More readers share their holiday stories (cont.)
'A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY'
By Margo Hollingsworth of Las Vegas
He was playing outside in the snow. He paused, looking around anxiously. His mother was not home yet. Tomorrow was Christmas, and he could hardly wait. They had a fun day planned.
He knew he was to stay close to home. His parents had warned him of the dangers lurking out there. But his growing anxiety made him think that, maybe, if he walked a little ways, he could meet her, and they could walk home together.
So off he went, determined to find his mother. It started to snow and it was getting colder. He looked around, nothing looked familiar. He was lost.
He started running, looking every which way for his mom.
Darkness approached. The beauty of the snowfall and the unusual silence surrounding him was more frightening than awe inspiring.
He called to her, over and over. Finally, exhausted, he lay down in the snow. If he could just rest for a bit, then he could continue his search.
But the cold was getting a grip on him, enveloping him with its icy hands, and he drifted off to sleep.
Then, a miracle occurred.
His father had heard his cries and found him.
He was a handsome buck. His coat was dark, thick and shiny, and he stood tall, looking majestic and wise.
His antlers added a beautiful touch to his very large size.
He looked down at his son and knew right away that this baby could no longer travel in the snow.
So he very carefully laid down and curled his massive body around the fawn.
The fawn, feeling the sudden warmth, wiggled as close as he could get and let out a contented sigh.
The next morning, rested and warmed, the fawn was ready to travel. They found the wandering mom, and all went home to celebrate Christmas.
'THE RIGHT CHRISTMAS GIFT'
By Megan Murphy
The snow crunched beneath Martin's boots as he walked briskly through the park.
He was unaware of the cold, but kept his fists clenched at his sides. In his hand was the silver locket.
He had envisioned a perfect evening. Just Vanessa and him, cuddling by the fire. That was before the locket went from being the perfect "just serious enough, but not quite a ring" gift and turned into "this is too much and I cannot accept this. I think we are moving too fast."
Martin felt foolish. He considered himself great boyfriend material, but apparently Vanessa did not feel the same.
Martin stopped, suddenly aware of a figure sitting on a bench. Upon closer inspection he was surprised to see that the figure was a petite older lady.
"You going to stare at me or join me on this bench?" she asked in a voice that was surprisingly strong and clear. Martin slid onto the bench beside her.
"Now, why would you be here alone on such a cold night?" he asked.
"I suppose I could ask you the same thing," the lady answered. And then said, "The love of my life brought me here the night before he left to fight in the war. He made me promise that no matter what, we would come back here every Christmas. He never came home from the war, but I have come here every year since I made that promise."
She now fixed her eyes on Martin and extended her hand. "I'm Elizabeth. And you?"
"Martin," Martin replied.
He went to shake hands and the locket came tumbling out. Sheepishly he bent down to retrieve it, but when he sat up again he met Elizabeth's eyes. He was surprised to notice they looked saddened. He followed her gaze and it traveled to the locket in his hand.
"The night we came here, Anthony gave me a locket very similar to that one. Over the years the clasp loosened and I lost it, but something about seeing that one reminded me ..." Her voice trailed off then she looked back at Martin with curiosity. "Is that for your girl?"
"It was supposed to be," Martin said. "Apparently she thought it was ... inappropriate."
"Then it sounds like she's not the right girl for you. It's nothing you did, but maybe God has another special someone in mind for you," Elizabeth said with a great amount of conviction.
Martin realized that he had known that all along. In that instant, he had an idea.
"You know, it will be a pain to return a gift like this. I'd be honored if you'd take it off my hands. It seems to bring up much happier memories for you than it ever will for me."
He held the locket out to Elizabeth until she opened her palm and let him place the locket in her hand.
In that instant he knew that maybe Vanessa was not the woman he was supposed to spend Christmas with after all.
'THE BIGGEST STAR'
By John L. Sarna
Come to me my dearest children
Listen as I weave this tale
Of a wintry night ... a starry sky
And a dark Judean vale.
The eastern wind was brisk and chilly
As the shepherd boy lone and cold
Scurried near the lofty mountain
Searching for his missing fold.
His tears flowed down his reddened cheeks.
Wild terror swept his heart.
For a while ago he fell fast asleep
In his olden hay-filled cart.
Then as he woke he suddenly knew
His father's sheep were nowhere near.
And though there were but just a few
His body shook with grief ... then fear.
For there was little they possessed
This land they loved was tough and bitter.
The rains each year fell less and less
And soon it came ... the harsh cold winter.
The shepherd boy now growing weary
Cried out a long and painful wail
And prayed "My Lord ... my God
Find my sheep ... don't let me fail."
And as he came around the mountain
His heart leapt in great delight
For the biggest star he had ever seen
Shone in the heaven dazzling bright.
This star had formed a pathway
With its splendorous stream of light.
It hovered o'er the sleeping village
And brought daylight to the night.
His breath now came fast and heavy
As he gathered all his might
Heart pounding he ran quickly
Toward the celestial glowing light.
Where suddenly the lustrous heavens
The brightened earth ... the sky did meet
The shepherd boy beheld a humble manger
An unworldly scene ... divine and sweet.
There he saw the beaming mother
And a newborn babe asleep he lay
As the biggest star the boy had ever seen
Streamed on his crib of hay.
And in that holy stable
He suddenly saw his father's sheep.
The lambs he'd thought forever lost
Near the baby lay fast asleep.
There were other shepherds too
And wise men from lands afar
All in reverent exultation
Led to Bethlehem by this radiant star.
