Benny the Bear Rings in the New Year
By Bill Conley - America’s Favorite
Children’s Storyteller
Moral
of the Story:
The New Year reminds us that every
day is a fresh beginning, a chance to do better and love more deeply. It is a
time to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith and hope. Change begins
when we choose kindness, courage, and joy, no matter what the past year has
brought. The greatest resolutions are not just promises we make but actions we
take to brighten the world around us. True celebration is not about noise or
sparkle, but about hearts filled with peace and thankfulness. When friends
gather together with love, every year becomes a blessing. Benny the Bear learns
that the best way to welcome the New Year is with gratitude for yesterday and
hope for tomorrow.
In the heart of Whispering Pines
Forest, snow sparkled on every branch like glittering sugar. The animals were
busier than ever, preparing for a very special night. It was New Year’s Eve,
and Benny the Bear was hosting the grandest celebration the forest had ever
seen.
Benny had spent all day cleaning his
den, fluffing the mossy rugs, and arranging pinecones in neat little piles for
decoration. A garland of winterberries hung across the entrance, and soft
lanterns made from hollowed-out gourds glowed warmly in the snow.
“This will be perfect,” Benny said
with a satisfied sigh. “A night to remember!”
His best friend, Ruby the Rabbit,
hopped in carrying a basket of honey cakes. “Benny, the whole forest is
excited! Even Mr. Owl said he might stay awake till midnight this time.”
Benny chuckled. “Well, that’s saying
something! Did you bring the sparklers?”
“Of course,” Ruby said proudly.
“Made from glow worms and pine resin, just like you taught me.”
Soon, one by one, the animals began
to arrive. Sammy the Squirrel bounded in with a basket of nuts, Penny the
Porcupine brought a jar of berry jam, and Freddie the Fox carried a drum he had
made from an old hollow log. Even shy little Tilly the Turtle trudged through
the snow, smiling all the way.
The den was filled with laughter and
warmth. Benny looked around, his heart swelling with happiness. “Friends,” he
said, raising his paw, “thank you for coming. Tonight, we say goodbye to the
old year and welcome the new one with joy, hope, and love.”
Ruby twitched her nose. “Benny, what
does that mean exactly? Why do we celebrate New Year’s Eve?”
Benny smiled and sat down near the
fire. “That’s a wonderful question, Ruby. Long ago, our forest ancestors marked
this night to remind everyone that time keeps moving forward. Every year, we
have a chance to learn from our mistakes, forgive what went wrong, and start
again with a clean heart.”
Tilly the Turtle tilted her head.
“So it’s like a second chance?”
“Exactly,” said Benny. “A second
chance to do better, to love more, to share more, and to make the world a
brighter place.”
Freddie the Fox wagged his tail. “I
like that. I think I’ll make a New Year’s promise to help someone every day.”
Ruby grinned. “And I’ll try not to
be impatient when things don’t go my way.”
Mr. Owl, perched above them, nodded
slowly. “I will promise to listen more and talk less. Wisdom begins with
listening.”
All the animals clapped their paws,
wings, and tails. Benny chuckled. “Those are wonderful resolutions. As for me,
I’ll promise to be more grateful every day. Even bears can forget how blessed
they are sometimes.”
The night grew cozier as snow began
to fall again. The animals sang songs, told stories, and shared food. The fire
crackled, and the stars peeked through the tree branches above.
As the hours passed, a gentle hush
fell over the forest. Midnight was near. Benny stood and said softly, “Friends,
let’s step outside. The New Year is almost here.”
They followed him into the clearing
where the snow sparkled like diamonds under the moonlight. The air was cold and
crisp, and the forest seemed to be holding its breath.
Benny looked up at the sky. “This is
my favorite moment,” he whispered. “When the old year ends, and the new one
begins. It feels like the world takes a deep breath and smiles.”
Ruby tugged on his paw. “How do we
know when it’s time?”
Just then, Mr. Owl spread his wings
and hooted proudly from a branch above. “Twelve hoots for twelve months! Listen
closely!”
He began to hoot slowly, and after
the twelfth call, Benny shouted, “Happy New Year!”
The forest erupted with cheers.
Freddie banged his drum, the birds sang, and fireflies rose from the snow like
tiny glowing stars. Ruby lit her sparkler, waving it in circles, and soon
everyone had one. The night sparkled with light, laughter, and love.
Benny looked around at his friends
and smiled. “You know,” he said quietly, “it’s not the fireworks or the feast
that make New Year’s Eve special. It’s moments like this, being together,
grateful for another year of friendship and love.”
Ruby nodded. “And for second
chances,” she added.
“Yes,” Benny said softly. “For
second chances.”
They stood in the clearing for a
long time, watching the stars twinkle and the moon rise higher. The snow glowed
faintly under the light, and it felt as though the whole forest was whispering
blessings for the year ahead.
When the celebration quieted, the
friends sat together near the fire again, sipping warm honey tea. Benny wrapped
a blanket around Tilly and smiled. “Before we all go to sleep, let’s each share
one thing we’re thankful for from this past year.”
Freddie raised his paw first. “I’m
thankful for friends who never give up on me.”
Ruby said, “I’m thankful for
sunshine after rainy days.”
Tilly added, “I’m thankful for every
small step forward. Even slow progress is still progress.”
Mr. Owl smiled. “I’m thankful for
wisdom that comes with time.”
Benny looked at the glowing embers
of the fire. “And I’m thankful for all of you. You’ve made my world brighter
than any New Year’s firework.”
The animals smiled at one another,
their hearts full and warm. The night had turned into morning, and the first
golden light of dawn peeked over the horizon.
Ruby yawned. “Benny, look! The sun
is rising. It’s the very first sunrise of the New Year!”
The animals all turned to watch. The
light touched the snow, turning it gold, then pink, then bright white. It was
beautiful beyond words.
Benny whispered, “This is what new
beginnings look like. Every sunrise is a reminder that we get to start again.”
As the forest slowly came to life
with chirps and rustling leaves, the friends sat quietly, taking in the beauty
of the moment.
The old year had ended. The new year
had begun. And in the heart of Whispering Pines, surrounded by love and
friendship, Benny the Bear knew one thing for sure: life was a gift worth
celebrating every single day.
Moral
of the Story Poem:
When the old year fades and the new
begins,
Let love and kindness dwell within.
Each dawn brings hope, each night brings peace,
With gratitude, our joys increase.
Together we share, together we grow,
Planting seeds of love wherever we go.
A brand new year, a bright, fresh start,
Begins each day within your heart.
Discussion
Questions:
1.
What did Benny the Bear and his
friends learn about the meaning of New Year’s Eve?
2.
What promise or resolution could you
make to help others in the New Year?
3.
How can we show gratitude for every
new day that God gives us?
No comments:
Post a Comment