Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

Marie-Noël

Once upon a time, in the most joyous holiday season, there lived a young girl named Marie-Noël. She was the eldest daughter of Santa Claus and possessed an otherworldly beauty, with long white hair and shimmering blue eyes, just like the rest of her family. Marie-Noël lived in the North Pole with her loving family, which included her twin brother Nicolas, the mischievous twins Chloe and Louis, and the youngest, Elisabeth, who was only six years old.

Although Marie-Noël was content in her magical home, surrounded by Christmas elves and the joyful spirit of the holiday season all year, she felt a longing to explore the human world. One November day, as the snowflakes began to fall, she made a brave decision. She chose Dasher, her father's fastest reindeer, and embarked on a journey to the bustling city of Paris.

As Marie-Noël arrived in Paris, she expected to find a beautiful place filled with joy and wonder. However, to her surprise, she encountered the harsh reality of homelessness and greed. Her heart ached as she witnessed people shivering in the cold, their empty stomachs growling. Determined to help, Marie-Noël used her father's magic sack to gather blankets, cookies, and warm milk for the homeless. They looked at her with amazement, asking if she was a fairy.

While distributing the gifts, she noticed a young man her age, named Lucien, standing before a shop window. His eyes were fixed on a beautiful ballet doll, but he lacked the funds to purchase it. The shop owner callously refused his offer to work for him to pay the doll, leaving Lucien disheartened.

Unable to resist her compassionate nature, Marie-Noël retrieved the same doll from her magical sack and approached Lucien. She tried to offer him the doll, but he couldn't bring himself to trust her intentions. Undeterred, Marie-Noël decided to follow him, determined to understand why he refused the doll.

Curiosity led her to Lucien's shabby little apartment, where she discovered his younger sister, Léonie, confined to a wheelchair. Marie-Noël learned that Lucien and Léonie were on the verge of being separated because of their dire financial situation. This revelation tugged at Marie-Noël's heartstrings, and she knew she had to help them.

Without hesitation, Marie-Noël extended an invitation for Lucien and Léonie to accompany her to the North Pole. She explained how her family embraced love, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas, and how they could provide a new beginning for Lucien and his sister.

Initially skeptical, Lucien eventually recognized Marie-Noël's genuine intentions and decided to accept her offer. With hope twinkling in his eyes, he took his sister in his arm and accepted Marie-Noël's hand to ride on Dasher's back.

Together, Marie-Noël, Lucien, and Léonie embarked on an extraordinary journey back to the North Pole. As they arrived, they were welcomed with open arms by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the rest of the family. The Christmas elves joyfully prepared a cozy home for Lucien and Léonie, ensuring their happiness and security.

In the weeks that followed, Marie-Noël and Lucien formed a deep bond, discovering the true meaning of love and friendship. It was as if they were meant for each other. Lucien was always proposing to help the elves creating the toys, and willing to learn anything. Léonie, too, found solace in her newfound home, surrounded by the joy and wonder of the North Pole, she became a very good friend with Louis, who created for her a very special weelchair capable of sliding in the snow as well.

As the holiday season approached, Marie-Noël's heart swelled with happiness. She had not only experienced the wonders of the human world but also brought the spirit of Christmas to those in need. Together, they continued to spread love and kindness, ensuring that no one would be forgotten during the most magical time of the year.