The shepherd boy knelt and praised the Lord
As he heard choirs of angels sing
Announcing to the world on this night
THIS IS YOUR NEWBORN KING!
'CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY LAKE'
By Kay F. Hawkins of Henderson
Chipper was a very small grey squirrel who lived in the pine forest next to the town of Holly Lake.
Chipper was getting older now. The tall trees were becoming very difficult for him to climb. And although he loved all of the big trees, his special friend was Drew, who was one of the youngest and tiniest pines in the great grove.
Drew, even at his young age, had many needles on his branches. Being a youth, his branches would still bend without breaking.
Drew always welcomed his little squirrel friend on his boughs. And when the first winter snows came, Drew wrapped his arms around the little grey squirrel. The warmth of the squirrel's body felt good to the tree's tender branches, and the boughs kept the snow from covering the little squirrel, who could no longer climb up to the hollow in the big tree that he used to call home.
Chipper was very grateful that he was safe from the cold ground.
Then one day when the snow was coming down very fast, the two heard some strange sounds. The older, wiser trees told the two that the sounds were men and trucks. They warned that men cut down trees with axes and took them out of the forest in the machines called trucks.
Drew and Chipper shivered from fear and cold. What would happen to them both if these men cut down Drew?
The strange sounds of the creatures came closer and closer to Drew. Suddenly they stopped right next to Drew. The men began to move away the snow beneath Drew. Then they dug right around and under Drew's roots.
One of the men pulled the little pine out of the ground. Chipper held on for dear life and hid in the thickest part of Drew's branches. Two of the men hoisted the tree onto their shoulders, marched through the snow, and put the tree and hidden squirrel on the back of the truck.
The two friends were bounced up and down in the truck until the truck pulled into a driveway in Holly Lake. To the surprise of both Drew and Chipper, out of the house ran a tiny sized man. He saw Chipper, who had been peeking out from the branches, and yelled, "Dad, look, there's a tiny little squirrel in the tree! Can we keep him, too?"
"I guess we can, Son," said the father, "since this will be our tree to enjoy for every Christmas."
The man and boy planted Drew carefully in their front yard while the boy held Chipper carefully in his warm hands.
Each year at Christmastime the man and his son put strings of popcorn around Drew for the birds to enjoy. Chipper loved to hear the birds singing with joy. But best of all, he liked the lights of all colors that the family put around Drew's branches and the bright and shining star atop his tallest branch.
Each winter, Chipper and Drew looked forward to Christmas, not only for themselves, but also for the smiles on the faces of the boy and his father. For all of them was the most beautiful time of the year.
'THE CHRISTMAS CHIP'
By Carolyn Schneider
Nowadays they call him "Lucky," but his real name was Nick.
He really didn't care much about having friends, because when you live on the street, people come and go. Mostly go.
The weather in Las Vegas treats a homeless fellow pretty well, but when winter comes, even the palm trees look pitiful.
So here it was December and Nick was heading for the shelter, the one downtown, past Fremont Street.
"Gotta be there by suppertime," he thought to himself, walking a little faster. Food was plentiful this time of year and he knew he could count on a turkey dinner or at least meatloaf at the shelter.
Folks seem to be generous during the holiday months and it was common knowledge on the street that some hefty donations were given to the shelter this year.
It was turning quite chilly now that the sun was going down and Nick could see his breath when he coughed. He had one peppermint candy left in his pocket and he reached for it, thinking that by putting it in his mouth now, the mint would soothe his throat. As he tried to open the cellophane wrapper, the candy fell to the ground.
"Darn," he said, "my last one."
Figuring to brush off the grimy dirt and use it anyway, he knelt down to pick it up. But the red and white peppermint had landed on a disk of some kind, it too was red and white, but had numbers on it.
Nick put the candy in his mouth and examined the disk in his hand. His eyes were watering from the cold but he could clearly see the number five in the center of it.
Wiping the moisture from his eyes, he began to count the zeros after the first number, there were three.
"Oh my gosh!" he said out loud. "Five thousand! Five thousand!"
Nick had been hanging around in the back streets of Vegas long enough to know a casino gaming chip when he saw one, but he had never even held a chip in his hand before. He wondered about the previous owner, some high roller no doubt, but what game was he playing? Poker? Roulette? Maybe baccarat, but where? The name of the casino had been worn off due to many years of use.
Finding the chip had stopped Nick dead in his tracks and he probably would be too late for dinner at the shelter now. But that didn't matter, the cash value of the chip meant there would be plenty of dinners for him in the future. It was like hitting Megabucks.
He decided to take his newfound treasure to the nearest casino and cash it in. His first stop was at a place with an Irish name, but the four-leaf clovers there were not very hospitable. The man at the door was nice enough, however he told Nick that he didn't appear to be a man on casino business and to please be on his way.
Half a block down the same street was a fancy looking casino entrance and Nick guessed that this place would surely have enough money to redeem his token. This time a security guard greeted him as he entered.
He showed the guard his chip, thinking that it would prove his case that he really did need to come in and go to the main cashier. The guard put on his glasses and examined the chip on both sides.
"I'm sorry, pal," he said, "but this chip is old and they don't use this kind anymore. I don't think it's any good."
Dejected, Nick still felt lucky to have found this symbol of wealth; it was the first time in his life that he had visions of a bright future.
He turned at the next corner, winding his way to the shelter. He would arrive too late for dinner, but what the heck, he'd missed meals before.
