,” then he hugged Joe. “Of course, I never doubted it.”
“So Desperatus is a friend?” Joe asked.
“The best,” Joe’s grandfather said. “And, of course that’s not his real name.”
“Desperatus means hopeless in Latin, right?” Joe said.
His grandfather smiled. “And your mother said I was wasting time reading Latin to you before you could even walk.”
“I knew there was something about that name that was familiar.”
“His real name is Spero. And he needs our help in finding out where the real Nowhere Man is and where he has hidden Santa’s gift.”
Joe smiled at the thought, ‘Spero, Latin for hope.’
One moment the sleigh was slipping silently over a dark, treeless landscape, then the next it seemed they were plummeting from the sky.
“Hold on, Joe!” his grandfather said.
“Really?” Joe said, grasping the edge of the sleigh as tight as he could. “That never occurred to me. Hold on, brilliant. My mother is gonna be mad if you get us killed.”
Just as the sleigh seemed ready to crash, the reindeer pulled up and landed. Levi David turned to face the rear. “Thank you for flying Santa airways, please remember to take all carryon items with you.” Then let out a laugh.
“The whole world is full of wise guys,” Joe said, jumping from the sleigh. His grandfather climbed down after him.
“Did I miss anything good,” he asked. “I slept most of the way.”
“Slept?”
“Yeah, I’m a big fan of naps,” his grandfather said, stretching.
Joe shook his head. “Where are we?”
“Exactly where you asked to be,” Wyatt James said. “Welcome to Nowhere. Now what?”
“Now we go looking for the nowhere man,” Joe said, turning around, trying to get oriented. When he turned back, his heart skipped a beat. The look in his eyes gave his shock at the sight away.
“What’s the matter, Joe? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” his grandfather said.
Joe was unable to speak for a moment, then said. “Your ears, grandfather, they’re…ah… they’re…”
“Pointed?” his grandfather said, smiling.
“Yeah, pointed. And you have a beard! What’s that all about?”
“Yeah, I probably should have warned you,” his grandfather said. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to them.”
“I guess, it’s just, well why?” Joe said.
“Part of our heritage, my boy. You’ll find the ears quite comfortable and a great improvement in your sensitivity to sounds.”
“Why would I…” then Joe reached up to his ears. “Points! My ears have points! What’s happening?”
“You didn’t tell him, did you,” Levi David said, walking over. “Did you think he wouldn’t notice?”
“No, well, I just forgot,” Joe’s grandfather said. “I’m used to them.”
“Now you are,” Wyatt James said. “But I seem to recall you trying to yank them off when this first happened to you during that time when the toy supplies were taken.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that too.”
“Joe,” Levi David said, “what your clueless grandfather here should have done was tell you about your heritage. You are what we elves like to call a blend. You are a human boy with elfin blood. There aren’t many of you, but you play an important role protecting Christmas.
“Whenever you are involved in something for Santa, and everything involving Santa has elves, your hidden elf comes to the surface. I know this is a bit of a shock, but you will come to accept it.”
Joe kept rubbing his ears. “Yeah, but what if somebody sees me?”
Levi reached over and pulled Joe’s hands away from his ears. “Here’s a little advice from experience, don’t keep rubbing your ears, they’ll get red and irritated and it is not a pleasant feeling.
“And don’t worry about others finding out, at least the non-magical. Almost no one will know about you. But remember this: all magical creatures recognize one another, and they are not all friendly.”
Joe started to reach for his ears again, then pulled his hand back. “Ah, anything else I should know, grandfather?”
The two elves and Joe stared at the now embarrassed old man. “Nope, that’s it. The occasional pointy ears. Sorry, pal, I should’ve told you.”
“Okay,” Joe said, “you’re forgiven. Now let’s go find the nowhere man.”
Making their way through the snow, without the slightest hint of any trail or signs of other creatures, the troop trudged along.
“Any idea where we are going?” Joe’s grandfather asked.
“Not really,” Joe answered, “I just remember reading something about letting the terrain lead you. I hope I remembered that right.”
They marched on for what seemed like hours before Joe stopped them.
“Listen,” he said.
The group stood in silence, straining to hear.
“Hear it?” Joe said.
Joe’s grandfather leaned toward him. “Told you those ears would be useful.”
“Shh,” Joe said. “Listen!”
Faint at first, then becoming more distinct, they could hear someone, or something, humming.
“Where’s it coming from?” Levi David asked.
“Over that ridge,” Joe said, pointing. “Let’s go but be quiet.”
Making their way to the top of the ridge, they stayed low to the ground trying to spot the source of the sound. A sudden wind swirled snow all around masking their view. But occasionally, they could make out movement.
“There,” Joe pointed. “It’s right there and it’s moving this way. We better…” But before he finished his sentence, he was blinded by sudden flash of light and painfully loud noise.
Then nothing by silence.
Joe felt around, pushing himself to sit, trying to clear his mind. Light and shadows danced in his eyes. He felt the heat of a fire and the flame soon came into focus. Finding himself in an overstuffed chair in front of a huge stone fireplace, he tried to make sense of the confusing scene.
“Comfortable?” a voice said, raspy, almost grating on the ears, coming from his left.
“Where am I?” Joe said.
“Exactly where you wanted to be, nowhere,” the voice said.
“Where is everyone else?” Joe said, looking around, trying to see the shadowy figure in the next chair.
“They’re fine, back in Christmas town by now. Of course, by now the memory is gone.”
“They left me?” Joe said. “I don’t believe that.” He tried to rise but couldn’t move off the chair. He saw nothing holding him but still couldn’t stand. “And what do you mean, the memory is gone?”
“If you agree to behave, I will release the bonds that hold you,” the creature said. “And explain.”
