Father Christmas visits Sugarbush Valley

Dear reader, sorry for my absence. I just noticed that my last post was on 8 November and that is more than a month ago. Though I was quite busy at work and with life, I also lacked motivation to play with my Sylvanians.

Over, the past week that changed a bit and yesterday I got enough courage to take some pictures for a story. All in the light of Christmas, hope you enjoy it!

Rose looked at Taylor, "Does it fit? It looks great!". Taylor grunted, "It is just really warm, but yes it fits."  Sugarbush Valley has an age old tradition, that Father Christmas visits the valley each year. All the children of the village then gets a chance to speak to him and communicate their wish list to him. The children love the tradition and Taylor Timbertop has been Father Christmas, since his father passed away, another tradition.

"Here, let me just shift the beard to the right a bit, yes there you are, much better." It was the evening before the visit, and Rose just wanted to make sure that the suit, which could be classified as an antique, still fitted.

The next morning, on the other side of the little village, the Patches family, were getting ready for their day. Antonio was making the beds and Dorothy fed Kyle his porridge.

"So are you ready to visit Father Christmas, Kyle?" Dorothy asked her son. "Fa' Mas! Yes!" Kyle squealed and clapped his hands. "It is nice of you to take him Dori, he will love it?" Antonio said to his wife.

"I think so too, I'm just worried that he might be scared." replied Dorothy. "No scare! Many presies!" Kyle yelled again. Antonio and Dorothy laughed at their little boy's excitement and Antonio planted a kiss on his cheek.

While the village children was excited about the visit, Innes Bercher, was very stressed about it. This was the first year that the event will take place at his toy shop, which is a great marketing tool, but he always worries that his shop is too small for too many people.

He took a look around and decided that he will first have to move some stuff around, the play area is usually cramped full of toys and that is the only area that everyone can gather.

Without further hesitation he started to move the toys.

Luckily all the toys was quite light, so it wasn't exhausting.

Then he started to move all the smaller toys from the play area to the shelves, and was interrupted by a knock on the door of the shop.

It was Rose Timbertop wanting to confirm the time for the visit. After a brief discussion Rose left and Innes continue to clear the play area.

Finally he was happy, the toys were still visible and anyone can still play with it or buy it if they like, but there is enough space for Father Christmas and the children.

Innes was just about to start on his paperwork, he wanted to pay some bills, when he could hear children's laughter outside. He felt delighted, he was just a bit worried that no one will show up.

It was Ellema Brightfield with her two daughters, Meshia and Briel, accompanied by Willow Cottontail, Meshia's best friend. "Oh Innes, the children is so excited, what a wonderful idea." Ellema said. "Thank you, yes this old village does have some wonderful traditions." Innes replied. "Is it ok if I leave them here with you, I have to get back to ice cream parlour."

Innes assured Ellema that it was fine, and she left. The Bouquet and Thistlethorn children have also arrived in the meantime.

Kaitlin Decker and the triplets also made it in time, as the festive 'ho ho ho' call of Christmas Father could be heard just outside the shop.

The next minute he appeared in the doorway, and the children shrieked with joy.

Dorothy and Kyle arrived just after him, but no one even noticed as they were too excited to greet Father Christmas and speak to him.

He went around the room, talking to each child and inquiring about their wishes. When he reached Kyle, the little boy giggled and said "dino, dino, rex!" Father Christmas had a big laugh at the cute little boy, "I assume he is trying to say that he want a T-rex dinosaur?" Dorothy laughed at her son too, and indicated that, that was indeed what he wanted.

Prissy Thistlethorn also got her chance, and Lavender Bouquet was patiently waiting her turn.

When it was finally her turn, she started shivering, but stayed brave and managed to tell Father Christmas that she wanted a doll.

After everyone have left, Innes went over to Taylor to thank him for doing such a wonderful job, but they ware interrupted by loud screams of 'wait, wait, wait'.

It was Monty Mcburrows, and he came rushing into the Toyshop closely followed by his mother and siblings.

"We are late, as usual." Heidi apologised for their untimeliness. "No worries, Tay..., oh I mean Father Christmas, is still here for another hour, their is always a few parents who want to miss the initial rush." Innes assured Heidi.

While Innes and Heidi talked some more, the children spoke to their hero. Muddy was first and gave such a long list that his mother had to interject.

Monty's list was much simpler, and with his mother beside him, he was quite brave.

The Mcburrows left in the same hurried way that they came, but the day was still not over for Taylor. He was surprised to see Bud and Burl entering the shop, his two sons. He was hoping that Rose could convince them not to come, as both of them was worried that Bud will recognise him.

But as luck will have it, just as Bud was about to reveal the truth to his little brother, Harley Farthing and his children entered the shop.

Innes and Rose gave huge sighs of relief and Taylor turned his attention to the Farthing children, while Rose showed the boys some toys, before leaving hurriedly.

Later that afternoon when Bud was playing and Burl was taking his nap, Taylor quietly entered their room and Rose quickly helped him to undress. "So, did you enjoy it?" Rose asked. "Oh yes, it was marvelous, to see all those excited faces, and to hear all of those wishes, some a bit amusing, but still wonderful." Taylor beamed!

