The season had shifted just about two months ago, turning from the colorful spooky season to a white one filled with lights. Although it also happened to be the darkest time of the year, the many lights which people had put up illuminated the otherwise so dark and cold world, but people held warmth and love in their hearts, and that was enough to banish coldness. Even the black sky didn't hinder the festive mood of people, for there was some simple beauty in a dark canvas that was filled with sparkling stars. Staying out with your family, gazing up into the night sky and seeking constellations together was one of the joys you could do. Some other winter activities kept families busy throughout the days, such as skiing and building many creatures from snow, but the best one probably was snuggling together under a warm blanket and drinking hot cocoa that would cast away chilliness.
This wasn't only the season of joy and warmth. It was also the season of anticipation and giving. And of course, little children were the ones who were the most excited. Everyone was counting the days for the one specific date, but the days of anticipation were also something that were very much enjoyable, because people were harboring happiness, love and hope in their hearts more than usual. It truly was a wonderful time of the year and it wasn't surprising at all that a lot of people thought it was their favorite season.
And oh, how the time was flying. Just a while ago it had been the beginning of the month, when the anticipation had truly begun. And now, it was almost the date that everyone had been looking forward to. The spirit of the holidays in the hearts of people was greatly noticeable; people were getting more excited and busier as they prepared to make a wonderful holiday for their loved ones. The magic was in the air and the closer the long-awaited day was approaching, the more it seemed to reign outside, visible on the jolly faces and in their laughter. No matter where you would go, you would face happy people.
Two more days passed and the day everyone had waited for was just around the corner. It was evening and the winter sun had set many hours ago, bringing a dark veil over the world as it disappeared. But it wasn't a desolate sky, no, it was a beautiful work of art with the many twinkling stars and the gorgeous silvery moon that shed its light onto the world below. It was almost fairy-tale-like. However the world was already filled with lights as people had decorated pretty much anything they could with warm little lights; their own houses, trees that were standing here and there, all the little shops that were still selling goodies and they had also set decorations over the streets, presenting many themes of the holidays such as snowflakes and reindeers, and they illuminated the ways of the drivers. Everything looked so beautiful, especially with the pure white snow that covered all the places like a blanket; it had fallen from the sky earlier that day, but had subsided since the sun went down, almost like taking the dancing snowflakes with it so the night could be brighter. Although it was evening already, lots of people were still outside and wandering in the streets, chattering and running what few errands they still had before heading to the warmth of their homes.
And one of these people happened to be Kadashi.
Now, there wasn't a specific reason why he was out that late. Maybe the holiday spirit had lured him out, maybe he wanted to experience the magic in the air by himself. His hometown had turned into a magnificent wonderland of dreams and tenderness and that alone was enough of a reason to head out and just feel the delightful atmosphere. Kadashi could see smiling faces and hear sweet words everywhere as people passed him. It was quite catchy and he noticed that he was wearing a smile on his face as well. He sort of felt like a little child again that was full of wonder and even his heart was filled with joy. So he walked around and enjoyed the festive mood as much as he could.
Kadashi's glance wandered around the busy town, the light of the street lights sparkling in his eyes. A showcase of a toy store on the opposite side of the street caught his attention and he decided to take a closer look at it. Quickly he bounced towards the window and ecstatically stared at the little show it was offering to spectators like him. It was an ice queen themed little show with puppets. The most gorgeous piece of course was the queen herself, in a winter coat of white and purple and she was holding a scepter. Above her were flying in circles weird little critters that were like an odd mix of a bat and dragon – they were her minions. And on the other side of the wintery stage were two ordinary kids, the heroes of this story they were playing. The movements of these puppets were rather clanky, but the sight was spectacular nonetheless. Kadashi was a little mesmerized by this play and he stared at the showcase for a while, among other younger individuals who had dragged their parents to the window so they could admire it together. But after some time, Kadashi left the puppets to do their little show and continued his stroll around the town.
The toy store's window wasn't the only one that had caught his eye. As he kept going, he observed the many other showcases of different boutiques, such as ones for fashion, jewelry and candies. He even came across a very cute-looking café, and he took a quick peek through the window, just to determine that it looked nice and cozy. His smile grew a little bit. Maybe he should take his fathers to that café? It would be nice. But soon he resumed his walk and kept going in order to experience other magical things this town had to offer.
