Welcome to the Zaubertales Advent Calendar 2024. This Christmas season, we are sharing the magical world of Monti J. Monti, our curious and courageous little hero. Each day in December brings a new short story filled with heartwarming adventures, meaningful lessons, and a touch of festive magic.
Our series is more than a collection of stories. It is an opportunity and invitation to join us in shaping Monti’s journey. As the stories unfold, we encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. What challenges should Monti face next? What should Monti’s world look like? What inspires you about his character? Together, we will create a hero who reflects the creativity and kindness of the Zaubertales community.
Zaubertales is dedicated to crafting stories that bring joy and learning to children and families. Through Monti’s adventures, we inspire laughter, spark meaningful conversations, and nurture imagination. Whether you read these stories during quiet evenings or share them as a family, they are designed to add wonder and delight to this special time of year.
We are thrilled to bring you this interactive storytelling experience. Let’s make this December a memorable celebration of joy, discovery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
The Secret of Giving
by Aaron Aaronsen
Monti J. Monti sat cross-legged on the floor of his cozy attic bedroom, his round, freckled face lit with excitement. The room smelled faintly of pine from the garland on his windowsill, and the red and white striped beanie on his head bobbed as he reached for the advent calendar on his desk.
It was December 1st—the first day of advent—and Monti had been waiting weeks to begin opening the little cardboard doors. But as he stared at the shiny green and gold calendar, an idea popped into his head.
“What if,” he thought, his brown eyes glinting mischievously, “I opened all the doors today? Then I could taste all the chocolates at once!”
His fingers hovered over the first door, but before he could pry it open, a familiar voice called up the stairs.
“Monti! Breakfast is ready!”
Downstairs in the chocolaterie’s kitchen, his parents were bustling about. His father was stirring a pot of molten chocolate, while his mother was wrapping up little boxes of truffles. The warmth of the shop below filled the air with a comforting hum.
Monti slid into his chair, still clutching the advent calendar. “Mama, Papa,” he began, “what if I just opened all the doors today? Wouldn’t it be amazing to have all the chocolates now?”
His mother, her hands dusted with cocoa powder, smiled. “Ah, Monti. But then what would you look forward to tomorrow? Or the next day?”
His father nodded. “Do you remember what Oma always says about making chocolate?”
“With love, mindfulness, and imagination,” Monti recited.
His mother leaned over and tapped the little calendar. “It’s not just about the chocolate, Monti. It’s about the magic of waiting and discovering something new each day. Patience makes it sweeter.”
Monti sighed but nodded. He peeled open the first door, revealing a tiny chocolate goat inside. He popped it into his mouth and smiled as the creamy sweetness melted on his tongue. Maybe they were right.
At school that afternoon, Monti noticed his classmate Leo sitting quietly at the back of the classroom. Leo was new to the town, and Monti had overheard some of the other kids whispering that his family didn’t have much money.
When their teacher handed out worksheets, Monti saw something that made his chest tighten. Leo’s desk was empty—no advent calendar, no festive treats.
Monti thought about his own calendar, sitting on his desk at home, bursting with chocolates for every day until Christmas. A small pang of guilt crept into his heart. He had so much, and here was Leo, without even one piece of advent chocolate.
An idea sparked. At recess, Monti dashed to his backpack, rummaging for the tiny chocolate tin his grandmother always packed for emergencies. Inside was a single square of milk chocolate.
When no one was looking, Monti tiptoed over to Leo’s desk and slipped the chocolate inside. The bell rang, and the students returned. Monti watched nervously as Leo opened his desk.
The moment Leo saw the chocolate, his face lit up like the Christmas lights in the town square. “Wow,” Leo whispered, carefully unwrapping it. “This is the best chocolate I’ve ever tasted!”
Monti felt a warm glow spread through him. It wasn’t the same as eating chocolate himself—it was something better.
That evening, back at home, Monti’s parents asked about his day as they stirred another batch of chocolate together. Monti hesitated, then told them about Leo and the chocolate he had shared.
His father stopped stirring and placed a hand on Monti’s shoulder. “Do you know what makes chocolate truly special?”
Monti shook his head.
“It’s not just the ingredients,” his father said. “It’s the love you put into it and the joy of sharing it. That’s what makes it taste sweeter.”
His mother smiled and handed him a glass of milk. “Sometimes, Monti, the sweetest things aren’t the ones you eat—they’re the ones you give.”
Monti sipped the milk and felt the warmth spread through him again. He thought about Leo’s smile and decided that tomorrow, he would bring another piece of chocolate to school.
This time, though, he wouldn’t just leave it in Leo’s desk. He would sit with him and share it, because maybe—just maybe—joy was sweeter when shared together.
As Monti climbed into bed that night, the little advent calendar sat on his desk, unopened doors waiting patiently. Monti smiled to himself, knowing that each small chocolate would now remind him of something bigger: how little acts of kindness can brighten someone else’s advent, one day at a time.
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