Hi,
This is Stefania,
And we've got a special New Year's story for you.
It's about Popo the rabbit,
Learning about the New Year and what it means to him.
Popo the rabbit and the quiet beginning of the year.
Popo's wish.
On the morning of the New Year,
The forest was very still.
Snow rested on the branches as if it had decided to stay a while.
The air felt clean,
New,
Fresh,
And even the birds seemed to sing more softly.
Popo the rabbit sat at the kitchen table with his mama and papa.
A small fire warmed the room,
And the scent of carrot porridge filled the air.
Popo the rabbit sat down his cup.
It's the first day of the year,
He said.
Good day for new intentions,
Mama Rabbit smiled.
People like to choose something to work on,
She added gently.
They call it a New Year's resolution.
Popo stirred his porridge slowly.
And what if you don't know what yours should be,
He asked.
Mama Rabbit reached over and squeezed his paw.
That's all right,
Too,
She said.
Some answers arrive quietly.
Popo nodded,
But the question stayed with him.
Later,
Popo went for a walk.
The forest paths were familiar,
Yet they felt different today,
As if they were listening.
He passed the mouse family near their warm little home.
This year,
I'll be braver,
Said the mouse,
Standing tall.
I'll be more patient,
Said Mama Mouse.
And I'll help more,
Said Papa Mouse.
Popo smiled.
What about you,
Popo?
Asked the mouse.
Popo paused.
I'm,
I'm still thinking,
He said honestly.
He walked on.
From many corners of the forest,
He heard similar words,
Plans,
Promises,
And hopes for becoming better or doing more.
Popo listened carefully.
He tried to think of something he should change.
But the more he tried,
The more his thoughts felt tangled.
Soon he found himself deeper in the forest,
Where the trees stood quietly,
And the snow softened every sound.
Popo sat on a fallen log.
I don't feel broken,
He said softly.
So why do I feel as if I must fix something?
The forest did not answer.
But the light did.
A pale glow appeared between the trees,
White and green,
Gentle as mist in moonlight.
The forest fairy stepped forward.
She did not rush.
She did not sparkle.
She simply was.
Hello,
Popo,
She said,
Her voice calm and kind.
Popo felt no fear,
Only a sense of being understood.
I'm trying to find my New Year's resolution,
He said,
But nothing feels right.
The fairy sat down beside him.
Many creatures begin the year by asking what they must change,
She said.
There is another question.
She placed her hand lightly over Popo's heart.
What can you offer,
She asked.
How can you help,
Even in a small way?
Popo felt warmth spreading through his chest.
But that sounds simple,
He said.
The fairy smiled.
The truest things often are.
She stood and looked toward the forest.
When you live with love,
Kindness,
And attention,
She said,
The year opens gently,
Like a flower.
And then,
Like a breath on a cold morning,
She was gone.
Popo walked home slowly.
Near the path,
He saw Mama Mouse struggling with a basket of spilled seeds.
Popo knelt down and helped gather them.
Thank you,
Mama Mouse said quietly.
Popo felt something settle inside him.
At home,
Papa Rabbit was carrying firewood.
I can help,
Popo said.
Papa Rabbit nodded,
Surprised and pleased.
That evening,
As the fire crackled softly,
Papa Rabbit asked.
So,
Popo,
Did you find your resolution?
Popo thought for a moment.
I think so,
He said.
I want to notice more and help when I can.
Mama Rabbit smiled.
That's a good way to begin anything.
Outside,
The forest rested,
And the new year began,
Not loudly,
But kindly.
And that's the end of our story.
So,
Popo learned that the best way to begin the year was not by changing himself,
But by listening to his heart and caring for others.
Happy,
Happy new year to you.
Bye for now.