Once inside the shelter, Nick showed his precious chip to Fred, the manager. Years ago, Fred worked for a big casino on the Strip as a blackjack dealer and he recognized the faded colors on the chip.
"Let me have a good look at that," he said. "I think this may be worth some real money."
"You can have it," Nick replied. "I bet it's worthless."
"I'll make some calls in the morning, five will get you 10 that somebody will want it. It's a collector's item."
Nick had a blank look on his face. "What's that?" he asked.
"People like to save old stuff," answered Fred.
The next day the two men went to a small shop near the Golden Nugget. "We Buy Coins" said the sign in the window.
The crusty old guy behind the counter greeted Fred by name. Then a lot of conversation went on back and forth. Nick didn't quite get it all, but when it was over Fred said the man would pay $1,000 for the chip.
"That's wonderful," said Nick, "good for you Fred, you're a smart guy."
"If you agree on the price, take the money, Nick."
"Oh, no, I want you to have it."
"But the chip is yours, not mine," Fred insisted.
"Please take it, use it for the shelter. Think of it as a Christmas present."
Fred was stunned. He gave his pal a hug, "You're a saint," he said.
"Yeah, that's me, Saint Nick," said the poor man's Santa Claus.
'THE CHRISTMAS MOUSE'
By Joyce Hardaker Patrick
Up in the attic, far out by the eaves, Mother mouse had made her nest of leaves.
The center soft with wool and hair, her young were warmly nestled there.
The days were long, the attic chill. Mother cautioned her young to be still.
Then one day a blinding glare as the door opened above the stair.
The mice snuggled deeply in their nest, frightened of this intruding guest.
The man swung his flashlight to and fro searching, searching, "Oh please go!"
"Ah ha," he laughed with happy glee, "Look it's here, I found the tree!"
The man crept forward bending low. "Where's the rest I want to know."
Again he shouted triumphantly, "I found them all, come take them from me."
Thunderously the boxes moved out. The mice heard the children shout.
"Daddy, Daddy the Christmas tree. Won't you hand it down to me."
"Here let me take the balls and rings, Sister take the lights and strings."
Once again the attic was still. The mice peeked out and felt the chill.
All the little mice huddled back, except for curious little Jack.
Quickly he crept across the floor, over to the spot by the attic door.
A faint shaft of light glowed at his feet, he huddled low and felt some heat.
Back in the nest he told his brother. Together they turned and asked their mother.
"Mother, Mother what's down there, it's warm and light at the top of the stair."
Mother's ears lay flat and very sad, as she told them all of their missing Dad.
Their Dad had scampered down one day and now he was gone far, far away.
The little ones listened with mournful eyes, but Jack shook his head so very wise.
"Dad's not here, you've told of a cat. But I'm not afraid just think of that."
The days went by with singing below. Jack was curious, he wanted to know.
One dark night he silently crept, down past the cat as it noisily slept.
The tree tinkled with little bells, the kitchen beckoned with wonderful smells.
Jack found crumbs and ate his fill, then filled his cheeks and crept back still.
The family cheered at the sight of him, crumbs for all even for Slim.
The next night Jack visited the tree, and would you believe all he did see.
Cookies, and candy and popcorn strings, bells of sugar and angel wings.
The cat was fat and soundly slept, each night when Jack so silently crept.
Up the tree and all around, swiping all the goodies that he found.
Then one night it was Christmas Eve, Santa's treats Jack could not leave.
His belly was full, his cheeks were too, when he heard a voice, "I'm watching you!"
Jack stopped in his tracks and turned his head. All that he saw was red, red, red.
Santa was standing over young Jack. He laughed and said, "You like my snack?"
"Christmas is sharing and giving it's true, of course I'm willing to share with you!
"Take more my friend, clear the plate. I must hurry now or I'll be late."
Jack watched as Santa placed toys by the tree. Then filled the stockings hurriedly.
The cat awoke and arched her back. She came toward Santa and little Jack.
Jack saw a sock and swiftly fled, deep down inside of the sock so red.
Santa patted the cat then turning around, he spied the sock that Jack had found.
"I say kitty cat, here's a sock for you. I've treats in my sack for kitties, too."
Jack felt some kibble bounce on his head. He turned in the sock so very red.
Try as Jack would he could not climb out. He dare not try to with the cat about.
The night was long for the little mouse, no scurrying or scampering in the house.
Morning arrived, the children ran to the tree. Presents to open and much to see.
Lastly they turned to their stockings with care, shouting with glee over treasures there.
The boy found the sock with kitty's treats and tossed it down in search of sweets.
Jack was quick and like a flash, he made a blindly lightning dash.
The boy was quicker and caught him so. Jack squeaked loudly, "Let me go!"
"It's Christmas dear," the boy's mother said. "I think that little fellow is ready for bed.
"If he is a pet, he'll stay by the tree. If he is not, you should set him free."
The boy held Jack gently, stroking his head. "You can sleep in my pocket for your bed."
Jack had a friend, a pet he would be. A Christmas mouse and so happy.
Days went by Jack shared his food. Taking it to the attic for the rest of the brood.
The cat was slow the mouse was quick. The mouse remembered good St. Nick.
And Christmas Day when he looked up above, and learned that Christmas means to love.
The Christmas mouse became a pet, and shares with his family in the attic yet.
'MY PRESENTS'
By Marcy Humm
Something very curious is going on in our house!
My parents brought a tree inside. They put it in our living room and made it all shiny and pretty with lights and stuff.
They are talking about buying gifts for the ones they love.
