The Christmas Star of Pine Ridge

by

Thomas

Thomas

The Christmas Star of Pine Ridge

A story about Christmas

for your 4th Grader.

Cactus Cody standing at dawn, hands on hips, smiling at the horizon. In the background rolling plains stretch beneath a pink sunrise

Cactus Cody woke early one chilly December morning, his boots crunching against the frosted ground as he gazed at the plains of Pine Ridge. He felt a burst of excitement, for tonight was the annual Christmas celebration—a night he had been looking forward to for ages.

Cactus Cody petting his horse’s shoulder, adjusting bright ribbons. In the background towering pine trees sway in the breeze

The rugged landscape spread out before him, with tall pine trees swaying in the winter breeze. Cactus Cody had decorated his horse’s saddle with bright ribbons, planning to ride into town filled with holiday cheer.

A tall, glittering Christmas tree missing a star atop its highest branch. In the background rustic wooden buildings line a snowy main street

When Cactus Cody arrived in the center of Pine Ridge, he noticed a crowd gathering around the grand Christmas tree. Its branches sparkled with colorful ornaments, but the top of the tree looked bare and lonely without the shining star that usually crowned it.

Cactus Cody - who is black - is leaning close to the town’s Christmas tree, studying the empty treetop. In the background gentle snowflakes tumble from the gray sky

A weight settled in his chest as he realized the star was missing, and everyone seemed worried. “Where could it be?” Cactus Cody whispered, hoping no harm had come to the prized decoration. Even without the star, the crowd tried to stay joyful, but an uneasiness hung in the wintry air.

Cactus Cody talking earnestly with a concerned neighbor, both looking serious. In the background a few people gather near flickering lanterns

Excitement turned to concern when a friend from the celebration said, “I’m not sure who took it, but we need to get it back in time for Christmas.” A hush fell over the townspeople. Cactus Cody’s heart pounded as he offered, “I’ll saddle up and try to find it.”

Battered saddle loops and reins resting on a sturdy horse, glinting in the sunlight. In the background dusty plains meet the edge of a pine forest

That afternoon, Cactus Cody rode across the plains, scanning the horizon for any sign of the missing star. Wise folks often say that when something important is lost, it’s best to stay calm and think of who might have needed it most. He reminded himself of this tip, determined to remain patient.

Cactus Cody - who is black - is guiding his horse along a path, the sun low in the sky. In the background rugged rocks and sparse pine trees line a narrow trail

His search led him through winding trails and up rocky slopes. The sun dipped behind the tall pines, casting long shadows. Although it was chilly, Cactus Cody felt a flicker of warmth in his chest, remembering that Christmas was about kindness and giving from the heart.

Darkening fence posts with icy frost clinging to them, glowing with the last light of day. In the background a silhouette of tall pine trees against a twilight sky

Wind whistled through the trees as the evening sky turned cobalt blue. The crisp air stung Cactus Cody’s cheeks, but he pressed on, telling himself, “Sometimes you have to keep going, even when your path seems dark.”

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