Rocky the Reindeer Rocks the Snow Stage - A Children's Story

Rocky the Reindeer Rocks the Snow Stage

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

Joy is contagious when shared from the heart. It doesn’t matter how big or small your stage is; what matters is the light you bring to it. When we use our gifts to make others smile, we spread happiness far beyond what we can see. Being true to yourself means letting your unique rhythm shine, even when others don’t understand it at first. Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about celebration, connection, and the joy that music brings. The real magic of Christmas begins when we lift others’ hearts through laughter, music, and love.

At the North Pole, every Christmas Eve was the same: cheerful, busy, and bright. But one year, something new was in the air. It wasn’t the sound of sleigh bells or elves hammering away in Santa’s workshop; it was the sound of music.

Rocky the Reindeer stood outside the barn, tapping his hoof against the ice in perfect rhythm. “Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock!” He sang, bobbing his head and swaying his antlers to the beat.

The other reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen, watched in disbelief.

“Rocky,” said Dasher, shaking his head, “you’re supposed to be practicing your sleigh pull, not… whatever that is.”

Rocky grinned. “It’s called dancing, my friend. You have to feel the groove!”

Vixen chuckled. “Groove? What’s a groove?”

Rocky stomped twice and twirled his tail. “It’s when you’ve got joy that just can’t stay inside. You gotta move with it!”

The reindeer laughed and trotted away, but Rocky didn’t mind. He had a dream to start the first-ever North Pole Snow Stage Show, where reindeer, elves, and snowmen could sing and dance together.

He built his stage out of snow bricks and decorated it with candy canes and shiny ornaments. “This will be amazing,” he said, hanging a sign that read “Jingle Bell Rock, Live Tonight!”

But as the day went on, the crowd didn’t come. The elves were too busy wrapping gifts, the snowmen were afraid to melt under the stage lights, and even the penguins said they had better things to do.

Rocky’s antlers drooped. “Maybe they’re right,” he said softly. “Maybe reindeer aren’t supposed to rock.”

Just then, Santa himself came walking by, carrying a mug of cocoa. “What’s all this, Rocky?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Rocky kicked at the snow. “It was supposed to be a Christmas concert. But I guess no one’s interested.”

Santa smiled. “Hmm. You know, Rocky, when I first tried to fly a sleigh, everyone thought it was impossible. But that didn’t stop me.”

Rocky looked up. “You think I should still play, even if no one listens?”

Santa chuckled. “Son, joy has a funny way of traveling farther than sound.”

Encouraged, Rocky climbed onto the stage, adjusted his scarf, and started to play his jingle bells like a drum.

At first, only the wind clapped along. But soon, a curious group of elves peeked out of the workshop. Then the penguins waddled over, sliding across the snow to the rhythm. Even the snowmen came bouncing along, their scarves flying in the frosty air.

Rocky grinned and started to sing louder:

🎵
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing, and jingle bells ring
Snow is falling, friends are near,
It’s the best time of the year!
🎵

The elves clapped, the penguins danced, and Santa tapped his boot. The whole North Pole was alive with rhythm.

Then something magical happened: the reindeer herd showed up. Dasher called out, “You didn’t tell us it would sound this good!”

Rocky laughed. “Didn’t I? Come on, everyone, let’s make this a Christmas Eve to remember!”

They danced, twirled, and jingled until the stars twinkled overhead. Santa himself joined in, his belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly as he sang along.

🎵
What a bright time; it’s the right time.
To rock the night away!
🎵

By the time they finished, everyone was laughing and breathless from fun. The snowflakes sparkled as if they were clapping, too.

Santa patted Rocky on the shoulder. “You’ve started a new North Pole tradition, my friend.”

Rocky smiled so wide his nose nearly glowed. “You mean…”

“That’s right,” said Santa. “From now on, before we deliver the gifts, we’ll rock around the sleigh!”

The crowd cheered, and Rocky led them all in one last song, his heart full of joy.

That night, as Santa took off into the starry sky, he called out from the sleigh:

“Rock on, Rocky! Keep spreading that Christmas cheer!”

And from then on, every Christmas Eve, Rocky would play the sound of jingle bells, and laughter filled the air, reminding everyone that music, joy, and love were the greatest gifts of all.

