Today’s short story is a relaxing holiday tale set on a sparkling Christmas Eve at Franklin Park Zoo. Families gather under the glowing tree to enjoy the lights, cocoa, carols, and gentle snowfall.

Reading Tips

Read slowly, at a relaxed pace. Pause for a breath after each sentence and at the end of paragraphs. Quiet moments help the listener picture the scene and enjoy the moment. Keep your voice warm and unhurried. Feel free to stop once or twice to smile and share a simple comment (“Those lights sound beautiful,” “I can almost taste the cocoa”).

The Story

Let’s begin.

It was a chilly Christmas Eve at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, and the grounds were transformed into a dazzling holiday scene. Twinkling lights lined every path, reflecting off the snow that had gently fallen overnight. Families bundled up in scarves and hats, moving from exhibit to exhibit with excitement. The zoo had pulled out all the stops for their “Zoo Lights” event, filling each corner with colorful displays and decorations.

The air was filled with holiday cheer as children’s laughter echoed, and festive music played softly over the speakers. The reindeer exhibit was especially popular. Kids pointed eagerly, some even whispering that one of the reindeer must be from Santa’s own team. The zookeepers, dressed in Santa hats, shared fun facts about the animals, making everyone laugh with their holiday-
themed jokes.

At the tiger enclosure, the big cats seemed content, lazily watching visitors while enjoying their holiday treats. The zookeepers had scattered festive toys and snacks throughout, and one of the tigers batted around a green and red ball as if it were a curious, oversized ornament.

Over at the gift shop, the smell of hot chocolate wafted through the doors. Families stopped by to warm up, sipping cocoa topped with marshmallows as they looked at souvenirs and festive animal plushies. As the evening went on, snow started falling lightly again, adding a new layer of magic to the zoo’s atmosphere.

Before they left, families gathered near the giant Christmas tree at the entrance of Franklin Park Zoo. The tree glowed with hundreds of lights, and a few visitors began to join the workers in singing carols. The zoo animals, tucked away for the night, seemed to settle quietly as if they, too, were enjoying the peaceful holiday scene.

Talking Points

• Have you ever visited a zoo? What do you remember about it?
• Which detail felt nicest to you: the twinkling lights, hot cocoa, carols, or the gentle snowfall?
• Which animal would you want to see first? Tigers, reindeer, or another favorite?

Music Moment

Song: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” — Perry Como. Take a moment to press play and enjoy this song—feel free to hum along or sing the words if it is familiar.

Picture Prompt

Take a look at this photo. Let’s talk about what you notice first.

• How do you think the snow feels under their feet? Cold and crunchy… or soft and fluffy?
• If you could name one of the penguins, what would you call it?

About the Book

This short story is taken from the book, 101 Christmas Short Stories for Seniors. All our books are large print and written in clear, gentle language. They are ideal for shared reading in a memory care setting or at home.