Our home is stirring with a special excitement. There is a lot of talk about the season of giving and being in the holiday spirit.
What am I going to do? I have to give presents to the ones I love!
I need to give my mom something for Christmas to let her know how much I love her and to thank her for all she does for me. She always feeds me good, healthy food, gives me my baths, brushes my hair, and takes me to the doctor when I am sick. She even takes me to the doctor sometimes when I am not sick, so I will stay that way. She never really gets mad at me when I make messes in the house.
Then there is my dad. He gives me all kinds of special treats to eat, even when my mom tells him not to. He takes me on adventures around our neighborhood. He even loves taking me for rides in his car. He lets me help him with the yardwork. He never gets mad when I borrow his tools and hide them where he can't find them.
What should I do about my brothers? They are both so special to me. They play with me all of the time. The older one sometimes gets a little frustrated with me, but I know he loves me.
My other brother is always so patient with me. He shares his food with me. He doesn't get angry when I jump on him when he is sleeping.
I think I will give them all MY favorite things! There is my big fluffy, orange orangutan, my teething toys, my tennis ball, and all of the pine cones I have collected in the backyard.
Even though I am just a little girl, and can't write, if I put all of this under the tree I told you about, with all of the other presents, I think they will know they are from me.
If I could, I would sign the card:
Merry Christmas with love from,
Dakota, The Puggle Puppy
'AUNT WINTER'
By John Jorgensen of Las Vegas
"Grandpa! Grandpa! Hurry! Come and see! There is a ton of snow falling!"
The night sky is glimmering with large snow flurries that have painted the garden's bushes white.
Grandpa laid his arm across Kent's shoulders. "It was about time Aunt Winter woke up. Maybe she's had some disagreements with Uncle Fall, but hopefully she doesn't bother Miss Spring, so we can have winter until Easter."
"Grandpa! I must find my new skis so I can zoom down the hills out in the field. Almost everyone got new skis for Christmas this year ... well, not everyone. Tim didn't get any skis."
"I'm sure he will figure something out," said Grandpa with a wink and a twinkle in his eye.
"Grandpa? Why do you call her Aunt Winter? Are we related to her?"
"We are related to her somehow. She gives some people cold feet, others a cold heart. Sometimes she's a bit sneaky, but she is a good aunt. I can tell you a story about when I was your age."
Kent laced up his snow boots, but he listened to Grandpa.
"It was a night around the new year, when Aunt Winter had decided to get her act together. Money was scarce, but my mom and dad had given me a flashlight on that Christmas and I felt as if I was the man.
"During that dark night, children frolicked in the new fallen snow, and I lay shining my spotlight onto the low lying floating snow clouds. The air was clean and clear, not as dirty and polluted as it is today, so I could easily see and catch the snowflakes that Aunt Winter was dumping down on us.
" 'What's that cheap piece of junk you have there?' asked Sven, an irritating loudmouth. 'Did your mom and dad buy that for you at the discount store?' He stuck his nose up in the air and showed off his new skis. 'You can look but you can't touch. These are expensive, the kind your parents can't afford.'
"Your Grandpa couldn't take much more of his taunting, but all of a sudden he was struck by a great idea. In my bedroom, Grandma had hung a pair of curtain rods in front of the window. They were flat and curved against the wall on one end. I pulled them down. I was going to show Loudmouth that you don't need your bottom full of gold to enjoy yourself in Aunt Winter's snow.
"I bore out two holes on the sides of the curtain rods, and ran a piece of twine through, and snuck outside. Down in the field sat Sven on a bench where he sobbed. His one ski was broken and his ankle was twisted. Did I feel sorry for him? I don't think I did, but when I had secured the curtain rods and I flew down the hillside, he disappeared without a word.
"My friends tried out my new found invention, and got red cheeks from the cold. I wondered what happened because one after the other they vanished. How many curtain rods went missing that night I'm not sure, but all I know is that we had an extraordinary fun time."
Kent laughed heartily at Grandpa's story. On his way out into the snow, he turned in the doorway and told his Grandpa, "Tim can borrow my skis, and if Aunt Winter lets more snow fall, then you can borrow them too.
And then he was gone.
Grandpa sat in his rocking chair with a cup of coffee. A large smile spread across his face as his eyes caught the room's curtain rods.
'THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER'
By Claudia Solis, age 6
One time Santa, with a "HO HO HO," said "Let's make this the best Christmas ever."
He told his elves with a big bound, "We're going to have the best Christmas ever."
Once the elves were done one of the reindeer said, "Santa, do you think we'll make it tonight?"
"Yes indeed!" he answered.
When Santa left the elves cheered and one of them said, "Let's put up the lights and play!"
So, they put the lights and the ornaments on the tree and put out rugs and candy canes. Then they played; they sang Christmas carols and danced around the tree.
In a few minutes Mrs. Claus came in and said "Happy Christmas" to all and then she joined the elves in the play.
Santa Claus came home with the sack done and Mrs. C and Mr. C hugged and everyone said "aaahhh" and they all had a Merry Christmas and all the children had a Merry Christmas and they lived happily ever after.
'NORTH POLE'
By Gil Stern of Las Vegas
All the lights are burning especially at this time of year -- and especially in the workshop. Bright and lively are the elves working at great speed to fashion toys and other items that appear on everybody's gift list.
Suddenly an elf stopped working and trotted up to Santa who was sitting on his throne going over his lists.
"I want to get away from here, Santa. Every year it's the same. We work and work and make some people happy and others not happy at all. I want to get into the real world and see that what we do counts for anything."
