Fairy Tales From Around the World

The Diamond Nutcracker

Once upon a time in a manor in the city, there lived a beautiful young woman named Sango Kimura. She lived with her parents and her two rambunctious little brothers, Kohaku and Hibiki. Every year, the family always held a big party at their home to celebrate Christmas Eve, Sango's favorite time of the year. It has always been her favorite holiday because every year she got to invite her closest friends and favorite relatives to the celebration.

And that time did come once again.

It was Christmas Eve and the three siblings were waiting patiently for their guests to arrive, mostly Sango. And soon enough, their patience was rewarded; folks all came pouring in. Uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, and even a close friend or two, were all splendidly dressed. Here they came for the happiest and most wonderful time of the year.

Once everyone had settled in and got themselves comfortable, they all gathered around in the gorgeous den which was wonderfully decorated with ornaments, knickknacks, trinkets, and garlands in various shades of red, green, and silver with a grand evergreen tree decorated just as fabulously while being surrounded by beautifully wrapped and perfectly placed presents and gifts as the centerpiece.

But before anyone could get their hands on a gift, it was time for games to begin first. Every woman and girl received a man or boy for a dance partner and they all danced around the room in perfect synchronization. The bright colors of the women's dresses bring more color to the den while the handsome smiles of the men brightened the morale. That was when something out of the ordinary happened.

A strange woman wearing a black cloak and top hat appeared and stopped beside a tree. Everyone silently gasped and huddled close together away from the cloaked woman, unaware of what was now happening. The woman removed her cloak and hat and Sango Kimura smiled enthusiastically. She immediately recognized the stranger as her beloved godmother Midoriko Ito. Magical things always happened when she came to the house.

"Aunt Midoriko! It's so wonderful to see you again!" Sango cried, embracing her godmother tightly.

"It's good to see you too, Sango," Madam Midoriko said with a beaming smile. "You're at least a head taller since the last time I saw you."

"I can't believe you came! For a minute, I thought you weren't going to come this year."

"And miss a chance to visit you and your family again? Pfft! Never! Something just came up and I had to take care of it, that's all. But I'm here now, so no harm done."

"Well, now that everyone is here for the party, let us continue with the festivities!" Sango's father, Takahiro, declared.

"Quite right, darling!" Sango's mother Emiko added. "Midoriko, would you please care to show us a bit of magic?"

"I'd be delighted to. Everybody, gather around," Madam Midoriko said, nodding her head and closing her eyes.

Soon, the den was illuminated with the natural light of the enchantress's beautiful magic. Without missing a beat, fireworks and sparks began flying out of the woman's hands, lighting up the room and the faces of the many excited guests. Her face was serene, her eyes focused on the lights above her head, making occasional glances at the brightly wrapped packages tucked in her saddle bags.

When her performance was over, everybody cheered and applauded like mad. The woman smiled warmly and looked back at her baggage.

"Don't worry. Everything will fall into place," she whispered, smiling to herself.

"That was wonderful, Aunt Midoriko! Sango Kimura cheered as she approached her godmother.

Madam Midoriko quickly covered her saddlebags with her cloak as her goddaughter came closer.