Hey, it's Brian, and by the time this episode arrives, there will be just 10 days left until Christmas.

I don't know about you, but at this point in the season, I'm wondering where all the time went,

and how I can slow down and savor the time left. I hope you've been having a wonderful season so

far, and that for the rest of the countdown to Christmas, your days are filled with plans involving

the sights and sounds and flavors of the season surrounded by the people you love.

And when it comes to the sounds, I'm here to help with another episode featuring some classic

Christmas fiction. It's been uncharacteristically rainy and chilly these last several

days here at Christmas past headquarters, and there's nothing quite like feeling warm and dry and cozy on days like this and snuggling up with a good

Christmas story. And as much as I love revisiting my favorite stories year after year, I also

love finding new favorites by exploring the vast trove of stories from Christmas past. And today,

I'm inviting you to do it with me.

Today's story is The Christmas Fairy, an 1878 story by John Strange Winter. It's a story for the

whole family about a schoolboy whose plans for Christmas take an unexpected turn.

I'll be back at the end to wrap up and say goodbye, but for now, let's get nice and

cozy and enjoy the Christmas fairy. It was getting very near to Christmas time, and all of the

boys at Miss Ware's school were talking excitedly about going home for the holidays, of the fun they would

have, the presents they would receive on Christmas morning, the tips from grannies, uncles,

and aunts, of the pantomimes, the parties, the never-ending joys and pleasures, which would be

theirs.

I shall go to Madam Tussaud's and to the Drury Lane pantomime, said young fellows.

And my mother will give a party, and Aunt Adelaide will give another, and Johnny's Adam Tussauds and to the Drury Lane pantomime, said young fellows.

And my mother will give a party, and Aunt Adelaide will give another, and Johnny Sanderson, and Mary Greville, and ever so many others. I shall have a splendid time at home.

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