Poem

Tap your hooves and clap your hands.
Joy will echo through the lands.
Snow may fall and nights be cold,
But laughter warms both young and old.
Music makes the spirit bright.
It fills the world with love and light.
So rock your bells and sing along.
For joy’s the heart of every song.

Questions for Thought

1.     What made Rocky different from the other reindeer?

2.     How did Santa encourage Rocky to keep going?

3.     How can you share your own joy with others this Christmas?

 

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jacksonville Author on Mission to Set Historic Storytelling Record in 2025

 

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jacksonville Author on Mission to Set Historic Storytelling Record in 2025

Jacksonville, Florida — Local author and life coach Bill Conley has embarked on a remarkable journey of creativity and purpose. In 2025 alone, he is on track to complete more than 400 original children’s stories by year’s end, an achievement he believes sets a new global milestone for storytelling volume in a single year.

Conley is extending a formal invitation to Jacksonville media outlets in television, radio, digital, and print news to share his story through an interview or feature segment.

His stories are crafted with heart, imagination, and strong moral foundations, designed for children ages 3 to 10. Each tale blends curiosity with character-building lessons, helping children learn to:

• Believe in themselves and see their worth clearly
• Show kindness, empathy, forgiveness, and friendship
• Use impulse control to protect their peace of mind
• Express gratitude, honesty, integrity, and responsibility
• Listen well, take turns in conversations, and communicate thoughtfully.
• Honor family, celebrate traditions, and value shared moments together
• Build confidence through practice, patience, and consistent effort
• Develop healthy habits that strengthen their hearts and minds
• Value discipline, preparation, and looking ahead each day
• Understand that every child carries unique gifts and abilities

Many stories center on animals, holidays, family experiences, real-life relatable situations, and celebrations that bring families closer together. Each story features memorable alliterative characters, engaging plots, and a smoothly structured moral lesson at its core.

Conley believes his story output speaks for itself and poses a heartfelt challenge to the media world:

“I believe I have written more original children’s stories in one year than anyone else, at any time in history. Our children deserve better stories, stronger values, and kinder voices. I’m ready for the world to hear this.”

He encourages local producers, editors, and journalists to take a look at his extensive work on his primary storytelling hub:

bcunleashed.blogspot.com

Interview Request
Bill Conley is requesting interviews focused on topics including:

• His 2025 storytelling mission
• The power of children’s stories to shape emotional confidence
• The importance of morals, manners, and consistent values in media for kids
• Why storytelling should uplift rather than confuse the next generation
• His experience mentoring others and coaching relationships, families, and emotional resilience
• The cultural responsibility carried by storytellers today

Media Contact Details
Bill Conley
Phone: 904-526-9025
Email: coachbillconleyt@gmail.com
Blog: bcunleashed.blogspot.com

Conley invites all Jacksonville media representatives to reach out directly for interviews.

“Our children need stories that strengthen them. I’m here to help deliver that. I hope Jacksonville will be the first to amplify this mission.”

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - A Children's Story

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

The very thing that makes you different may be the very thing that makes you special.
Never hide your light to please others; let it shine to guide the way. When you use your gift to help others, it becomes a blessing to the world. Kindness, courage, and confidence glow brighter than any light in the sky. God gives each of us something unique to share, and when we use it with love, we change lives. Those who mock what they do not understand often come to admire what they once ignored.

Long ago at the North Pole, where the snow sparkled like sugar and the stars twinkled like silver bells, lived a young reindeer named Rudolph.

Rudolph was cheerful, kind, and full of curiosity. But unlike the other reindeer, he was born with something no one else had, a bright, glowing red nose.

When he was very small, his parents did not think much of it. “It is unusual,” his father said, “but perhaps it will fade.” Yet as Rudolph grew, the glow only became stronger.

By the time he joined the reindeer games, his nose shone so brightly that everyone noticed.

“Look at Rudolph’s nose,” one laughed.
“It looks like a traffic light,” said another.
“Better stay behind him, or you will go blind,” joked a third.

Rudolph tried to laugh with them, but inside he felt embarrassed. He began to hang his head low and tried to hide his glow under a scarf.

