A Bedtime Story

The Coal Keeper of Santa's Workshop


Listen Later

In the bustling world of Santa’s workshop, nestled deep in the North Pole, there was an elf named Nugget. Unlike the other elves, Nugget had a rather unusual but essential job: he was responsible for preparing the coal for Santa's naughty list, ensuring that each piece was wrapped and labeled with care.

Nugget wasn’t just any elf. He possessed a sharp eye for detail and a heart full of empathy. While many considered his job less glamorous than crafting toys or decorating cookies, Nugget took pride in his work. He believed there was an art to packing coal—a practice that could teach important lessons.

Each day, Nugget would enter his cozy nook in the corner of the workshop, where shelves were lined with shiny lumps of coal. The room had a comforting aroma of pine and cinnamon, with soft lights twinkling above. Here, he would select the best pieces, polish them until they gleamed, and wrap them in festive ribbons.

One crisp December morning, while inspecting a particularly shiny piece of coal, Nugget began to wonder about the children who would receive his carefully packed parcels. He pondered whether these small gifts could spark a change, encouraging kids to be kinder and more thoughtful.

With this new mission in mind, Nugget began to add a special touch to each package. He placed a small, handwritten note with each piece of coal, offering words of encouragement and advice. For example, on one note, he wrote, “A little kindness goes a long way, try smiling at someone today!”

As Christmas Eve approached, Nugget worked tirelessly, making sure each package was ready for Santa’s sleigh. He felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that his work was more than just about packing coal; it was about spreading hope and encouragement.

Finally, the big night arrived. Santa, with his jolly red coat and twinkling eyes, approached Nugget. “You've done a remarkable job, Nugget,” Santa said with a wink. “You always find a way to make even the smallest things special.”

As Santa rode off into the starry night sky, Nugget watched from the window, feeling a warmth in his heart. He knew that, while some children might be surprised to find coal in their stockings, they would also find a reminder that change is always possible.

And so, every holiday season, Nugget continued his important work, knowing that a bit of coal, when given with love and a gentle nudge, could light the way to a brighter, kinder future.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

A Bedtime StoryBy Matthew Mitchell