Hello friends and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories. Each week we share a few shoutouts and birthday wishes for listeners who help support the show. It's a small way we say thank you, and it always makes us smile. A special shoutout to Kai. We want to wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery. A special shoutout to our amazing son Connor. You are kind, curious, and so loved. We're incredibly proud of you and we hope you always know how special you are. Merry Christmas Connor, love mom, dad, Charlotte, and Leo. And hello to Tilly, who has been a long time listener. Happy belated 6th birthday to Calvin Tyler in University City, Missouri. Mama loves you so much and bedtime with you is the best time of the day. Happy belated to Georgia. Mom, dad, Ross, and Dina love you very much and are so proud of what a kind, funny, and amazing kid you are. Happy 9th birthday to our kind, artistic, soccer loving son, Jace. Mommy, daddy, Zay, Cole, and Addy love you so much. Happy 10th, Lucy. 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It's that time of year and Bernice is starting her winter break. Cookie is a bit confused as to why Bernice is still in bed, but Bernice explains while she gives her extra scratches. Bernice and Mama and Papa enjoy a yummy breakfast while they talk about the day ahead. Bernice is excited for Christmas. Bernice didn't have to get up early today because it was a holiday, which she still thought was strange because it was the middle of the week. Days were supposed to be on weekends, not school days. Cookie thought it was strange too, it seemed. She sat on Bernice's bed, staring at her with narrow, arrow-shaped eyes, which could mean she was judging Bernice or trying to figure out why she was still in bed. Wasn't it time for school? Good morning, Cookie. I know, I know. It's super weird, right? Bernice said, I would normally be up by now getting ready for school and stuff, but today, and yesterday, and even the day before was a holiday. I get to sleep in a bit. She stretched her arms out from under the cozy blankets. Cookie stretched too, but like a cat. I'm not really tired or anything, Bernice continued, but sometimes it's kind of nice to be slower than normal, right? It's hard though because I like to keep moving. There's so much to do and read and learn and create. Oh, and so many cookies to eat, she added with a giggle. Cookie walked over and gave Bernice a headbutt on the cheek, which was her way of saying good morning and also that she wanted some pets. Did you sleep well? Bernice asked as she scratched under Cookie's chin. I guess you always do. I did too, but I'm so excited about Christmas morning that I kept having dreams about mountains of cookies and pies and presents and oh, did you know Bobby got me the world's biggest present? It's huge. I know what it is, but I'm trying really hard to forget so I don't spoil the surprise. She paused. We were going to make each other things this year because we were helping give presents to kids who might not have as much as we do and that feels better, I think. Cookie purred very loudly, which might have meant she agreed, or it might have meant more scratches please. Do you smell that cookie? It smells like honey cakes and I love honey cakes a lot. And you know what happens when I smell delicious treats like that? Bernice leaned closer. My tummy starts gurgling. I thought I should warn you because sometimes you think it's a storm or thunder or stuff like that. It smells yummy delicious. Mama said that since this is a holiday week we can have more treats and I think that that is a really good idea. Just then her tummy made a noise. Cookie stopped purring and looked around concerned. Bernice chuckled, it's okay Cookie, it's just my tummy, I told you it might happen. Anyway, I guess I better get up and get dressed. Sweatpants week. On holidays Mama and Papa wear sweatpants and I think I will too. Maybe later we can read together okay? I might call Bobby too. I think he might have already opened his present because I made him a great big tin of cookies and a card. When it comes to eating cookies he loses his patience. After Bernice got dressed in her comfy clothes she practically ran downstairs to the kitchen where Mama and Papa bear were sitting at the table drinking coffee. Mama bear was already having a bite of honey cake. The kitchen felt warm compared to upstairs and the air smelled sweet like honey, butter and something just starting to turn golden. Mama had even put up more decorations. Good morning little bear. Papa bear said as Bernice came into the kitchen. Did you sleep well? Mama asked. Yeah and breakfast smells super yummy delicious and you know what? My tummy is gurgling again so I'm glad it's honey cakes this morning. I think I