A short message for grown-ups.
Holiday travel with little ones can be an adventure.
Between airport waits and long car rides, it helps to have something calm and engaging ready to go.
Netflix Kids Games has games your kids can play without Wi-Fi, perfect for when you're in the air or on the road.
They feature characters like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and Barbie.
And they're educational, too.
Everything's fully unlocked with your Netflix membership, so there are no extra costs.
You can download shows and movies for offline watching, too.
Visit netflixfamily.com slash travel tips for more ways to make holiday travel easier on everyone.
That's netflixfamily.com slash travel tips.
Happy travels, friends.
Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories.
Bernice is shopping with Mama Bear. and trying to find the perfect gift for Papa Bear.
They wander around looking at lots of different options, but when they stop for a tasty treat, Bernice decides exactly what she can get for Papa Bear.
Bernice goes holiday shopping with Mama Bear.
Wow!
This is just about the yummiest hot chocolate I've ever had in my life.
It's so gooey and thick.
I don't even have enough words in my head to describe it, Bernice said, taking another long sip.
Except for Papa's, of course, because he puts a secret ingredient in it.
That's what he told me when I asked, but he said he won't tell anybody what it is.
Well, then it wouldn't be a secret ingredient, would it?
Mama Bear replied with a smile.
I bet you know what it is though, right Mama?
Bernice asked.
Her words muffled as her mouth tried to keep up with all the chocolatey goodness.
I think I have a good idea, Mama Bear said, stirring her coffee.
Your Papa and I like to come to this coffee shop sometimes, especially in winter when it's as cold as today.
They put a big chunk of chocolate in their hot cocoa, and when it melts, it's absolutely delicious.
Bernice paused for a sip of water.
It was so thick that they gave her a glass of water to help wash it down.
Why didn't you get one, Mama?
It's super yummy.
I think I need coffee more than hot chocolate to get through all the shopping we still have left this afternoon.
Mama Bear said with a laugh.
Have you decided what to get Papa Bear yet?
Yeah, I think I have, Bernice said, tapping her chin.
It's hard to decide with so many choices, though.
There are so many cool shops downtown.
I especially like the chocolate shop and the one with all the science experiments, but I don't think Papa would want those things so much.
Well, maybe the chocolate shop.
He does like treats.
She laughed before continuing.
Then there was that place with all the shaving stuff, ties and fancy things.
But I don't think Papa shaves much and I almost never see him wear ties anymore.
Mama Bear nodded.
Since he started working from home, he only gets dressed up for special occasions.
Like when you two go to a fancy restaurant or that party you went to last month, right?
Bernice asked.
Mama Bear laughed.
Yes, exactly.
Bernice's eyes opened wider, like they often do when she has an idea.
Oh, and when we were walking earlier I saw that special school bus parked by the fancy grocery store.
They were collecting food for people who don't have enough over the holidays and that made me feel kind of sad.
But it gave me an idea, too.
Bernice stirred the remaining whipped cream into her mug, watching it disappear in swirls among the chocolatey sweetness.
Papa always says giving is what makes the season special.
So I think this idea might make him really happy, she added quietly.
I remember seeing the bus, Mama Bear said gently.
That's the organization Papa helps.
He bakes cookies and cakes for them during the holidays so everyone can enjoy a little treat.
Yeah, Bernice said, hesitating for a moment.
So, I thought maybe I could spend my Christmas budget to help them too.
I think Papa would love that.
Helping others is kind of his thing, right?
And maybe I could still get him that funny cookie cutter shaped like an emoji we saw earlier.
And I can make him something too.
He loves my art.
Maybe one day my art will be priceless.
Do you think that's okay, Mama?
Mama Bear's face softened.
I think Papa will be very pleased with that gift, Little Bear.
It's thoughtful, kind, and very special.
After finishing their treats, Mama Bear and Bernice spent a couple hours browsing the shops.
Bernice helped Mama Bear pick out some presents, got Papa Bear the emoji-shaped cookie cutter and donated her Christmas budget to the food drive.
As they walked home, Mama Bear said, I'm so proud of you, sweet bear.
I think Papa will love his gift.
When they reached their house, Mama Bear added, I'm going to wrap a few presents in the study.
Can you keep Papa in the kitchen so he doesn't see what I'm up to?
Yes, Mama, Bernice whispered as if they were planning a top secret mission.
Papa, we're home from our big day, but you can't come out and see.
Some things are secret.
Bernice called out as she stepped inside her small house, making sure that the door closed quickly so all the warm air wouldn't escape.
Mama Bear laughed as she quickly took off her boots and hung up her jacket, disappearing down the hallway to the study.
I'll be back in a bit, Little Bear, she said over her shoulder.
Okay, Little Bear, you'll never guess where I'm hiding.
Papa Bear replied in his impossibly deep voice.
Bernice sniffed the air and grinned.
I think you're in the kitchen because I smell some super yummy smells, she said, struggling to untie her boots.
Ah, Why did I tie them so tight?
Sitting down to wrestle with the laces, she looked up to see Cookie dart around the corner meowing and wearing a red bow.
Cookie, you're all dressed up, Bernice giggled.
Is this your fancy outfit for the holidays?
You look pretty good.
Did Papa do this?
Because I didn't even think of it.
Cookie brushed against Bernice's leg, her tail swishing in a way that suggested she wasn't thrilled with her new accessory.
Are you cold, Cookie?
It feels super cold outside.
There was snow falling and the sidewalks were all slippery.
I felt like I was skating and playing hockey at the same time.
It was kind of fun.
Bernice paused, leaning closer to Cookie.
But you know what was super fun?
Mama and I went shopping and we stopped for a treat.
I got the best hot chocolate.
It was so thick and even had a piece of chocolate melting inside it.
