Was That Santa?

It was Christmas Eve. Mommy and Daddy were in high spirits. We children were bouncing around excited that Santa would arrive in a few hours. Friends and family dropped by for Christmas cheer, “What will you have to drink,” Daddy asked? Miss Bonnie replied “why your excellent egg nog of course.” Daddy handed her a cup with a wink, " I think this will put you in the Christmas spirit.” She sipped the creamy cool beverage and gasped, “that’s very nice thank you," The Christmas tree was beautiful full of sparkle and light. It held the place of honor in the living room. A roaring fire kept the room toasty warn. Garland  was draped across the windows and doorways. Red, green, and gold sparkled and danced in the eyes of the merrymakers. Goodwill enveloped the room as friends exchanged Christmas greetings. Feuds and petty jealousies disappeared as we passed the Christmas wine cup. We children watched the merry making with wonder as we awaited the bigger event Santa’s arrival!

We retired “LOL” were sent to our beds. Prayers said, tucked in and properly kissed goodnight I was now expected to fall asleep. The sounds from the front room were loud in my head. Laughter, clink of glasses, music it all reverberated around my room and kept me from slumber. I must have finally dozed off because I awoke to silence. I lay awake listening, what had happened to the merry making? I arose from my bed and crept down the hall. I stopped and listened, no sound came from the front room. I carefully pushed open the door. Moonlight lumaniaited the room. The tree stood proud and magnificent, lights and baubles sparkled in the moonlight. A low burning fire still graced the fireplace, Suddenly I saw movement, a flash of red behind the tree. I gasped and sank into the shadows. A red clad man: appeared he was placing packages under the tree on the sofa and everywhere.” It’s Santa Claus" I cried! but only in silence I was afraid to dispel the moment. I ran to my room and hid under my covers afraid Santa and his presents would disappear if he knew I saw him.

Christmas day donned. I awoke to the sound of singing, “Santa Claus is coming to town” Daddy was in the living room lighting a fire and turning on the Christmas lights. We children tumbled out of our beds and rushed down the hall. Mommy stood outside the living room door, “wait just a minute and we will all go into together.” An air of anticipation filled the hall, we squiggled and squirmed as we awaited our presents. After what seemed as a lifetime but was only minutes, we entered the room. We gasped and squealed with delight. Under the tree was a child’s paradise. Toys, games, dolls, and presents were everywhere. My much desired skates were under the tree. Roy had a red fire engine with ladder, bell, and siren. Kate had a doll that walked. Annice had a baby doll in a carriage. We girls had a whole kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and a little sink. Games, music boxes, and balls filled the room. Santa had been busy and generous. I sat on the sofa holding my bride doll dressed in   her new clothes as I watched my brother peddling his fire engine and my sisters playing with their kitchen. Santa had looked like someone I knew but I was afraid to ask or even think about it. Toys and Santa might disappear. I wanted to remain a child and enjoy the magic of Christmas and Santa for another year.

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