might eat at least a dozen, maybe two dozen. Mama laughed. Well we better put some on a plate for you then. I wouldn't want your tummy to start making those loud noises. Mama, Bernice said sitting down and pretending to be upset. Did you start breakfast without me? You said we would eat breakfast together every day during the holiday. Well, Mama bear said smiling. I was just testing to make sure Papa's honey cakes were okay. Are you saying that sometimes they're not? Papa bear asked with a laugh. Yeah, Mama. Papa's honey cakes are almost the best in the whole wide world. Almost, Papa bear said raising his eyebrows. We've decided to let grandma be the best at one treat Papa. Bernice explained that and cakes and other sweets Papa bear laughed. Fair enough. I was just having a bite Bernice. I'll have more with you Mama said. I went out for a run this morning while you two were still sleeping and you know how hungry I get after a run. I think Papa was snoring not sleeping Bernice said seriously as she poured syrup on her honey cakes. I think I heard the windows rattling or something. Papa bear sat down with a plate for himself and topped up Mama's coffee. As you both know I do not snore. Mama and Bernice exchanged a look that said they did not agree. Tomorrow's the big day Bernice said and I'm super excited. I don't know how I'm supposed to wait to open my presents and eat more yummy food. These honey cakes are really good. Can I have more? I mean I am hungry but also sometimes treats are so delicious that one just isn't enough. She thought for a moment but Bobby once told me that the more treats you eat the less you enjoy them or something like that. I think his mama told him that so he wouldn't eat all the cookies in the cookie jar. Oh that Bobby Mama said smiling. I'm sure Papa won't mind making you more that is if there are any left after I have more. You have to share Mama Bernice said with her mouth full. Papa bear took a sip of coffee to wash down his honey cake then went back to the stove to make more. He kind of wanted another one too. I have another free day today Bernice said after taking a drink of milk. I think I'll read more of the story I'm reading about the big monster in the forest who turns out not to be scary at all. Just really kind once you give him a chance. That sounds like a great plan mama said. I might need to run a few errands today just last minute stuff before Christmas. You can come with me if you want. Hmm Bernice said you know I love running errands with you and stuff but if I had to choose I might rather read today. It looks very wintery outside and I think I need a break from the cold. Papa says it's okay to take a break sometimes. Mama laughed that's true. We might have some friends over for dinner tonight Bernice Papa said Grandma won't be able to come this year so we'll go to her house later in the week. Is it a big party Bernice asked. No just a few friends Papa said they might bring their daughter too you remember Kathy right. Yeah she's not in my class but she's nice it'll be fun to hang out with someone new Bernice said and I might call Bobby on the pad later if that's okay. I think he probably already opened my present and ate everything for breakfast. His present is the biggest present I've ever seen right. It's pretty big mama said it might take up your whole room. I just hope it doesn't fly or talk Papa said with a laugh. It's not a robot Papa Bernice said I think it's a painting but I keep trying to convince myself it's something else so it'll still be a surprise when I open it at four in the morning tomorrow. Papa Bear almost spit out his coffee. How about we wait until at least six o'clock mama pleaded gently. But it's Christmas mama Bernice said I'm going to be so excited I might not even sleep tonight. This is one of the excitedest days of the whole year. Let's try for six Papa Bear said we all need our sleep or we'll all be yawning all day and that's not very fun. I'll do my best Bernice replied. Mama Papa and Bernice finished their breakfast together then Bernice and Cookie moved to the living room where Bernice curled up with her book and Cookie curled up beside her warm and purring. After a day of reading talking to Bobby on the pad who was extra silly playing with Cookie and eating a huge meal with friends Bernice began her bedtime routine. First she put out some cookies and a glass of milk then she had a bath did some deep breathing because she was very excited and set out her comfy clothes for the morning. Suddenly she jumped into bed arranged Twigga Wolfie and Madeline just right hold the blanket up to her chin and called out it's that time Papa and what time is that little bear Papa Bear called from the kitchen I think it's time to stay up all night Bernice replied Papa Bear thundered up the