Isn't that cool?
I know you might not think so since you can't have chocolate and stuff.
Cookie purred softly, her tail wrapping around her paws.
But I can't chat too long, Bernice whispered now, glancing toward the study.
Mama's wrapping presents, probably some for Papa, and it's my job to make sure he stays in the kitchen.
And you know me, I take my jobs very seriously.
Finally pulling off her boots, Bernice put them neatly away, hung up her coat and ran into the kitchen.
Hi, Papa.
The kitchen smells amazing and, even though my tummy isn't gurgling like usual, I could definitely use a snack.
Or, you know, if you need a taste tester for some new recipe, I'm available.
I'm an excellent taste tester.
Papa Bear laughed.
Well, why don't we have a treat?
I have some sugar cookies we can share.
Unless you've already had your full of treats today with Mama.
Well, Bernice hesitated, then grinned.
I did, but it's the holidays, right?
And holidays mean extra treats.
I guess that's true, Papa Bear said with a laugh.
Wash your hands, and I'll put some cookies and milk for you on the table.
Where's Mama?
Oh, um, she'll be here in a few minutes, Bernice replied quickly.
Papa Bear raised an eyebrow. a knowing smile spreading across his face.
When they were both sitting down, Papa Bear asked, So, how was your day?
Did you see lots of decorations, hear lots of music, and visit some shops?
It was really fun, Bernice said, dunking her cookie into her milk.
The snow was falling, so I got to slide around like I was skating.
And then... we stopped for a chocolatey hot treat.
It was so delicious, Papa, but not as good as yours, of course.
I'm glad you had some treats with Mama, Papa Bear said, smiling warmly.
Oh and Papa, I was talking to Bobby yesterday and he said they went to get a tree at a lot where they sell a bunch of them.
How come we don't do that?
Papa Bear thought for a moment.
Well, I don't know, little bear.
Sometimes we get into habits without thinking about why.
When I was a kid, my father would take us to a farm, cut down a tree, and carry it to the car.
It was a fun tradition, but your mama and I just never started that one.
I think what we have works fine for us.
Yeah, I like our decorations, Bernice said nibbling on her cookie.
Bobby used to have a tree like ours, but then he did this experiment and it broke.
He said he put a rocket booster on the bottom so he could be the first person to send a Christmas tree into outer space.
I'm not sure that's what really happened, but I do know they had to get a new tree.
Papa Bear chuckled.
That sounds like Bobby.
Yeah, and they were so late getting the new tree that all that was left was this tiny one.
Bobby says it looks like a lonely carrot.
But sometimes he exaggerates.
And I know he is happy he has a tree, Bernice giggled, imagining the scene.
You know I was thinking I'd paint a picture of a carrot for him.
Bernice said thoughtfully, because
It's kind of a joke now, how he doesn't like carrots and the reason why.
But I'll see what happens when I start painting.
Sometimes inspiration just strikes and then all of a sudden I'm painting a flower or something instead.
Inspiration can strike anytime and help you create something new and unexpected, Papa Bear said with a nod.
But I thought you were going to paint Bobby a robot.
Yeah, I did.
But I don't know, Bernice said shrugging.
He's all robots this and robots that.
It's all he talks about now.
Before, it was dinosaurs.
But ever since he built that robot that actually worked, it's like nothing else matters.
Except carrots.
I think it might be more fun to give him something different.
I think he'll appreciate whatever you give him.
Papa Bear said warmly, taking a sip of his tea.
As I'm sure all your friends will.
Yeah, we'll have to go and give them their presents soon, Papa Bernice said, getting excited about exchanging gifts.
Just then Mama Bear returned from her secret mission, walking into the kitchen with a mischievous grin and taking a bite of one of Papa Bear's cookies.
These are pretty yummy, aren't they, sweet bear? she said.
Yes, Mama, Bernice replied with a smile.
I only had three, though.
After all the treats we had today, I think three might be enough, Mama Bear said with a laugh.
We do love our treats, Papa Bear added with a chuckle.
Later that night after dinner, Bernice went upstairs to start her bedtime routine.
She had a soapy bath, brushed her teeth, tidied her room and even did some yoga stretches that Mama Bear had taught her.
After climbing into bed, she called out, It's that time, Papa.
Is it that time already, Little Bear?
Papa Bear replied as he walked into her room.
You're getting quick with your bedtime routine.
Did you do everything tonight?
I sure did, but I couldn't find Mama's smelly soap.
I think she's hiding it so no one else uses it, Bernice said, pretending to pout.
I'm pretty sure she wouldn't mind sharing her soap, Papa Bear said with a chuckle.
Maybe I should try it sometime.
You could, but I'm not sure if you should smell like flowers, Bernice teased.
Bobby says he has a bath soap that smells like robot oil.
He says it's silver and sparkly.
I don't think I would want to smell like robot oil, she added with a big yawn.
No, that doesn't sound like a clean smell to me.
Papa Bear said, letting out a great big yawn of his own.
You know what would be funny Papa Bernice said, her voice growing softer if I got Bobby some carrot cake-scented soap for a gift.
That would be so funny, though I think carrot cake might be the only treat he doesn't eat.
Papa Bear smiled as Bernice's words slowed, and she let out another yawn.
I think I need to close my eyes now, Papa.
Okay, are you comfy and warm?
Yes, Papa.
How about Twiggle, Wolfie, and Madeline?
Are they ready to go to sleep too?
I think they are.
And what about you, Cookie?
Papa Bear asked, glancing at the foot of the bed.
Cookie opened her mouth in a wide yawn, stretching out her paws.
I love you, Papa.
I love you too, Little Bear, Papa Bear said, tucking her in snugly before turning out the lights.
And that is the end of our story.
Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