"Ho, ho, ho," Santa said as he always started his talks, "Ho, ho, ho, don't you know how we live in people's imagination. They dream up the toys and gizmos they like to give others and as they imagine those things, we hammer away until they go out and do what they can to bring the gifts to each other."
"You mean," the elf went on, "that we do all the things they dream about. If they want to give a video game or a doll or a toy house, that we work hard so they see it all in their imaginations?"
"Ho, ho, ho, now you've got it," Santa said.
"Does that mean that the reindeer only fly because people imagine they do?"
"Ho, ho, ho, yes, my little elf. I go up and down chimneys and leave the items under the trees that they always imagined they'd give each other."
"You mean, Santa, I can never leave this place?"
"Ho, ho, ho, if you did and if I did there'd be no joy, for who knows what other things would fill people's imaginations -- especially at this time of year. No, my little one, it is our duty to the world of imagination to stay here, to stay frozen in place for all time."
The elf smiled and went back to work knowing that what he was doing wasn't a fantasy but a creation of goodness and joy.
'TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO?'
By Blair Bauman, age 10
Dec. 11th was a snowy day. Everything was perfect, mostly because of the Christmas spirit.
The president of Macy's toy department was off to work. "Be safe, Michael!" cried his wife, Olivia. Michael kissed her, said goodbye to his three children, Aleah, Kyle and Carly, then jogged off.
"Love yah!" called Carly who was 3 years old.
Five minutes after Michael left, Olivia finished her coffee and the children completed their Christmas wish list. The caring children didn't ask for much. They were taught not to expect or ask for much, even from Santa Claus.
Kyle wanted roller skates, Carly wanted a dollhouse, and Aleah hoped for a tiny honey-brown hamster that she once saw on TV.
"Come down here, please!" called Olivia.
The three rushed down the wooden steps.
"Mr. Doyer needs me to come into the office today," complained Mom. "We have to postpone our baking today."
The kids were crushed but acted cheerful. Olivia checked her watch and sighed. Goodbyes were said then Olivia hurried off.
"Well, now what?" asked Kyle.
"Hi-eh-smeek!" Carly suggested, who really meant hide-and-seek.
"We can go to Grandma's cabin," said Aleah.
Carly and Kyle shouted "Yes!"
Aleah, the oldest, helped bundle up her siblings in sweaters, scarves, gloves and jackets. Kyle collected their wooden sled from the mudroom. In between Grandmother's house and the children's fancy apartment were hills covered with snow.
Finally they reached Grandmother's cozy cabin. Aleah carried the key to Grandma's cabin everywhere she went. Aleah unlocked the gingerbread looking door and they all crept inside.
On the kitchen table was a large pot with something steaming inside.
"Grandma!" shouted Kyle.
There was no answer.
"I suppose she wouldn't mind if we have a drink of whatever is in the pot," Aleah said.
They went to the pot, getting closer it looked like candy cane stew. Carly leaned in closer to smell the contents.
WOOOOOSH!!!!!!!!!!
The pot sucked Carly up! Aleah and Kyle screamed. Holding hands, they dove in the pot after Carly.
Everything went black. Then a snowy, red and green village appeared before their eyes.
Kyle picked Carly up as soon as he spotted her. The three looked around the village. At the top of the village was a colorful factory titled "Santa's Workshop"!
All of a sudden an elderly lady who had a white bun, a red dress and a white apron came out of the factory.
She said, "All elves please proceed to the testing house."
Little people with festive uniforms rushed to the largest building.
They couldn't believe their eyes; the lady was Grandma! The children sprinted to her.
As soon as Grandmother saw them she asked, "What are you doing here?"
"We could ask you the same thing!" snapped Aleah.
Grandmother sighed, "Come with me."
She took her time revealing the truth.
Grandma was Mrs. Claus! Santa Claus was their Grandfather! Mom and Dad knew too!
Fourteen days later the children woke up to presents and a new understanding of the Christmas spirit.
'JACOB'S CHRISTMAS CAROL'
By Blair Bauman, age 10
Jacob Stainor is a sad 9-year-old boy.
Jacob dreams of becoming a singer. But, this can only happen in his dreams, because Jacob is unable to speak. Since he was born, he has had a rare throat condition that leaves him silent.
Christmastime has always been a little difficult for him, he has always wanted to sing along with the Christmas carols he loves to listen to. Sometimes, he feels like the unluckiest boy in New Jersey.
Finally, after years of doctors' examinations and poking at him, a new procedure was discovered that could possibly give Jacob a voice. Dec. 23rd was his scheduled surgery date. Although he and his family were nervous, they were willing to risk it.
BRINNNNNG! BRRRRRRIIIINNNNG! BBBBRRRRRRRINNGG!! The telephone rang.
Mrs. Stainor jogged into the kitchen to answer it. She slid the mouthpiece away from her mouth.
"It's Daddy," Mrs. Stainor told Jacob.
Jacob ran to collect the white-board he uses to communicate. Jacob wrote, "How is Paris?"
His mom relayed the question over the phone to her husband.
"Daddy will be home for Christmas!" Jacob's mom exclaimed.
He sprinted to his room, and played his Christmas carol selection on his boom box in honor of his father's homecoming.
Mrs. Stainor woke Jacob up at 3:30 in the morning on Dec. 23rd for his throat surgery. He was not allowed to eat or drink anything before the procedure was finished. Jacob fell asleep on the way to the doctor's office, he was not used to getting up so early.
