A New Year's tale

As the New Year approached, the city was seething with excitement. Bright lights flickered and pleasant music filled the air. Maxie was looking forward to the arrival of Santa Claus, the kind Santa Claus, who brings joy and gifts to all children. On New Year's Eve, when the stars shone in the night sky, something magical happened. One star shone brighter than the others and seemed to dance only for Maxi. With his eyes wide open in surprise, Maxie stretched out his little hand, and a star gently descended from the sky and landed gently on his palm.

"This is the Magic Star of Respect," whispered a voice that warmed Maxie's heart. It was Santa Claus, with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile as bright as a star.

— Maxi, this star has a special power. Santa Claus said softly.

— What is she doing? Maxie asked with a curious chuckle.

— She will help you to see wisdom and love in the hearts of your elders. Show them respect, and the star will shine even brighter. Santa Claus explained.

Maxie nodded, hugging the star to him. That evening, when Santa Claus visited every house, Maxie followed him, watching the joy spread from house to house. But then a cold wind swept through the city and a star twinkled in Maxie's hand.

— What's going on, Santa Claus? Maxie shouted, trying his best to keep the star safe.

Santa Claus looked worried.

"The wind is a doubt in your heart, Maxie. In order for the star to shine, you must sincerely believe in respect for your elders.

With newfound determination, Maxie closed his eyes and thought about all the kind and wise things that his grandparents, parents and Santa Claus had taught him.

When he opened his eyes, the wind had died down, and the star shone so brightly that it illuminated the whole city.

— Wow! Maxie exclaimed.

— You did it! The magic star of respect shines through your faith! Santa Claus said, proud of the boy.

But the story doesn't end there. When the clock struck midnight and there were shouts of "Happy New Year!", our little hero was waiting for another turn.

The Magic Star of Respect escaped from Maxie's hands and floated towards the sky.

— No, please don't leave! Maxie exclaimed, reaching for the star. But she continued to climb higher and higher until she joined the other stars.

— Why did she leave? Maxie asked, and a tear rolled down his cheek.

— The star will always be there, looking out for you. She may have returned to heaven, but her lesson will remain in your heart. Respect for elders is a gift that is passed on to others, and now you carry the light of this star inside you.

Santa Claus comforted him by hugging him. When the dawn of the first day of the new year came, Maxie woke up and found that the city was still shining with the light of the Magic Star. He realized that every act of respect and kindness preserves the light of the star. Maxie spent his days honoring the elders, listening to their stories and thanking them for their wisdom. From every kind word and respectful act, he felt the increasing warmth of the Magic Star of Respect in his heart. Starting on New Year's Eve, whenever a child in the city learned about the importance of respect for elders, a new star appeared in the sky, reminding everyone that the light of respect never fades. And little Maxie danced and played with joy, forever remembering the lesson that Santa Claus shared, knowing that respect is the most valuable gift of all. And they all lived happily ever after.

The Enchanted Hours of Truth

On New Year's Eve, in an ancient snow-covered town, Denis sat by a warm fireplace, his kitten Kitya purred blissfully on his lap. While the families were celebrating outside, Denis was alone, his guardians were having fun at a big city ball. However, he was not upset. Denis had a secret — he was planning a little adventure. "Kitty," he whispered to the kitten, "tonight we will find out the truth about the Enchanted Clock." Legend had it that a mysterious clock hidden in the city could reveal any truth to anyone who found it at midnight on New Year's Eve. Denis had always craved adventure, and the opportunity to uncover the truth was too tempting to resist. With Kitty on his shoulder, Denis went to the snow-covered streets. A clock tower loomed in the distance. His heart was pounding with excitement and slight fear.

— Are you ready, Kitty? — he asked. The kitten meowed, as if realizing the seriousness of its search. Suddenly, a figure appeared from the shadows.

"Why aren't you at the ball, young man?" — It was the city elder, he fixed Denis with his sharp gaze.

— I… I'm just going for a walk," Denis stammered. The lie bitterly settled on his tongue. The elder's gaze softened.

— Remember, the truth is always better than a lie, even if it scares you.