Twas the Night Before Christmas in Willowbrook Wood
By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral of the Story:
Christmas Eve is a night filled with
quiet wonder, gentle hope, and love that cannot be wrapped or bought. True joy
is found not in what we receive but in who we share it with. Kindness glows
brighter than candles when hearts are open and thankful. Faith reminds us that
the greatest gift was given long before stockings were hung. Family is where
love lives and grows strongest. Still moments are often the most meaningful
ones. When we pause, we can feel heaven close. Christmas is not something we
open; it is something we carry.
Twas the night before Christmas in
Willowbrook Wood,
And all through the forest, the feeling was good.
Not a creature was stirring with worry or fear.
For Christmas Eve, magic was finally here.
Snow dusted the branches and sparkled on the ground.
The moon cast a glow, not a whisper, not a sound.
In burrows and nests and warm hollowed trees,
Families gathered with hearts full of peace.
Inside a cozy little cottage made of
bark and pine,
Lived Oliver the Owl, thoughtful and kind.
With him was Lily the Lamb, soft and sweet,
And Benny the Bear Cub curled up in the heat.
They had finished their supper,
bowls empty and clean.
And gathered together where the firelight gleamed.
Oliver cleared his throat with a gentle, small hoot.
And he said, “Christmas Eve is a moment most true.”
“It is not just the night before
presents appear,
It is the night love feels especially near.
Before the world sleeps, before morning’s first light,
We remember the Gift that made everything right.”
Lily’s eyes sparkled like stars up
above.
“You mean Baby Jesus,” she said, full of love.
“The gift God sent down so the world would know
How deeply He cares for each heart here below.”
Benny nodded slowly, his paws held
up tight.
“My mama says Christmas is more than delight.
It means sharing, helping, and giving our best.
And trusting that God will take care of the rest.”
Outside in the snow, soft footsteps
drew near.
As Freddy the Fox peeked in, shy but sincere.
Behind him came Grace the Golden Deer.
With gentle brown eyes and a heart full of cheer.
“We heard you were gathering,”
Freddy explained.
“And we thought we might join, if that is okay.”
“Of course,” said old Oliver, spreading his wings.
“For Christmas Eve joy is meant for all things.”
They gathered around as the fire
crackled low.
Sharing warm cider and berries in a row.
Each one took turns sharing something they loved.
Something they hoped for, they dreamed of.
Lily hoped everyone felt safe and
adored.
Benny hoped kindness would spread even more.
Grace hoped the lonely would feel they belong.
Freddy hoped forgiveness could right every wrong.
Then Oliver spoke, his voice soft
and wise.
“Before we all sleep, let us lift thankful eyes.
Long ago, on a night just like this,
God gave us His Son, our greatest gift.”
They bowed their heads as the
firelight danced.
The forest grew still, as if heaven glanced.
A hush filled the room, warm and bright.
As peace wrapped them gently that holy night.
Suddenly, outside, bells twinkled so
clearly,
Not loud, not rushing, just gentle and near.
No sleigh burst the silence, no thunderous cheer,
Just wonder and joy that Christmas is here.
Benny tiptoed to peek through the
frost on the pane.
And whispered, “It feels like love is the same.
Everywhere tonight, like heaven came down,
And wrapped all the world in a soft sacred sound.”
Oliver smiled. “That is Christmas,
my dear.
When love feels close, and God feels near.”
One by one, they hugged and said
goodnight.
Their hearts are full and light, like stars shining brightly.
They tucked into beds of feathers and hay.
Dreaming of kindness for Christmas Day.
And as Willowbrook Wood drifted
softly to sleep,
The truest gift was the love they would keep.
Moral of the Story Poem:
Christmas is more than gifts tied
with a bow.
It is love that is felt in the quiet and slow.
It is hearts gathered close and kindness sincere,
And knowing God’s love is always near.
The greatest gift came long ago,
It was wrapped in hope and mercy to help us grow.
When love is shared, and faith is true,
Christmas lives forever in me and you.
Discussion Questions
1. What did
each animal hope for on Christmas Eve, and which hope meant the most to you?
2. Why do
you think the quiet moments in the story were so important?
3. How can
we carry the true meaning of Christmas with us all year long?
Twas the Night Before Christmas in Willowbrook Wood
A Christmas Eve Family Keepsake Reading
How to Use This Keepsake
On Christmas Eve, gather together as a
family. Turn off distractions. Dim the lights. Perhaps light a candle or sit
near the glow of your Christmas tree. Let this reading be a moment of
stillness, gratitude, and togetherness before the celebration of Christmas Day.
Opening Reflection
Christmas Eve is not just the night before
gifts are opened. It is the night before hope arrived in the world. It is a
night to pause, to breathe, and to remember that love was given freely,
quietly, and forever.
Scripture Reading
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Family Reading
Twas the night before Christmas in
Willowbrook Wood,
And all through the forest, the feeling was good.
Not a creature was stirring with worry or fear.
For Christmas Eve, magic was finally here.
Snow rested softly on branches and the ground.
The moon glowed bright without making a sound.
In warm little homes, in burrows and trees,
Families gathered in comfort and peace.
Together, they shared gentle words and kind
thoughts.
Remembering the greatest gift God brought.
Before stockings were filled and morning drew near,
They felt something holy and wonderfully clear.
Christmas was love. Christmas was light.
Christmas was heaven drawing close that night.
Moral of the Story:
Christmas Eve is a night filled with quiet
wonder, gentle hope, and love that cannot be wrapped or bought. True joy is
found not in what we receive but in who we share it with. Faith reminds us that
the greatest gift was given long before stockings were hung. When hearts are
thankful and still, we can feel heaven close.
Moral of the Story Poem:
Christmas is more than gifts tied with a bow.
It is love that is felt in the quiet and slow.
It is hearts gathered close and kindness sincere,
And knowing God’s love is always near.
The greatest gift came long ago,
It was wrapped in hope and mercy to help us grow.
When love is shared, and faith is true,
Christmas lives forever in me and you.
Family Discussion Questions
1. What does
Christmas Eve mean to you beyond gifts and traditions?
2. How can we show
love to one another tonight and throughout the year?
3. What is one way
we can carry the true meaning of Christmas tomorrow?
Closing Blessing
May your home be filled with peace.
May your hearts be filled with gratitude.
May the love of God surround you tonight and always.
And may Christmas live not just in this season, but in every day that follows.
Created as a Christmas Eve family
tradition to be shared, treasured, and read year after year.
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