Good evening,
It's Gina here.
Tonight we're traveling to a quiet snowy mountain where Leo discovers a magical winter wonderland.
So snuggle in,
Get cozy and warm,
And let's begin.
The air was crisp and sparkling as Leo stood at the top of the sledding hill with his family.
They were spending the winter holidays in a tiny wooden cabin high in the mountains where the snow fell in soft fluffy blankets.
Leo's cheeks were rosy and his breath made small clouds in the air as he giggled with excitement.
His mum wrapped a warm scarf snugly around his neck.
Ready Leo,
She smiled.
Ready,
Leo said,
Hopping onto his sled.
Down he raced,
Snowflakes dancing all around him as he slid through the sparkling snow.
Near the bottom of the hill,
Leo spotted a little path leading into the trees.
It was narrow,
Untouched,
Covered with fresh snow that glittered like tiny diamonds.
Curious,
Leo nudged his sled towards it.
Just a little peek,
He thought.
The path wound deeper into the forest,
The tall pine trees standing like gentle giants,
Their branches heavy with snow.
As he glided further down,
The world became quieter and more magical.
The snow seemed to glow with a soft blue shimmer and the air sparkled like glitter.
Suddenly,
Leo's sled lifted gently off the ground.
Not fast,
Just enough to float above the ground like a feather caught in a breeze.
Leo held his breath,
Amazed.
His sled rose higher,
Gliding through the winter air.
Below him,
The snowy forest opened into a hidden valley filled with sparkling light.
Snowy animals,
Unlike any he'd ever seen,
Waved to him.
A fluffy white fox wearing a tiny knitted scarf.
A family of snow-haired rabbits building a snow castle.
And above him,
A reindeer with shimmering antlers flew past,
Leaving a trail of twinkling snowflakes behind.
The sky glowed with colours,
Pale pinks,
Soft blues and silver sparkles,
Like the northern lights had come down to dance close enough to touch.
Leo's sled swooped calmly and smoothly,
A magical glide through a winter dream.
Leo landed near a snowman standing in the middle of the magical valley.
But this snowman wasn't ordinary.
He had bright little button eyes that sparkled and blinked,
A carrot nose that wiggled,
And a knitted hat that looked very old and very wise.
Well,
Hello there,
The snowman said warmly.
I'm Frostwillow,
The snow listener.
I hear every snowflake whisper.
Leo smiled shyly.
I'm Leo and my sled can fly.
Only in this land,
Frostwillow said,
Tapping his soft snowy chin.
Here snow holds magic and shares it with those who arrive with curious hearts.
Frostwillow showed Leo how snowflakes each had a pattern like tiny stars,
Each one different,
Each one carrying a small wish from the sky.
Leo caught one gently on his glove.
I wish everyone could feel this peaceful,
He whispered.
The snowflake glowed just a little before melting.
After a while,
Leo felt his eyes getting sleepy,
The cosy,
Dreamy kind of sleepy that feels safe and warm,
Even in the snow.
Frostwillow smiled kindly.
Magic visits are short,
But memories last long.
Time to follow the breeze home.
Leo climbed back on his sled.
It lifted once more into the cool night air,
Carrying him gently back through the snowy forest.
He lay back,
Letting the sled glide on its own and placed his hands on his tummy.
He took a long,
Slow breath in and a soft breath out.
Let's join Leo for a few calming breaths.
In,
Feel your tummy rise up and out.
Let your body soften like snow settling on the ground.
In and out.
Leo felt peaceful all the way back home,
The snowflakes drifting around him like tiny stars,
Guiding him.
The sled touched down gently at the bottom of the hill.
The sky above was dark now,
Filled with twinkling winter stars.
Mum,
Leo called,
Smiling.
She hurried over and wrapped him in a warm hug.
There you are.
Ready for cocoa and bedtime?
Leo nodded,
Sleepy and happy.
As they walked back to the cabin,
He glanced at the sky and saw one little snowflake glimmering brighter than the rest.
Back inside,
Leo changed into his soft pyjamas and snuggled under his warm blankets.
His mum kissed his forehead.
Good night,
My little explorer,
She whispered.
Leo closed his eyes,
Feeling the gentle glide of his sled once more.
Snowflakes drifting through his dreams,
Whispering calm wishes of rest and wonder.
Good night,
Leo.
Good night,
My friend.