That night, his mother whispered softly, “Rudolph, your nose is beautiful. Someday it will make a difference.”

Rudolph was not sure he believed her.

Then came Christmas Eve, the busiest and most important night of the year. The elves were loading gifts, Santa was checking his list, and the reindeer were getting ready to fly. Outside, a heavy fog rolled in, thicker than whipped cream and as blinding as a snowstorm.

Santa frowned as he looked into the white mist. “I cannot see a thing,” he said. “If we fly into this fog, I will never find my way.”

The reindeer shuffled nervously. The elves worried. For the first time in history, Christmas deliveries might not happen.

Then Santa noticed a faint red glow coming from behind the stables. “What is that light?” he asked.

Out stepped Rudolph, his nose shining like a lantern.

“Why, it is Rudolph,” Santa exclaimed. “Your nose cuts right through the fog.”

Rudolph blinked shyly. “I suppose it does, sir.”

Santa’s eyes twinkled. “Rudolph, would you guide my sleigh tonight?”

The other reindeer gasped. “Rudolph? Lead the sleigh?”

But Santa nodded. “He has exactly what we need.”

Rudolph hesitated, remembering all the teasing, but then his mother’s words echoed in his heart. Someday it will make a difference.

He lifted his head proudly. “Yes, Santa. I would be honored.”

The elves cheered as Rudolph took his place at the front of the sleigh. Santa gave the command:

“On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen,
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen.
Do not lose sight through this foggy night,
For Rudolph will guide us with his nose so bright.”

Through the swirling fog they flew, Rudolph’s red light shining steady and true. Across rooftops and chimneys, they soared, his glowing nose lighting the path wherever they went.

When they returned home at dawn, the North Pole was buzzing with joy. Santa beamed. “You did it, Rudolph. You saved Christmas.”

The other reindeer gathered around, their heads bowed in admiration. “We are sorry, Rudolph,” said Donner. “We teased you for what made you special.”

Rudolph smiled kindly. “That is all right. We all have something that makes us shine.”

From that Christmas on, Rudolph led Santa’s sleigh every year, reminding the world that being different is not something to hide. It is something to celebrate.

Poem

A light once teased, now shining bright,
Turned darkest storm into Christmas night.
When others doubted what they would see,
Rudolph showed what faith can be.
For those who glow from deep inside,
Their light was never meant to hide.
Each heart, each gift, both near and far,
Can shine for God just as you are.

Questions for Thought

1.     Why did the other reindeer laugh at Rudolph at first?

2.     What happened to show that Rudolph’s difference was a gift?

3.     What makes you special, and how can you use it to help others?

Frosty the Snowman - A Children's Story

Frosty the Snowman

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

Magic is real when we believe with our hearts, not just our eyes. Joy comes not from how long something lasts but from the happiness it brings while it is here. Friendship and kindness can turn an ordinary day into a memory that never melts away. Love and laughter are stronger than the coldest winter wind. When we bring happiness to others, we keep a little of that magic alive in ourselves.

One cold December morning, the first snowflakes of winter began to fall across the town. They covered rooftops, tree branches, and the schoolyard in a soft white blanket. The children had been waiting for this day, and when the final school bell rang, they ran outside laughing and cheering.

“Let’s build the biggest snowman ever,” shouted Tommy. “The one that can see all the way down Main Street.”

Everyone grabbed handfuls of snow, rolling it into giant balls. They stacked one on top of another until the snowman stood tall and proud.

“Now he needs a face,” said Sarah. They used coal for his eyes and mouth and a carrot for his nose.

“What about a hat?” asked Billy.

Just then, the wind blew through the street, carrying an old black top hat that tumbled across the snow and landed right at their feet.

“Perfect,” said Sarah. She lifted the hat and placed it on the snowman’s head.

The moment the hat touched him, something wonderful happened. The snowman blinked, lifted his head, and gave a wide smile.

“Happy Birthday!” he said cheerfully.

The children jumped back, startled, then burst into laughter. “He’s alive!” Tommy shouted. “The snowman’s alive!”

The snowman chuckled and took a step forward. “Well, what do you know? My name is Frosty! How do you do?”

The children could hardly believe it. They danced and clapped as Frosty began to twirl and laugh. “Let’s have some fun before I melt away,” he said, waving his arms.

