There are many stories that children enjoy about Christmas and I have made some of my own. The first is a feltboard story about the three bears finding a Christmas tree and decorating it. I have made enough decorations so that each child in the story group can put a decoration on the tree. I include a search for Santa’s boots in which children take turns to turn a page in a book to see where the missing boots might be. Finally, a Santa doll comes with his sack and children again help by taking the boxes from the sack and placing them on the felt board. When the bears wake up the children see what presents Santa has brought for the bears.

The second story told this year was about Mrs Claus. As Rudolf had been hurt, Santa had taken him to the Vet and I, as Mrs Claus, needed the help of the Elves to pack toys ready for Christmas Eve delivery. The children were delighted be the Elves choosing toys of the right size to fit into boxes and then pack the boxes into Santa’s sack. A problem arose as Santa had left his trousers in the washing robot and they had shrunk to an impossibly small size. With a little magic the trousers were restored and Mrs Clause set off. The four-year-olds had a lot of fun helping me to dramatize this story.

I find it very rewarding to actively involve the children in storytelling as they gain confidence, practice cognitive and social kills such as turn taking, and express their delight. Making stories together is certainly special.