“Okay, fine. But you better not have harmed them,” Joe said.
Joe and his grandfather stood next to the sleigh while Levi David and Wyatt James made some adjustments to things.
“Where are we going?” Joe asked.
“Well, I was hoping you had an idea on that subject,” his grandfather said.
“Me? How would I know…wait maybe I do.” Joe climbed onboard the sleigh and spoke to Levi David.
“You sure?” Levi David asked.
Joe nodded. “Almost certain.”
“Almost?” Levi David said,
Joe shrugged, then climbed back down to talk to his grandfather.
“What was that all about?”
“I told him where we needed to go first,” Joe said.
“And that is?” his grandfather asked.
“Nowhere,” Joe answered, a bit of a smirk on his face.
“Nowhere?” his grandfather said. “And where might that be?”
“Think about it. Where is the only place in the world where possibilities don’t exist?”
“I would say nowhere,” his grandfather said. “Possibilities are everywhere. But nowhere is not a real place.”
“Ah, but consider this, remember when we read the Sherlock Holmes books? What did Sherlock say about the improbable?”
His grandfather smiled. “Once you have eliminated the impossible, what remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
“And what do we have? Someone took Santa’s ability to give the gift of possibilities. Possibilities exist everywhere. Yet Santa’s power to give the gift of possibilities is still missing. Therefore, there must be a place called Nowhere and that is where we will find whoever did this.”
His grandfather thought for a moment. “Here, let me have your cell phone.”
Joe handed it to him. “When you gonna break down and get your own phone?”
“I’m breaking down more each day. Why would I need to get one when I can just use everybody else’s?”
“What if I want to call you?” Joe asked.
“Nobody calls anymore. All they do is text and snipcheat.”
“Snapchat,” Joe corrected.
“Whatever, here,” he said, handing the phone back, “read this.”
“What is it?”
“Well, in keeping with the Sherlock Holmes theme, it may be a clue.”
Joe looked at the phone, scrolling through the webpage.
“A song by the Beatles,” his grandfather said. “I always knew they were inspired by some deep magic but never suspected just how powerful. They wrote this decades ago, must have seen the future.”
“What does it mean?” Joe asked.
“It means, my boy, you are right. There is a nowhere land.”
“Ready,” Levi David said.
“You know how to get to nowhere?” Joe asked.
Wyatt James chuckled. “Nowhere is a piece of cake compared to some of the places we have to fly to deliver presents.”
Joe and his grandfather climbed aboard.
“So how do you fly there?” Joe asked.
“We don’t,” Levi said. “Did you ever just go for a walk and just let your feet take your wherever they wanted to go?”
“Sure,” Joe said. “Sometimes you just want to be alone for a bit.”
“Well, that’s what we’re going to do,” Levi David said. “Reindeer love to wander. Given the choice, they’d wander their whole life. We,” and he waited for Wyatt to drop the reins,” are just gonna let them wander to, wait for it, nowhere. Hit it, girls.”
And as the sound of Levi’s voice faded, the reindeer took off.
Joe leaned over to his grandfather. “Did he just say girls?”
“Joe” his grandfather nodded. “They are all girls.”
“But I thought…”
“Yup, you and most of the world have been misinformed. All reindeer have antlers, the boys lose their antlers in the fall, the girls do not. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. And, of course, Rudolph.
“I know, Rudolph sounds like a boy’s name. But what’s in a name?”
“I never knew,” Joe said.
“Here’s a good trivia tidbit. Donner was originally Donder, got a bit mis-translated.”
“You are just full of this stuff, aren’t you?” Joe said.
“Oh,” Levi David interrupted, “he’s full of it alright. We’ve known that for years.”
“Me too,” Joe said, laughing.
“Hey, I’m very sensitive you know,” his grandfather said.
“Yeah, sensitive. That’s exactly what I think whenever I think of you,” Joe chuckled, then settled in to watch the stars overhead.
There is a commonality shared among many families around Christmas or other special holidays. They have traditions. Long held, choreographed, well-established traditions passed down generation-to-generation, by which they celebrate holidays.
We do not. I like to think of our traditions as non-traditional. Think of it as a Jazz improvisation of Christmas instead of the Handel’s Messiah version.
We like to wing it.
Each year a little different from the year before, much of this determined by the latest cast of characters.
When our daughter Kelsey first joined our non-traditional traditions, it added to the wonder and magic. Christmas consisted of mountains of presents, requiring hours of wrapping, followed by the unforgettable wide-eyed expression as she first saw the gifts.
That was just her first Christmas; it got bigger and more magical after that.
Over the years Kelsey has gone from the small, little, squirming, bundle of wonder into a remarkable young woman.
She stands on the cusp of a new period of her life; she is engaged to an equally remarkable young man. Soon, if they are as fortunate as my wife and I, they will create their own Christmas traditions. Whatever they turn out to be.
This year’s celebration of Christmas Eve consisted of much good food, small gathering of family, and watching Charlie Brown’s Christmas and The Muppets Christmas Carole.
The Muppets have the best lines.
…light the candle, not the rat! Light the candle, not the rat!
I told you, storytellers are omniscient; I know everything!
Hoity-toity, Mr. Godlike Smarty-Pants.
And our personal favorite, which I suppose comes as close to an annual tradition as anything else,
…and Tiny Tim, who did NOT die…
Therefore, our Christmas tradition will continue to vary year to year. Over the next few years we hope to add a few new cast members (subtle hint), and create some new variations on the theme. (No pressure there Kelsey and Charles, take your time, we can wait for a bit)
Our non-traditional tradition always includes wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy whatever it is you do to celebrate this time of year.
….Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men…as Linus would say.
The Writing of Joe Broadmeadow 