One snowy day, a young Dragon named Yong, heard music and laughter coming from the castle as he passed by.  Yong always wanted to know about everything, so he crept up to peek over the high castle wall.

Marching around the castle keep were mummers dressed in red and yellow, jugglers juggling balls, acrabats doing tricks and musicians playing drums and horns.  At the end of the parade danced the beautiful Princess Noel.  Behind her came a crowd of royal guests shouting "Happy Christmas".

Yong watched until they trooped through the big door which led to the castle Hall.  When the door opened, he could smell roasts roasting and bread baking for a feast.

The Dragon family lived in a cozy dark cave full of old bones and big stones high on the mountain above the castle.

As soon as Yong got home, he said to his mother, "Mother, what is Christmas?"

"Christmas is something people do.  They have dancing and singing and presents and they eat a lot."

"Well, I like dancing and singing and eating a lot. Maybe I'll do Christmas, too."

"I don't think Christmas is for Dragons, dear."

"Mother, what is presents?"

"Presents is getting something you want - I think.  Now, run and play, dear.  Mother's busy."

Yong went to find his father.

"Father, if I promise to take her for walks and feed her and take care of her myself, could I have a Princess ?"

"You'll have to ask your mother."  Yong's father was busy shining his wings.

Yong wandered off.  He tried dancing a little dance, but he knocked down a tree.  He tried singing a little song, but he scared away the birds.

"Well, anyway," he said to himself, "Let's see about presents.

He hid in the woods near the castle and before long, the beautiful Princess Noel walked down the path.  On her arm was a basket full of holly to decorate the castle.

Yong jumped out in front of her.

"Good day, " he said, smiling politely.  A small cloud of steam floated up. "Please don't be scared.  I want to do Christmas like people do and you can be my presents because I have always wanted a Princess."

No, no, that's not the way it is," said the Princess, "My Father is the King and he doesn't let me go outside the woods."  The Princess was scared because Yong's teeth were very large, but she was also brave, as a Princess should be.

"I'm bigger than he is," said Yong, "And Happy Christmas."

The Princess yelled and struggled but Yong picked her up - quite gently for a Dragon - and flew with her home to the cave.

"Where did you get the Princess?" asked his mother.

"She followed me home...uh...sort of," said Yong.  "Can I keep her?  Look, she can dance and sing.  Show her," Princess!"

But Princess Noel folded her arms, stamped her little foot and put her nose in the air.  "NO!" she said.

"Well, you were dancing and singing down at the castle," Yong breathed some angry Dragon fire.  "I'm TRYING to do Christmas," he roared, "And you're no help at all."

Princess Noel saw large tears in Yong's eyes and felt sorry.  She patted his nose.

"If you will take me home," she said, "I will tell you the way Christmas really is."

"Urrgh," Yong growled, "If you won't sing or dance, I might just as well."

Princess Noel sat on  a rock.  Father and Mother Dragon came to listen.

"The feasts and games are to celebrate the birthday of the Child Jesus when God gave His Son to the World. We give presents to each other to remember the Wise Men who brought presents to the Baby Jesus.

After church on Christmas Eve we carry the big Yule log into the hall and light it from a piece of last year's log.

"Oh, " said Yong, "Is Christmas for Dragons?"

"Of course it is.  It's for everybody," said the Princess.

The royal family  rejoiced to see the Princess safe at home again.  Everyone pushed to help Yong squeeze through the door, but when they were all in the hall, the Princess tugged at the royal sleeve and whispered in the King's ear."

"Err - oh, yes,"said the King, "My daughter wishes to invite you to our Christmas Festival.  I hope you can stay."

Princess Noel gave Yong a warm long red scarf for her present to him, and taught him to dance quite well - for a Dragon.  For his present to everyone, Yong, who was very strong, carried in the big Yule log and helped light it with his Dragon fire.  There never had been such a lovely Yule log.

At the feast, Yong ate a whole roast, three loaves of bread and five Christmas pies but it was all right because there was plenty for everyone.  After the feast, the Mummers and the Jugglers gave a show and then Yong flew home.

Everyone waved good-by and shouted, "Happy Christmas. Come again next year!"

And he did.