They ran through the snowy streets, playing tag, making snow angels, and sliding down hills. Wherever Frosty went, laughter followed. The townsfolk peeked from windows and smiled to see the children and their jolly snowman bringing joy to everyone around them.

But as the sun began to shine brighter, Frosty felt a trickle of warmth run down his snowy cheek. “Uh-oh,” he said softly. “That sun feels a little too warm for me.”

The children looked worried. “What are we going to do?” asked Sarah.

“We need to take him somewhere cold,” said Tommy. “Somewhere the sun can’t get him.”

Frosty nodded. “The North Pole would be nice,” he said with a wink.

The children decided to take Frosty to the train station. They pooled their money together and bought him a ticket north. As they walked, people waved and smiled at the sight of a snowman tipping his hat politely along the street.

When they reached the station, the conductor looked down in surprise. “Well, I’ll be! A snowman on my platform. Never seen that before.”

“He’s going to the North Pole,” said Sarah. “It’s the only way to keep him from melting.”

The conductor chuckled. “Then hop aboard, Frosty. You’re just in time.”

Before he climbed onto the train, Frosty turned to his friends. “Don’t cry,” he said kindly. “You gave me life today, and that’s the greatest gift of all.”

Sarah wiped a tear from her cheek. “Will we ever see you again?”

Frosty smiled and placed a gentle, snowy hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be back when the snow returns. Remember, wherever there’s laughter and kindness, I’ll be near.”

The whistle blew, and Frosty waved as the train pulled away. His red scarf fluttered in the breeze, and his hat tipped in farewell.

The children watched until the train disappeared into the white horizon. Though their hearts were heavy, they also felt full of something warm and wonderful.

Days turned into weeks, and winter slowly faded. Yet the children never forgot Frosty, his laugh, his kindness, and the way he made the whole town feel alive.

Then, one morning the next December, the first snowflakes began to fall again. The children ran outside, smiling and calling to each other.

“Let’s build him again!” Tommy shouted.

They rolled the snow, built him tall, and placed the same old black hat on his head.

And just like before, the snow shimmered, the hat wiggled, and Frosty’s cheerful voice rang out.

“Happy Birthday!” he said once more.

The children cheered, their laughter echoing through the snowy streets, and once again, Frosty the Snowman brought joy to the world.

Poem

Frosty came to life one day.
When children laughed and chose to play.
A hat, a smile, a heart so true,
And magic sparkled through and through.
He taught them all before he’d go.
That love stays warm beneath the snow.
Though time may pass and seasons part,
His spirit lives in every heart.

Questions for Thought

1.     Why do you think Frosty came to life when the children believed?

2.     What lesson did Frosty teach before he left?

3. How can you keep the spirit of kindness alive, even when someone you love is far away?

Jingle the Horse and the Joyride Through the Snow - A Children's Story

Jingle the Horse and the Joyride Through the Snow

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

The greatest joy comes not from how fast we go but from the laughter we share along the way. When we choose happiness, we create memories that jingle in our hearts forever. Life’s ride is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Smiles, friendship, and kindness are the true music of Christmas. Even a simple act of joy can brighten an entire world of snow.

Jingle was a chestnut horse who pulled a one-horse open sleigh through a small snowy village. Every winter, his silver harness bells were polished until they sparkled, and his mane was brushed until it gleamed in the sun.

He loved this time of year. When the air turned crisp and white, and snow covered the fields, Jingle knew that Christmas was near, a season filled with laughter, music, and kindness.

Jingle belonged to a cheerful boy named Tommy, who cared for him tenderly. One December afternoon, Tommy came running toward the barn with excitement in his eyes. “Jingle, today’s the day,” he said with a grin. “We’re going to surprise the children in town with sleigh rides.”

He fastened the harness around Jingle’s strong shoulders and placed shiny red ribbons through his mane. Then, he hitched the sleigh, a beautiful red one that glowed in the sunlight, and climbed aboard.

“Ready, Jingle?” he called out.

Jingle pawed at the snow and snorted proudly, as if to say, “I was born ready.”

