Simpsonville “Nights of Lights”
Holiday Story & Activities Book
Frederick Baus
Illustrations by Elizabeth Cole
United Writers Press
Asheville, N.C.
Copyright © 2024 Frederick Baus III
All rights reserved.
Published by United Writers Press Asheville, N.C. www.UWPNew.com
Illustrations by Elizabeth Cole Interior design and puzzles by the author and Vally Sharpe
Printed in the U.S.A.
For the people of Simpsonville, the young…and the young at heart
This is a fun-filled story about how one child and then other children and adults solved a serious problem of Santa’s visit during winter’s coldest times.
The spirit of Christmas speaks of new beginnings sharing, and bringing light and hope into the world.
Join in the spirit of the season as you read this story and participate in the activities designed just for you.
We are sure Ayla would agree!
We all know when the season of Winter comes ‘round, When the air is so cold and snow falls to the ground, People shiver and shake in the dark Winter night; Most stay in their homes where they snuggle up tight.
In the olden days, Simpsonville was such a town Where the cold kept good folks from just moving around. It was chilly and dim and few lights lit the sky And Santa’s red sleigh would go flying right by.
Although Santa would gladly make visits you see, It was hard to find out where the children might be. And because his swift reindeer had no time to waste, They would pass right by Simpsonville — flying in haste.
The children grew sad as the years passed along. There were no Winter parties — not one joyous song. All the children in blankets would stay in their rooms. Those “SEASONS of CHEER!” became “SEASONS of GLOOM!”
Then a few of the children decided at last — There were too many times when good Santa flew past. There was Ayla, and Aaron, and Mila, and Luke. They were friends with each other and Aaron’s dog, Duke.
Young Ayla herself was so friendly and bright, And bold Aaron was never afraid of the night. When keen Mila saw Santa fly up by the moon, She told Luke she thought Santa was coming back soon.
“Now, I have a question for you to consider:
“What would you do to make GLOOMINESS better?
“Would you hide under covers – avoid everyone?
“Or would you get up to see what could be done?”
The first one was Ayla who thought she would try To bring joy back to town with new light in the sky. Though only one child, on many cold nights, She went out from her house and lit one little light.
The field where she went was quite lonely and hilly. It was dark and the wind made her shaky and chilly, But she knew that Santa just needed a guide And that no one could help if they all stayed inside.
Nothing happened at first—for one light was so small It could hardly be noticed by Santa at all.
But, when Ayla saw Santa go flying on by, She was happy and eager for just one more try!
To young Ayla’s surprise on the very next night Aaron followed her out and brought Duke and more lights. They all stood with the starry black sky overhead. Not a bark could be heard. Not one word would be said.
When Ayla’s good friends heard what she tried to do, Each decided at once to bring their own lights too.
There were soon many lights above Simpsonville town, And their efforts were noticed by folks all around.
Many more joined the group ‘till the hill was ablaze With bright lights that left everyone thrilled and amazed! Happy neighbors brought popcorn and cookies to eat. It became a tradition with many good treats.
My dear friends, understand when the lights grew so bright, Good Old Santa’s fine sleigh found the town that dark night. All the children were thrilled with the presents they found When next morning showed Santa had just come around.
The main point of this story and all that occurred Is just one simple thought that most everyone’s heard. First light a candle…just one person will do. It is sure to be seen and will soon lead to two…
Then many lights follow and fill up the sky Because one single person first gave it a try. So now Simpsonville cheers and Santa delights In the grand celebration we call…“NIGHTS OF LIGHTS!”
Help Santa find Simpsonville on Christmas Eve by marking a path to the Christmas tree for him.
Answer on page 31.
Santa’s Reindeer
Complete the crossword puzzle with a reindeer name or fact.
Across
2. What is a reindeer’s foot called?
3. Who has a bow and arrows?
5. Who has a shiny nose?
6. What “jingles” on a reindeer’s harness?
8. What do reindeer have on their heads?
9. Who’s name means “foxy”?
10. Who runs fast?
Answers on page 31.
Down
1. Whose name means “thunder”?
3. Who races across the sky?
4. Which reindeer’s name means “lightning”?
7. Which reindeer shows off?
RIDDLES
Can you solve the following riddles? (Think hard and watch for tricky answers.)
1. What can go up the chimney down, but can’t go down the chimney up?
2. What word is spelled wrong in every dictionary?
3. Which is heavier: a ton of Christmas trees, or a ton of Christmas presents?
4. What kind of band never plays Christmas music?
5. Which month(s) of the year have 28 days?
6. What, at the North Pole, can jump higher than Santa’s workshop?
7. What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
8. What is the only place in the world where today comes before yesterday?
9. How can you make the number seven even?
10. What invention lets you look through walls?
Answers on page 31.
NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Word Search
U V N Q I S N O W Z N Y B S E
K C M Q D S N S E P I C Z M I
E T Z U O V F A T S F M O D N
Q K L C Y S A N T A O K L J D
G H K P O J T M G I B G C P E
Draw a picture of you and your family at Nights of Lights.
Math & Logic Riddles
1. When Susan was 8 years old, her sister was half her age. Now Susan is 14. How old is her sister?
2. Two fathers and two sons were fishing and caught three fish. That means each of them gets one fish. How is that possible?
3. Mr. Jones has 5 daughters and each daughter has a brother. How many children are there?
4. Pick a number. Double it. Multiply it by 4. Divide by 8 and you will have the number you started with. What number should you pick?
5. You are running in a race. Just before you finish you pass the person in second place. What place do you finish in?
6. You have a small shopping bag with six candles in it—nothing more. You have six friends. You give each friend a candle, yet there is still one candle in the shopping bag. How is that possible?
7. Where do river fish keep their money?
8. How many sides does a circle have?
9. There are four pieces of Christmas candy, and you take away three. How many do you have now?
10. How did the soccer fan know before the game that the score would be 0-0?
Answers on page 31.
Link the Words
Draw a line connecting each word in column A below to a word in column B that goes with it.
Draw a line connecting each word in column A below to a word in column B that means its OPPOSITE.
A B A B
Beach Helmet Back Find
Bird Claus Happy On
Candy Tent Bad Sick
Cow Pool Hard Out
Fishing Bus East Down
Football Pie In Easy
Happy Cane Fast Front
Pizza Hero Rough West
Pup Meal Win Lose
Santa Pole Off Good
School Ball Well Sad
Super House Up Smooth
Swimming Milk Lose Slow
Nights of Lights
at Heritage Park, Simpsonville, South Carolina*
“Nights of Lights” is a magical experience transforming the night sky of Simpsonville South Carolina into a canvas of twinkling lights, colors, and joy. Its mission is to nurture community spirit, facilitate the creation of cherished memories, and foster a sense of unity and togetherness. It is created out of a sense of love for Christmas and the inspirational beauty of holiday lights.
The venue features a walk-through light show with hundreds of thousands of twinkling, colorful lights, and activities and Christmas goodies to delight every taste.
The story in this book is fictional, but it attempts to capture the spirit and wonder of the season and the Nights of Lights experience.
* partially excerpted from the Nights of Lights website at www.lightsatheritagepark.com
ANSWER TO MAZE, pg 18
Answer Page
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE, pg 20
ANSWERS TO WORD SEARCH, pg 23
ANSWERS TO RIDDLES, pg 22
1. An umbrella
2. “Wrong”
3. Neither. They both weigh the same.
4. A rubber band
5. All of them
6. Anything that can jump (Santa’s workshop can’t jump at all)
7. “Short”
8. The dictionary
9. Take away the letter “s”
10. A window
ANSWERS TO MATH & LOGIC PUZZLES, pg 26
1. 10 years old
2. The first father’s son is also a father—to the second son.
3. There are 6 children. All of the daughters have the same brother.
4. Any number will work.
5. You finish in second place – not first.
6. You gave the sixth friend a candle, but it was just still in the shopping bag.
7. In the riverbank
8. A circle has two sides – the inside and the outside.
9. You have the three pieces you took away.
10. Before any game starts, the score is always 0-0.
ANSWERS TO “LINK THE WORDS,” pg 28
About the Author
Dr. Frederick (Fred) Baus had a 45-year career in the administration of non-profit associations serving higher education – including the presidency of the University Center of Greenville (S.C.)
He and his wife, Cathy, live in Simpsonville, S. C. They have one daughter who lives with her husband and two terrific grandsons in Oregon, MO.
Following his retirement in 2013, Fred began writing poetry for children. This is his tenth book. To learn more about his other books, to contact him, or to schedule a book signing or other appearance, visit his website at fredbaus.com.
About the Illustrator
Elizabeth Cole is a young, self-taught artist who has aspired to do book illustrations since she was a child. She especially likes drawing characters from comics and video games. Elizabeth writes, “I was born here in South Carolina and I love my three cats and dog.” All of that is evident from the energy she captures in her illustrations.
This is Elizabeth’s first book illustration project. Her work can be seen at https://elizabeth-cole-80sfansincedayone.webnode.page/.
About United Writers Press
Vally Sharpe is the owner of United Writers Press, a company that provides guidance and pre-press services for independent publishers, ranging from editorial services (fiction and nonfiction) to eBooks, interior print book layout, cover design, and management of the printing process from printer proof to delivery.
Since 2004, she has worked with over 750 individuals and firms in producing quality books in a wide variety of formats and genres, including the popular Mice on Main.
Visit the United Writers Press website at www.UWPnew.com for more information.
