Once upon a time, there was a kingdom famed for the beauty of it snow-topped mountains, sparkling rivers and meadows full of flowers. However, one spring there was no rain and the land began to suffer. By the time summer came, it was dry and the flowers were withered, and there was no harvest.
The King was worried because his people would starve. He consulted the wise men of his kingdom. One man suggested a rain dance, but it did not bring the rains. Another thought of diverting a big river, but the river had run dry. People began to leave the kingdom and travel to places where they could find water.
The king’s youngest daughter Grace was very upset. It was Christmas Eve and there was no snow. She cried looking out at the dry and parched land. She prayed to the bright evening star for rains and snow. The star just twinkled.
Grace decided to follow the star that seemed to be calling her. She followed it till she came to a large dried-up forest. The trees had no leaves but there, in a clearing, lay a beautiful white unicorn tied with heavy ropes.
The kind princess ran to undo the ropes and soon set him free. As she stroked it, the unicorn opened its eyes. Suddenly, she felt something soft and cold falling on her hand. It was a snowflake! Soon it was snowing all around.
The unicorn shook itself and stood up, bowing to the princess, and said, “Thank you, kind princess! I am Snowfall. But I was captured by some wicked hunters, so I could not bring the snow or hold the seasons till I was set free.”
The unicorn offered to take the princess her palace. The princess rode back to the palace on the unicorn. And she saw the wonderful change that came as the unicorn passed through the land.
Trees broke into bloom again sending out shoots. Flowers came out of the dry land which was soon covered with lush grass. Gently the snow continued to fall and everything was turning white too. Little animals and birds could be seen returning to their usual tasks.
By the time Grace saw the palace, the land was covered with snow and it was a white Christmas! She invited the unicorn to stay in the large gardens of the palace where it would be safe from hunters.
The unicorn stayed and there was no more trouble with the seasons again, for the beautiful unicorn was free!
