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One December evening in a small Catalan village, Pau and Marta’s family were preparing for their favourite Christmas tradition: asking the Tió for its gifts. The Tió was a smiling log, snug beneath a blanket beside the fire. The children were bursting with excitement, but Mum stopped them for a moment.
“Before we sing, you must hear the story of this very special log,” she said with a mysterious smile.
The children sat down, and she began.
“Long, long ago, this Tió lived beneath an old oak in the woodland. It had never left its hiding place. Then, one Christmas, a brilliant star appeared in the sky. It was no ordinary star. It was the Christmas star, which could grant wishes to those who showed kindness and generosity.”
Pau and Marta listened, spellbound. Dad continued the story.
“The star saw the Tió beneath the tree and said, ‘You have a kind heart. I want you to help families share happiness and gifts at Christmas. I will give you a magical gift so you can bring joy to those who care for you.’”
“What did the Tió do?” asked Marta, wide-eyed.
“It agreed!” said Dad. “But the star had one condition: ‘You can only give magic if the children feed you lovingly and sing to you joyfully.’ And that was how the Tió began visiting people’s homes.”
Marta looked at the log more fondly than ever.
“So this Tió really has magic!”
“That is what the legend says,” Mum replied. “And there is more. If you sing with an open heart and make a sincere wish, the Christmas star may cross the sky again.”
The children stood up, took their little sticks and began to sing. Following the cheerful custom, they gently tapped the log while asking it for hazelnuts and nougat treats.
As they sang, a soft, warm light filled the room. Through the window, a bright star swept across the sky, leaving a golden trail. Pau and Marta closed their eyes and silently made a wish.
When they opened them, the Tió had left gifts beneath its blanket: crisp wafer rolls, nougat and little toys. Yet the best present of all was sharing the wonder of that night and the mystery of the Christmas star.
Ever since, whenever they celebrate with their Tió, the children search the sky, hoping to see that magical star again.
Questions to talk about together
Why does the star choose the Tió to share its magic?
How do Pau and Marta care for the log? How do you care for people you love?
What condition does the star set? Why do kindness and joy matter?
What makes the night special for the children besides the presents?
What can this story teach us about sharing, generosity and enjoying time with our families?
