12/21/2025
Journal entry for the fourth week of December 2025 – A Dragon’s Christmas, Part Four
To say what happened next was Chaos, would be an understatement. It was pure, unadulterated Turmoil! The Lady in question, reared up so quickly that she knocked over the plates of cookies, she sent the mugs of hot chocolate flying and the table tumbled over with a crash!
As for Brandi, she was off like a shot! She could barely be seen as she bounced off every wall, the ceiling, as well as the floor in a few spots. She sprang at every window, only to find them all closed. People were screaming, children were yelling, “Look” they cried. “It’s a Bat! No, it’s a Monster! No it’s a Dragon!”
Brandi then flew into the other cars, where the entire scene was repeated in each. The Train Staff were doing their best to restore order, however it was not until Brandi entered the car with Santa did things take a turn for the better. It was at this time when Brandi flew smack dab into Santa’s shocked and surprised face! He heard the yells and commotion, then he heard the word, Dragon. “Ahh” Santa said to himself, “I know a thing or two about Dragons!” He then gently withdrew Brandi from his beard and slipped to the doorway, which he opened. “Now, off with you little girl! Or you will surely be on the Naughty List after tonight!” He watched her fly off into the darkness, then chuckling to himself, he returned to his seat.
After the Train returned to the Station, all was well in hand again. The entire incident was written off as too much Christmas Cheer being consumed. As the last Passenger stepped down for the railcar, the Conductor and Santa were in deep discussion. You see, both were friends of the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA. It was at this time that they made a telephone call.
Shortly thereafter, Professor Wild Ridge, Dani Dakota and I arrived at the Santa Train on our World Famous Tricycles. Valka also joined us, as she had an idea of who was behind all the excitement. Everyone looked over where things had occurred and Santa gave a description of the Dragon that had made such an impression on him. “That would be Brandi, for certain.” said Valka. “And I think I know where she can be found.” At this point they all departed, following Valka.
Valka led the group to the Bandstand at Gypsy Hill Park. Surrounding the Bandstand were thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations. On the Stand itself was a brightly decorated Christmas Tree. Walking up to the tree, they could hear soft sobs. Valka called gently, “Brandi, come out.” “No!” was the reply. “Now come out here young lady.” said Santa. Well, one cannot just tell Santa no, now can one?
Brandi crept out to the end of a branch, she was quite beside herself, sitting there with tears in her eyes. “What do you have to say for yourself?” asked Santa. Brandi took a deep breath and it all came out at once. “I just wanted to see the Christmas fun and eat a cookie and drink some hot chocolate and all I did was ruin everything!” Santa and the others had to turn aside to hide the smiles on their faces.
I spoke up at this point, “Dani, why don’t you and Valka talk to Brandi for a minute? The rest of us have some things to discuss.” So the group formed a small circle and they considered the matter very quietly and very seriously. “All right,” the Conductor said, “it’s settled.” Turning back to Brandi, Santa said, “Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. You be there at the train at sunset!”
The next night, the Passengers were stepping up into the Festive Railcars. As before, there was much excitement and laughter. Once everyone was seated and the Train began to move, Santa stood up to make his announcements. However, tonight was different, for perched upon his shoulder was a bright eyed little Black Dragon. “And lastly, Ladies and Gentlemen,” Santa said. “This is Brandi, the Christmas Dragon and she will be handing out gifts for each and everyone of you!” “Off you go young lady” he whispered.
Brandi then flew from one table to the next handing out brightly wrapped chocolates to the Guests. At one table there was a small family, the Mother pulled a gold wrapped chocolate from the little bag Brandi carried. “Ohh!” exclaimed Brandi, “You have been nice!” The Boy pulled out a gold chocolate as well. Brandi clapped her hands, “You have been nice too!” The Father pulled out a black round candy that looked like coal. “What’s this?” he exclaimed. “Oh, you have been naughty!” Brandi declared. “Don’t worry, that’s the good stuff!”
We at the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA wish all and singular a most Happy Christmas and a Joyful New Year!