Jacob was given anesthesia to put him to sleep. He was both scared and excited. Jacob's mother was pacing in the waiting room when she looked out the window and spied the first Christmas snow.
Jacob found himself singing onstage before a smiling audience. He was wearing bright Christmas colors. Suddenly, a flash of light startled Jacob and woke him up from his sweet dream.
Dr. Hudson encouraged Jacob to try his new voice.
"M-Merry C-C-Christmas!" whispered Jacob in a raspy tone.
Mrs. Stainor came in just in time to hear son's first words. She broke out into tears and ran to hug Jacob.
Jacob spent this Christmas Day with both of his parents, plus, he joined the school choir and gets the solo part every year in the Christmas show.
'THE CASE OF THE SOUTH POLE ELF'
By Blair Bauman, age 10
Hello, my name is Twinkle.
Elf 4,923 in Santa Claus' workshop.
Saturday, Dec. 15 was very strange. A new elf was supposed to be arriving today. The elves and Santa decorated the North Pole just for him. Trust me, it wasn't worth it.
When we were all gathered outside of the workshop the new guy stormed in. He looked mad and didn't say a thing. He handed Santa his resume.
"Ahh, well, hello there, Attacus!" exclaimed Santa.
I noticed something when Attacus rolled his eyes. Attacus' elf ears were pointed down! That meant he was a South Pole elf! I quickly grabbed my best friend SugarPlum's arm and whispered my discovery in her ear.
SugarPlum gasped. Then she grabbed our other best friend Ellowin's arm and told the story to him.
Everyone began to sing "Santa Claus in Coming to Town" except for Attacus, SugarPlum, Ellowin and me.
My friends and I agreed on a plan. We hurried over to Santa Claus and gripped his hand. Then, we yanked and pulled him to the reindeer shelter to tell him the surprising news in private.
Comet kept nipping at our rear ends while we were trying to tell Santa about Attacus. At first, Santa didn't believe it, but then he peeked out of the tiny window and we came up with a new plan together.
The four of us walked outside, picked up Attacus and set him on the workshop's giant sling shot. Then Santa Claus flung him back to the dirty South Pole, where the "elves" try to sabotage Christmas.
After the elf incident there was no more trouble at the North Pole. Well, except for the fact that Cupid fell in love and ran away from the North Pole.
But, that's another story.
'A LAS VEGAS CHRISTMAS'
By Phil Nunez
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city,
Not a creature was gambling, not even the ethics committee.
The chips were stacked in their trays with care,
In hopes that Mr. Money Bags soon would be there.
The pit bosses were nestled all snug in their threads,
While visions of dollar signs danced in their heads.
And the dealer in her vest, and I in my suit,
Threw in my last hand before they gave me the boot.
When out on the casino floor arose such a sound,
I sprang from my seat to see something profound.
Away to the aisle I flew in a dash,
Not even caring that they won my cash.
The neon on the crest of the billboard sign
Gave way to the luster of a brilliant shine.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a big bellied singer, with sideburns and a sneer.
With a limo driver on the scene,
I knew in a moment, it must be the "King."
Smoother than Frank Sinatra, his verses they came,
And they whistled, and shouted, and called him by name:
"Elvis ... Elvis ... Elvis"
To the top of the stage he arose!
He belted away, just like his old shows!
As poker chips can disappear, away they fly,
The King leapt up, and flew into the sky.
So up to rooftop I looked and looked
But to my disappointment the King had booked.
And then in a Las Vegas minute, I heard a sound
Some type of singing about some ol' hound.
As I struggled my way through the fans,
Down the elevator shaft the King jumped with no hands.
He was dressed all in white, from his head to his toe,
Except for the charm that gave off that brilliant glow.
A bundle of CDs he carried in his bag,
I began to wonder, was this someone dressed in drag.
But his eyes were deep blue, and hair was jet black.
His cheeks had dimples, he was on his comeback!
Then in an instant I heard that sad sound,
Elvis has left the building!
Goodnight to all & to all a Merry "Blue" Christmas!
' 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY ... ACTUALLY'
By Mort Harris of Las Vegas
Kris Kringle is sitting reading the newspaper while his wife is upstairs getting dressed. There is a knock at the door. At the door is a pleasantly dressed man with a friendly smile.
Mel: Kris Kringle?
Kris: Yes
Mel: My name is Melvin.
Kris: OK, what's the pitch?
Mel: Actually ... I have been sent by heaven for a divine mission.
Mrs. K: Who is that Kris?
Kris: It's someone from heaven sent.
Mrs. K: Is that the Jehovah witnesses again?
Kris: It's not the Jehovah witnesses! You're not the Jehovah witnesses are you?
Mel: We have been looking for someone like you. Someone who is jolly, loves children and enjoys giving gifts on Christmas.
Kris: I'm sorry, I'm on a fixed income. I can't afford to donate anymore.
Mel: You don't understand, we want you to be Santa Claus on Christmas.
Mrs. K: Is he still here?
Kris: He wants me to be Santa Claus.
Mrs. K: I knew it, it's The Salvation Army.
Kris: It's not The Salvation Army ... is it?
Mel: Well ... actually ... all we ask is that you ride one night a year on Christmas Eve and bring toys to good little boys and girls.
Kris: Only to good little boys and girls?
Mel: Yes.
Kris: That should only take about 17 minutes or less.
Mel: You will bring joy to millions of kids.
Kris: I'd love to but you see my car is laid up right now.
Mel: We will supply the transportation.