And soon he noticed something that was truly marvelous. There was a row of buildings that had slightly lighter colored walls. And right at that moment, some sort of projector was creating a magnificent experience of lights and pictures on them. Swirl of colors that turned from splatters to something like that resembled northern lights and different kinds of figures would occasionally move around through the lights. Humans, animals and even mythological creatures would entertain anyone who observed the walls. And Kadashi was standing there for a few moments and he could hear enchanted sighs from other people whose eyes were on the moving pictures as well. He managed to get himself moving again when the images started to repeat themselves and nothing new was coming up. But it was one of those things that he would eagerly talk about to his fathers.
It was so amazing how people would like to bring so much wonder into the lives of other people, like with these little shows Kadashi had already seen that evening. It just proved that the world was filled with kind-hearted people even though sometimes things seemed dark and desperate. During this holiday season it really did show that people loved and cared, not just towards their beloved ones but sometimes to complete strangers as well. It can really put a smile on anyone's face when you have been gifted with kindness, especially if it came totally unexpected. Beautiful hearts and souls, those were the ones that shone the brightest during this time of the year.
Kadashi had kept strolling around the town with a smile on his face and the tassel of his beanie swinging from side to side. The cold air had made his cheeks a bit red already, but he decided to look around just a little bit longer. Currently he was admiring all the warm lights people had put on their windows, along with glowing stars. It really felt like magic was everywhere, touching the hearts of all the people around here. And all the cheerful people that passed by, it was like every single one of them held the gentleness inside them and were spreading it around. Kadashi did his part by giving a smile at anyone who made eye contact with him and wishing happy holidays to some of the few people whom he talked to.
After walking some time, he noticed a little crowd of people standing around some open area and got curious about it. He made his way towards all the people and once he had reached their little line, he saw what they were adoring at that moment.
There were ice sculptures standing around this area – and they were very well done, not surprising that the crowd was admiring them. While Kadashi let his gaze wander from sculpture to sculpture, he overheard somebody saying that they were the best works of some ice sculpture contest that had been held a little while ago. No wonder that they were such great pieces of art. Some of them depicted animals, like deer and a swan, while some were humanoid figures that were either beautiful or had silly poses. But nonetheless, they were quite a magnificent sight and a pleasure to look at – which was their sole purpose. People were walking around them and taking closer looks at their favorite ones, even snatching pictures of them. Little children were running around and pointing at the ones they liked the most. Kadashi wandered among the statues as well and from some angles, lights on the background would shine beautifully through the transparent works of art, looking like they got glowing hearts inside. It probably wasn't intentional, just a nice coincidence, but it was a pretty sight nonetheless. Seeing the ice sculptures was yet another wonder Kadashi had witnessed that evening and he moved on after spending some time around the ice statues.
He was aware that there was a town square nearby that served as a market place during the summer and the beginning of autumn months, and sometimes different kinds of events were hosted there. Maybe there was something worth seeing that evening? With that thought in mind, he slipped through the small crowds of people and a few narrow streets and eventually he reached his destination.
Kadashi was standing by a very spacious area, which was now covered in a thin layer of snow. There wasn't much to see, except for the huge Christmas tree that was standing in the middle of the square like a gentle giant from another world, who had come to spread joy to this land. The tree was quite a magnificent sight, some people had really done an outstanding job at decorating it. There were silvery garlands wrapping the tree from top to bottom and it looked like it was glittering because of the small warm lights that had been twisted around the tree. Dots of gold and silver decorated many of the branches and as Kadashi came closer, he saw that they were big ball ornaments and many of them had beautiful laces in them, giving more of a delicate and magical look. Though, not all of the tree's decorations were made by human hand, mother nature had also contributed a little bit by giving a sprinkle of snow on the branches of the tree.
But the most gorgeous decoration of all was at the top of the tree: a big star that was glowing in many different colors. It truly was the crown jewel of this setting. A lot of people at the square were admiring the tree, some had gathered around it and were singing along while swaying from side to side. They were singing from their hearts, to spread around the holiday spirit and that was such a beautiful moment, Kadashi was happy to witness it. He stood around there for a short while, but in the end, he had to return home.
Once he had turned around and began his journey home, his heart was filled with so much wonder and magic of the holidays that he felt like a little child again. He would gladly carry it to his home and give it to his fathers and together, they would spend a wonderful evening.