With a soft flick of the reins, they trotted down the snowy path. The bells on Jingle’s harness jingled in rhythm with every step, filling the air with a cheerful melody. The sound echoed through the pine trees and across the frozen fields, carrying the joy of Christmas far and wide.

When they reached the village, children gathered around, cheering and laughing. “It’s Jingle!” one shouted. “The Christmas horse!”

Tommy smiled. “Who wants a ride?”

“Me! Me!” the children cried, bouncing with excitement. They climbed into the sleigh, bundled in scarves and mittens, their faces glowing with happiness.

Jingle lifted his head proudly and began to trot, pulling the sleigh through the snow. The children’s laughter rang through the air, blending with the sound of the jingling bells.

As the sleigh glided down Main Street, the children began to sing loudly, their voices bright and full of joy.

🎵
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh,
O’er the fields we go,
Laughing all the way!
Bells on bobtails ring,
Making spirits bright,
What fun it is to laugh and sing!
A sleighing song tonight!
🎵

Then they sang the chorus together, their voices echoing into the clear blue sky.

🎵
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way,
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!
🎵

The people in the village stopped to listen, smiling and waving as the sleigh jingled past. Even the shopkeepers stepped outside to hum along. The little town glowed with happiness.

Jingle trotted faster, his bells ringing louder with every stride. Snowflakes sparkled like diamonds in the air as they raced past the frozen pond and through the park.

But then, as they reached the top of a hill, a sudden gust of wind blew snow into Jingle’s face. He slowed his pace; his vision blurred. Tommy leaned forward and patted his neck. “It’s all right, boy. Take your time.”

Before they could turn back, one of the children called out, “Don’t stop, Jingle! We believe in you!”

Those words filled Jingle’s heart with courage. He pressed forward through the swirling snow, steady and strong. The sleigh glided smoothly down the hill, the bells ringing joyfully all the way.

When they reached the bottom, the children clapped and cheered. Tommy laughed. “You did it, Jingle! You made everyone’s Christmas brighter.”

Jingle neighed proudly, shaking his head so the bells sang even louder. He didn’t need to speak. His joy was in the sound of every cheerful jingle that filled the cold winter air.

As the sun began to set, the sky turned soft shades of pink and gold. Tommy guided Jingle back to the barn while the children waved goodbye, still singing the song that now belonged to them all.

Back in his warm stall, Jingle rested his head on the straw and listened. The laughter and singing still echoed faintly in the distance. It was the same sound that made him happiest, the sound of joy shared among friends.

That night, as stars shimmered overhead, Jingle closed his eyes with peace in his heart. He had learned that the beauty of Christmas was not found in ribbons, gifts, or speed, but in the smiles created along the journey.

And every winter after that, Jingle and Tommy returned to the village to give sleigh rides. The bells rang, the laughter soared, and the song of Christmas lived on through the jingling of a horse who loved to spread joy.

Poem

Through fields of white and skies of gray,
A sleigh and song led hearts to play.
Each jingle told of laughter’s cheer,
A melody for all to hear.
The snow may fade, the seasons part,
But joy stays shining in the heart.
For every soul that laughs today,
Keeps Christmas love from slipping away.

Questions for Thought

1.     What made Jingle happiest about giving sleigh rides?

2.     Why did the children’s song help Jingle keep going?

3.     What lesson can we learn about sharing joy with others during Christmas?

 

Rory the Reindeer and the Great Reindeer Tryouts - A Children's Story

 

Rory the Reindeer and the Great Reindeer Tryouts

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

Effort and persistence always outshine natural talent. You don’t have to be perfect to be great; you just have to keep trying. Failure isn’t the end of the story; it is the beginning of learning. The strongest reindeer are not the ones who never fall, but the ones who get up again. Heart and hard work will always take you farther than easy success. Those who keep believing and keep improving become the true leaders. Christmas spirit is not about winning; it is about giving your best and lifting others up along the way.

Every December, high above the snowy clouds of the North Pole, Santa held his annual reindeer tryouts.

The best and brightest reindeer lined up on the training field to compete for a spot on Santa’s famous sleigh team. There were jumps to leap, hoops to glide through, and sprints to test speed and endurance.

Among them stood a young reindeer named Rory.

