This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Twelve Days of Christmas collection. It's called "Day One: The Christmas Drum."   This story is Day One: The Christmas Drum It's Christmas morning. All of the presents have been opened. "Is all of the fun over?" the children wonder. Then they notice something in golden wrapping paper hiding behind the tree. It is a record album called Twelve Tales of Tullyport Christmas; an album from Daddy's childhood. When their neighbors, the Browns, join them for Christmas breakfast, Daddy pulls out his old record player, and they listen to the first story together. All are delighted in the possibilities of a new Christmas tradition.   From "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas: The Christmas Drum". In the story, Francis Tully and his family leave Ballyclare, Northern Ireland and arrive in colonial Maine in 1760 to see rocky shores, white pines and great possibility. They bring some clothes, some tools and an Irish frame drum that Francis insists will bring others together to live, work and celebrate together. This story honors the community impulse that is central to Christmastide.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  [email protected] Enjoy!