Kris: That's very nice, but I'm on a crash diet. I'm trying to lose 200 pounds.
Mrs. K: Yes, he's as fat as a pig.
Mel: Well ... actually ... we don't care about that. We are going to provide you with a home of your own and travel all over the world.
Kris: Does that include frequent flier miles?
Mrs. K: What is he saying?
Kris: He said he will give us a house and world travel.
Mrs. K: Just what I thought, another time share. Kris don't sign anything.
Mel: As Santa Claus you will be famous all over the world. Everyone will love you especially the children and you will get tons of fan mail.
Kris: Where is the house going to be? My wife can't take the heat.
Mel: Well ... actually ... that's perfect, you'll be living at the North Pole.
Kris: Well she could take a little bit of heat. I was thinking Hawaii.
Mel: Actually ... think of it this way, you'll be living in a winter wonderland ... every day.
Kris: We will need to get a toy manufacturer to supply us. Won't we?
Mel: Well ... actually ... you will make the toys yourself.
Kris: You're kidding, I can't even hang a picture without cracking the wall.
Mel: Actually ... you will have your own shop with a crew of elves.
Kris: Elves?
Mel: We're an equal opportunity employer.
Kris: I suppose you will be providing a swift rocket for the deliveries.
Mel: Well not exactly a rocket.
Kris: Oh not actually ... then it must be a supersonic jet.
Mel: Well actually ... no.
Kris: It's got to be some ultra modern futuristic fantastic transport vehicle, right?
Mel: Actually ... no.
Kris: Then what is this remarkable machine?
Mel: It's no machine ... actually, it's a sled.
Kris: A sled? You're kidding?
Mel: It's not flexible flyer. But a nice one.
Kris: I know it must have a spectacular propulsion system.
Mel: Actually ... no ... better than that.
Kris: I'm happy to hear that.
Mel: It will be drawn by a team of reindeer.
Kris: That's better?
Mel: It'll work trust me.
Kris: The last one who said trust me sold me a 1,000 shares of Enron.
Mel: All you have to do is deliver toys to each house when everyone is asleep.
Kris: Then why are they asleep?
Mel: It's to be a surprise.
Kris: If they catch me in their house while they're asleep it will be a surprise.
Mel: It'll work ... trust me.
Kris: Actually ... I have a brother-in-law who is doing three to five for the same thing.
Mel: Trust me.
Kris: How will I get in? Will the key be under the mat?
Mel: Actually ... no ... you will go down the chimney.
Kris: That's cute. How will I get down the chimney? I can hardly fit through a doorway. And another thing ... how am I going to get on a roof?
Mel: Oh ... the reindeer will take care of that.
Kris: Oh I see ... the reindeer will fly onto the roof ... that makes a lot of sense.
Mel: Actually ... yes ... trust me.
Kris: And no alarm will go off? No dogs will bark? Nobody will call the police?
Mel: It will be completely quiet ... trust me.
Kris: Let me see if I got this straight. The reindeer will fly onto the roof. I will slide down the chimney and not get stuck and I will not land in any burning logs. I leave the toys and nobody wakes up? Somebody must be crazy.
Mel: Just trust me.
Kris: Just one more thing ... How the hell do I get back up the chimney?
Mel: Well ... actually ... we haven't figured that out yet ... but we're getting there!
Kris: Well work on it.
Mel: Be sure to have your AAA card with you in case you break down or get lost.
Kris: Right.
Mel: You are now an official member of the American Society of Sleders. A.S.S. for short.
Kris: That makes me proud.
Mel: If you have any problems with any of the reindeer call Mama.
Kris: Call my mother?
Mel: Not your mother stupid. Mama ... Maxes Academy of Medicine for Animals. MAMA for short.
Kris: Honey start packing. We're going on a trip.
Mrs. K: Should I pack my red bathing suit or the green one?
Kris: Well ... actually ... neither. Pack your long underwear ... trust me.
'THE CAMPERS' CHRISTMAS'
By Ray Bauer
Twas the night before Christmas
and all through our rig,
the decorations were up,
so it didn't look as big.
The stockings were hung,
as was a tree from the top,
so it wouldn't fall over,
as we came to a stop.
Our little Buttercup
was asleep in her bed.
Dreams of new campgrounds
danced in her head.
The Mrs. and I
were watching TV.
With so many channels
we had lots to see.
When all of a sudden
there arose such a clatter!
We jumped right up
to see what's the matter!
Running first to see
if the awning's still there,
I fell over the table
and a dinette chair.
Picking myself up
I made it to the door,
bumping my head,
which now was quite sore.
Flipping on the light
so it wasn't as dark,
I looked down the road
into the park.
And what to my wondering
eyes do I see?
Why it's a short, little motor home,
a custom Class C!
The driver, a little
round, jolly old elf,
seemed quite happy
and pleased with himself.
He had quickly backed
in a tight, little spot,
between the trailer next door
and our motor home's lot.
And nothing was damaged
or fell from his load,
when he whipped it around
the curve in the road.
The back end was loaded
clear up to the top,
and nothing shifted
when he came to a stop.
I knew in a flash,
this must be St. Nick!
Because only he
could pull off this trick!
From the look on his face,
as he jumped from the cab,
I knew he wouldn't stop,
or have time to gab.
Getting right down to work
with only one thought,
He gave out the gifts
and toys that he brought.
Then quick as he came,
he was gone in the night.
Gear jamming his rig
clean out of sight.
And as he left,
we heard a voice, low and mild.
That this was because
of the little Christ child.