Rory was not the fastest, or the strongest, or even the most graceful. His hooves were a little too big, and his landings were always a little too bumpy. But Rory had a huge heart and an even bigger dream. He wanted more than anything to fly with Santa on Christmas Eve.

Dasher, Donner, and Blitzen, the veterans of the team, stretched confidently at the starting line. Dasher winked at Rory. “You ready, rookie?”

Rory nodded, though his knees trembled. “I’ve been practicing every day, sir!”

Blitzen chuckled. “Practice is good, kid, but it takes more than effort to pull the big sleigh.”

Santa blew his whistle, and the tryouts began.

The reindeer leapt into the air, hooves pounding and snow spraying everywhere. They soared through the frosty sky in dazzling form, except for Rory, who stumbled over the takeoff line and tumbled headfirst into a snowbank.

The crowd of elves gasped, then laughed softly. Rory popped his head out of the snow, shaking flakes from his antlers. “I’m okay!” he called out cheerfully, though his cheeks burned red.

The rest of the tryout did not go much better. He crashed through two practice hoops, missed his landing by a mile, and slid across the ice like a curling stone.

When Santa announced the results, Rory’s name was not on the list.

“I’m sorry, son,” Santa said kindly. “You’ve got heart, but you’re not ready yet.”

Rory nodded, holding back tears. “I understand, Santa. Maybe next year.”

That night, he wandered away from the stables, kicking at the snow. “Maybe I’m just not good enough,” he sighed. “I’ll never be like the others.”

Just then, Clarice, one of the younger reindeer, trotted over. “You looked great out there,” she said kindly.

Rory frowned. “I fell on my face.”

Clarice smiled. “Maybe. But you got back up every time. Santa noticed that.”

Rory tilted his head. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Clarice said. “You just need to believe it, too.”

Those words stayed with him. The next morning, before dawn, Rory returned to the field alone. He started practicing, not once, not twice, but every day. He worked on his takeoffs, strengthened his legs, and even learned to balance while gliding through wind tunnels.

Days turned into weeks. Every time he fell, he got up faster. Every time he missed, he aimed higher.

One snowy afternoon, as Rory practiced loops in the sky, Santa happened to be watching from his workshop window.

“Ho ho ho!” Santa chuckled. “Would you look at that! The kid’s out here again, and he’s improving!”

When Christmas Eve finally arrived, the reindeer team gathered for their pre-flight inspection. But there was a problem. Comet had caught a cold and could not fly.

“What are we going to do?” asked Donner. “We’re one reindeer short!”

Santa rubbed his beard. “Well, I think I know someone who’s been working very hard for this moment.” He smiled and called out, “Rory! Get your harness ready!”

Rory’s eyes went wide. “Me? Really?”

Santa nodded. “You’ve earned your wings, my boy. Let’s see what that practice can do.”

The reindeer lined up, hooves poised on the runway. Snow sparkled beneath the moonlight as Santa called, “Ready, team?”

“Ready!” they shouted.

“Then let’s take off! ”

Rory ran with all his might, heart pounding, legs strong and steady. This time, he did not stumble. He soared into the air, clean, confident, and free. The wind rushed past his ears as he joined formation beside Dasher and Dancer.

“You did it, rookie!” Dasher yelled proudly.

“Welcome to the sky, kid!” Blitzen added with a grin.

Throughout the night, Rory flew with courage and joy, guiding the sleigh through clouds, storms, and dazzling northern lights. When they returned at dawn, Santa patted him on the shoulder.

“I told you hard work pays off,” Santa said warmly. “You’ve got something more important than perfect landings, Rory. You’ve got heart.”

Rory smiled, his chest glowing with pride. “Thank you, Santa. I won’t ever stop practicing.”

And he didn’t. From that Christmas forward, Rory became a permanent member of Santa’s team, the reindeer who proved that determination can take you higher than talent ever could.

Poem

If you slip or miss your mark,
Do not give up when times seem dark.
Fall and rise, then try once more.
Each new effort helps you soar.
The greatest flight begins with fall.
And practice makes you strong in all.
For every dream that’s ever true,
Begins with faith and follow-through.

Questions for Thought

1.     What made Rory different from the other reindeer?

2.     Why did Santa choose Rory in the end?

3.     How can practicing and trying again help you in your own life?