stairs making the whole house shake just a little and peeked around the corner into Bernice's room. I'm still awake Papa and I might not sleep until tomorrow night Bernice said my tummy feels all nervous and buzzy I just can't wait can you control time maybe make it go faster or something I don't have that ability little bear Papa Bear said gently sometimes I wish I did but aside from a basic understanding of time as part of space time I have to follow it just like you do that's too bad Bernice said I guess I'm just a bit excited I understand Papa said Mama and I are excited too did you try some deep breaths yeah but I don't think I did them very well because I got dizzy Papa chuckled maybe you were breathing a little too fast how about this all dim the lights turn on your soft music you close your eyes just like cookie is doing over there and I'll tell you a story then we'll see what happens okay Papa Bernice said quietly I hope it works maybe I'll do some belly breaths while I listen that's a good idea Papa said once you fall asleep tomorrow will come very fast okay Bernice whispered maybe you can tell a Christmas story I think I know just the one thank you for all the yummy food today Papa Bernice whispered you're welcome little bear Papa said leaning down to give her a hug and a kiss I love you Papa and I love you too little bear the house was extra quiet now soft music come from the speaker the lights were low and warm and the air smelled faintly of dinner and the smell of pine once upon a time in a world full of magic and fun there lived a brave little bear named boo boo she lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest in that forest were unicorns fairies pixies gnomes and all kinds of insects birds and animals it was a wonderful place her best friend was a young dragon named kai-kai and together they played whenever they could the kingdom they lived in was full of creatures from the meadows the hills and the forest and they all lived together in harmony but this story begins at night it was the night before the big day when all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse the stockings were hung by the fireplace with care in hopes that good magic soon would be there boo boo and kai-kai were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of honey cakes and chocolate danced in their heads and queen bear and her nightcap and king in his had just settled down for a long winter's rest went out in the courtyard there arose such a clatter the king sprang from the bed to see what was the matter away to the window he flew like a flash through open the shutters with a great big crash the moon on the new fallen snow made everything sparkle and glow when what to his wondering eyes should appear but a golden slay pulled by eight tiny unicorns here with a jolly old gnome as the driver so quick the king knew in a moment who this must be old bixie nick more rapid than eagles the unicorns came as he whistled and shouted and called them by name now shimmer now gleamer now sparkle and star on moonbeam on starlight on twilight and far to the top of the castle over the wall now dash away dash away dash away all like leaves in the wind when they fly up so high the unicorns carried the slay through the sky so up to the rooftop they flew with a bound with a slay full of presents not making a sound and then the king heard on the roof clear as day the prancing and pying they'd come quite away as the king looked up and was turning around down the chimney old bixie nick came without any sound he was dressed all in fur from his head to his toes and his clothes were all dusty with chimney soot who knows a bundle of toys he had slung on his back like a peddler who's just about to unpack his eyes how they twinkled his smile was so merry his cheeks were like roses his nose like a berry his beard was as white as the new fallen snow and when he laughed his belly would shake too and fro he was chubby and plump a right jolly old gnome and the king just laughed felt at ease in his home a wink of his eye and a nod of his head soon let the king know there was nothing to dread he spoke not a word but went straight to his work filled all the stockings then turned with a jerk and touching his nose with one finger just so he gave a quick nod up the chimney did go he sprang to his sleigh to his team gave a whistle and away they all flew like the seeds of a thistle but the king heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight merry festival to all and to all a good night as papa bear finished the short story he noticed bernice's eyes were closed and she was already making her quiet snorty snorts sleep well he whispered turning off the light morning will come quickly i love you little bear and that is the end of our story good night sleep tight you