Next door, the Bercher's was having the same conversation, "Oh Honey, it was wonderful! To see the excitement on all the little faces, priceless. And there was so much orders, we will double our profit from last month!" Innes told his wife excitedly. Marqaux smiled to herself and lovingly looked at her husband. This little village surely was a magical place.

Delia's day!

Delia wasn't ready for this day. She had no energy and wondered how will she keep more than 20 toddlers occupied and interested feeling like this. She decided to have a look in her diary what she has planned for the day.

However, just as she was about to open it to the particular day, there was a soft knock on the door. It was Camilla Hunter-Smyth, "Good morning, Delia, sorry to bother you this early. Delia surprised herself with a smile and greeted Camilla friendly, "Good morning Cami, but why so early I really hope everything is ok with the triplets?"

"Oh yes, they are just fine, more energy than ever. I just have to be in Blueberry Hill for some business and I wanted to leave early." Camilla explained. 

The two friends chatted some more, before Camilla left. Delia sighed, and thought to herself 'let the day begin'.

Soon after that the little ones began arriving. That morning it was Teri's turn to bring Creme and her best friend, Briel to school. "Morning Delia!" Teri chirped. 'How can anyone be so upbeat in the morning", Delia thought to herself, before greeting Teri. "Morning Teri, how are you?"

Too soon all the children have arrived and Delia was alone with them. Luckily they began each morning with story time and some singing. Reading the story was a bit of a challenge, but when they came to the singing, Delia only played a note on the little piano here and there, but the children didn't seem to mind.

As they were about to finish the last song, a familiar head appeared in the door way. It was that of Andrey Buttermilk, the resident Dentist. 'Oh no', Delia thought, 'I don't have the energy for any new enrollments today! Why can't people just wait till the open day.'

She quickly went outside just to be met by Blanka too. "Heya Andrey, how can I help?" Delia greeted almost grumpily. "Morning Delia, are we to early?" Andrey inquired. "Too early for what?" Delia asked hesitantly. "Have you forgotten, Delia? Oh no, or do we have the date wrong? You said something about a wellness and health day at school, and that you wanted us to come and speak to the children about dental health?" Then it daunt on Delia, and it all came rushing back. "Oh of course, of course, come in come in, I just thought it was someone else first!" Delia quickly recovered.

Andrey and Blanka quickly set up their dental equipment and the little ones gathered round excitedly. None of them have ever been to the dentist.

Some of the older boys were relieved to be allowed to sit on the roof.

After a very informative, yet simple explanation of the importance of dental care, the children were allowed to touch the instruments and Andrey patiently explained the use of each item. Blanka answered some difficult questions, with which the little girls peppered her.

Delia accompanied the Buttermilks outside and thanked them for the excellent lecture, hoping that she was clever enough to organised some more lectures for the kids.

Just as she was about to go inside she was relieved to see Betty and Bob Blackberry approaching. She was, however, reluctant to make a fool of herself again, as she was unsure if she did asked them to attend the wellness day too. "Morning Bob, Betty!" she called out. "Morning Delia, I must admit this wellness day initiative of you is a wonderful one!" And just like that Betty answered her question.

Bob and Betty quickly arranged their fruit and vegetables display, and had a very interactive session with the kids. Delia was quite proud of them, as they knew the name and color of each product.

Afterwards Bob and Betty also allowed them to taste the different products. The raw fruit was very popular but it took some convincing to have them taste raw cauliflower and carrots.

Delia thanked the Blackberries for taking the time to teach the children about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, and waved them goodbye.

While the kids played outside, she took the opportunity to quickly reorgnise the nursery. Already thinking that the kids must maybe draw their favorite fruit and vegetable when they come in form playtime.

Just as she was about to call them in, another knock came on the nursery door. It was Shelley Darwin. 'Could it be that, I arranged another lecture for the children", Delia smiled at herself.

"Morning Delia, are you ready for us?" Shelley asked. "Indeed we are! What do you have in mind? Delia smiled. "Well, we brought the popcorn cart, you asked about healthy snacks and sweets?" Geoff said. "Perfect", Delia agreed, "I think it is best if we have this lecture outside?"

Geoff started the lecture by talking about healthy eating, but that once in a while one needs a treat and what better way than a sweet treat. The children all clapped when they heard this.

"Popcorn is an ideal snack, especially if it is air-popped, like we do at our cart." Shelley explained, "because no oil or butter is used!"

"Another alternative is fruit and candy combined, or fruit and chocolate." Geoff suggested.

The highlight of the day for the kids, was of course to sample some of the Darwin's delicious healthy sweet treats. The kids all agreed that even if chocolate dipped bananas were strange it was still good.

"Thank you so much for surprising me with just a wonderful and smart lecture", Delia thanked the Darwins. "It was only our pleasure", Geoff replied.

Delia couldn't believe the day has come to and end, and she felt less tired. All the children left, excitedly informing their parents about healthy eating and healthy snacks.

"Hello Honey!" It was Gordon, with the twins, coming to walk her and little Jocelyn home. "How was your day?" Gordon asked.

Delia thought for awhile, wanting to complain about not having any energy, then she realised that it actually was a wonderful day!