The Night Before Christmas Guide
Just as Santa turned to leave, he paused. He looked directly at the spot where Leo was hiding and winked. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a small, shimmering peppermint toward the stairs. Leo caught it—it was still cold, as if it were made of North Pole snow.
Leo held his breath, peeking through the banister. A stout man in a suit the color of a winter sunset stepped out, effortlessly stepping over the string without triggering the bell. Santa didn't look like a cartoon; he looked like a weary but joyful traveler. He moved with a strange, silent grace, placing a few hand-carved wooden toys under the tree. The Night Before Christmas
As the clock struck midnight, a soft thud echoed from the roof. Leo froze under his covers. Then, a rhythmic clink-clink-clink of boots began descending the chimney. Just as Santa turned to leave, he paused