Hello, dearest daydreamer. Welcome to the Isle of Neverwas and the Lost and Found Exchange.

Today is a very special day on the Isle of Neverwas; it is the third day of Yule and the beginning of three days of community, celebration, and feasting. Let’s spend a few heartbeats together and share a story.

Welcome back to Castle Nod. We are so happy to see you. You have arrived at the foot of the hillside, the beginning of the long oak-lined driveway that winds through the ancient woodland up towards the Castle. The walk up to the Castle is an important tradition and is an opportunity to meet friends and family along the road, share a story or a song.

It is always a white Christmas on the Isle of Neverwas; fresh snowfall has covered the woods in a thick, glistening blanket of snow. Tree branches creak under the weight. During the day, the sky is pale blue, with wisps of white cloud scattered overhead. The sunshine reflects off the powdery snow, and the woods are a beautiful sight to behold. As the sun sets, and the moon rises, the pale blue sky gradually becomes inky, velvety darkness, sprinkled with glittering stars. The island folk are usually snuggled up at home on these cold nights. Their toes are toasty warm inside socks and slippers, snuggled under blankets, logs crackling in the fireplace.

Tonight is different, the third night of Yule, it is a time for togetherness, celebration, and magic. The islanders make their way out into the cold. Residents from across the island attend the Yule Feast, leaving the comfort of their cosy homes to make the long journey up the winding driveway. Perched at the top of the hill, Castle Nod shines like a beacon.

The mountain trolls come down from Serenity Falls to celebrate Christmas at Castle Nod. They have spent the day helping to clear a path to the Castle. Deep snow edges the path. It is so cold tonight that some of the trees even have icicles hanging from their branches. Lanterns are festooned between the trees, illuminating the road ahead. The soft, warm glow from the lights makes the snow and ice sparkle. Colourful patchwork tents are also dotted at intervals alongside the path. If you look over there, you’ll see some fairy folk juggling. I didn’t know that the Grumblewumph could juggle, especially not 5 flaming batons. He rarely leaves his hut, preferring the peace and quiet of the woods. This is a special treat.

There is an ebb and flow to the procession of islanders making their way to Castle Nod to begin the Yule celebrations. There is no hurry to get there. The Feast lasts for three days, and most visitors arriving tonight won’t be leaving until the Feast is over. Old friends and neighbours greet each other with waves, hugs, and handshakes. Lingering along the way to catch up on gossip, share a story, or swap a kindness. As they meander up the hill towards Castle Nod, they might step inside one of the tents for a warm or some refreshments. Inside each of the colourful tents, you will find a log burner in the centre, wood crackling and glowing. In one of the tents, you can grab yourself a glass of hot cider or some roasted chestnuts, in another, you can get your fortune read or hear a story.

There are wonders all along the roadside. Magicians, jugglers, and acrobats. As an extra special treat, you might spot an enchanted snowman. The fairies use their magic to bring snowmen to life. Fairies also use their magic to freeze bubbles. As you walk to the Castle, you will see frozen bubbles drifting overhead and gently floating off into the dark depths of the forest. When they drift against tree trunks, the bubbles burst with the twinkle of bells.

There is a buzz of anticipation in the air. The magical folk living on the island know that the community coming together for this celebration over Yule will amplify their magic and the magic of the island. There is a lot of festive cheer, and children run up ahead, excited to see the next wonder along the road to the Castle. Neighbours help each other to carry baskets, packages, and parcels.

You may have noticed that some of the islanders have woolen blankets wrapped around their shoulders, and some even have pillows tucked under their arms. The feast lasts for 3 days, and it’s not unusual for islanders to stay at the Castle throughout the 3 days of feasting.

As you reach the top of the driveway, you notice that the gardens are dressed with more fairy lights. The Castle windows are filled with light; it is warm and inviting. The massive, carved oak door stands open. The archway around the door is decorated with branches of evergreen, woven with holly and mistletoe. Friends and family enter the Castle, and they place gifts of food on a large, dark wooden table.

The midnight blue vaulted ceilings of the entrance hall are decorated with golden stars. The fairies use a little more of their magic to enchant the ceiling so that the painted stars twinkle. Sometimes you might catch a glimpse of a shooting star. A huge fir tree stands in the centre of the hallway, decorated with handmade decorations gifted by residents of the Isle of Neverwas. Parcels, packages, gifts for neighbours and friends are tucked safely under one of the many Christmas trees. The tree in the entry hallway is the grandest, but the prettiest tree is in the library. 

Go on ahead, dearest daydreamer, I’ll meet you inside. Grab yourself a drink and something to eat. Don’t forget to write your wish down and place it in the treasure chest next to the fire in the Great Hall. The wishes are collected and added to the fire with the Yule log. The magic of the wish combines with the magic of the Yule log, the curls of smoke dancing up the chimney and into the clear night sky. The magic of the wish is released, so hopefully it will come true in the year ahead. 

For my daydreamers, mischief-makers and restless souls welcome to the Ilse of Neverwas. You are home.

You can find the Isle of Neverwas podcast here