'THE MERRY CHRISTMAS CAT'
By Faye Haas of Las Vegas
Murphy awoke from his nap, stretched and yawned.
He listened intently to the sounds of the house. As a rule, he could identify the daytime noises, but this day seemed different than usual.
People were talking and laughing, and there was the rustle of paper in the dining room. What was going on?
Murphy jumped from his warm bed and peeked around the corner. There were boxes of every size stacked on the table, and the boxes were being covered with paper and ribbon bows.
Murphy wished he could share in the fun, but decided it would be better if he headed for the kitchen and let someone know he was a hungry cat. Yes, Murphy was a cat.
He knew nothing about Christmas, but Murphy was about to discover the many traditions and excitement that has followed Christmas around the world.
He was amazed to see a large pine tree in one corner of the living room and liked hiding beneath the bottom branches until the wrapped boxes began to take all the hiding space. He found himself being pushed out of the way, and Murphy knew it was time to visit his favorite hideaway, where he could see -- but not be seen.
The house was bursting with colorful decorations to sniff and explore. Murphy liked the sounds of Christmas music and the good smells coming from the kitchen. There would be special treats for him, if he meowed loud enough!
One night, Murphy heard a new sound, someone moving around the house. He decided to explore and noticed a plate filled with cookies and a glass of milk waiting, just for him, in front of the fireplace.
"This is great!" thought Murphy, as he lapped the milk almost to the bottom of the glass. He took a taste of the crispy sugar cookies and licked the candy sprinkles from each one.
Murphy suddenly realized he was not alone; someone else was in the room.
"Who can it be?" thought Murphy. He had never seen anyone in the family wearing such a bright red suit, and he hoped the large bag this person carried wasn't holding a dog -- or another cat.
When the bag was opened and toys tumbled out, Murphy relaxed. The big red person looked at the remaining milk and cookies and said, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" as he shook his head, laughing, and disappeared from Murphy's sight.
The very next day, Murphy was awakened by shouts of excitement and joy. Everyone had gathered in front of the tree, and he could see the boxes had all been opened.
"Murphy! Where have you been? There's one package left ... and it has your name on it!"
A new toy was placed in front of his paws as Murphy smiled his mysterious cat smile. Murphy knew he was loved and that was the very best gift he could have received.
'THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ... VEGAS STYLE!'
By Roger H. Ouellette
Twas the night before Christmas,
And all through the valley
Nowhere was it silent,
Not even the alleys.
The homeless were gathered,
Huddled close to each other.
They'd become closely knit,
Like sisters and brothers.
They shared with each other,
Their meager food rations.
They even did share,
Some treasured possessions.
They all told their tales,
Of past times by the fire.
Some dreamed of a chance,
To be some store's Christmas hire.
I listened intently,
To each story they told.
I wished I could help,
Give them hope they could hold.
When down from the alley,
I heard some loud noise.
A procession of people,
Some carrying toys.
Some carried food,
There were blankets and heat.
Help had arrived for them,
A great Christmas treat.
People had heard about,
The poor and malnourished.
Their kindness and love,
Found a place it could flourish.
When all had been fed,
I then dried my tears.
My wish had been granted,
I had no more fears.
For the people of Vegas,
Gave of themselves in this season.
They remembered that it's he,
That Christ is the reason.
'THE YEAR CHRISTMAS WAS CANCELED'
By Tracy Hayashi
The elf who greeted our Polar Express train said, "I'm sorry you came all this way from Henderson, Nevada, but Christmas has been canceled by Santa this year."
"What do you mean that Christmas has been CANCELED!" declared my younger brother, David.
I looked at the sad elf and then around at the North Pole. There were no twinkling lights or music playing. Something was definitely wrong. In fact, you could not see much of anything, because it was overcast. You could barely see the stars or moon above.
"Why did Santa cancel Christmas?" I asked.
"Rudolph caught a cold two days ago. He feels better, but his nose is not very shiny or glowing. Santa just made the decision to abort the sleigh ride this foggy night, because the flying conditions are too dangerous."
I replied: "Please, take us to Santa and Rudolph. You cannot cancel Christmas!"
The elf lead us to the barn where Santa's reindeer were harnessed up and ready to go. A huge bag of toys packed the sleigh. Rudolph, whose nose was barely glowing, stood in front. This was not the Rudolph that children would sing about each year. How did the song go?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer)
Had a very shiny nose (like a light bulb).
And if you ever saw it (saw it)
You would even say it glows (like a flashlight).
That's it! A flashlight! I ran up to Santa and said, "What if we used a real flashlight in place of Rudolph's nose?" Santa thought a bit and said, "That just might work, but where are you going to get a flashlight bright enough?"
I answered, "Just take us to the shop where you make the gifts for dads. Dads always like to receive flashlights as presents, at least our dad does."
Soon, my brother and I were standing in front of a workbench of flashlights. "None of these are bright enough, and they are too heavy," said David. "Wait a minute, this is the one that Dad wanted. It has one LED (light emitting diode) bulb and runs off of only 2 AA batteries so it is super light."
"This is the one. Quick, grab as many as you can along with extra batteries, and let's go!"
We hooked up two flashlights onto Rudolph's harness and turned them on. Santa said, "I think this will work. All right, everybody, Christmas is a GO for tonight! Prepare the sleigh and turn on the lights and music!"
The North Pole roared back to life.
"Good thinking, kids. Now one of you can come along and replace the flashlights and batteries when they go out," said Santa.
David and I decided to flip a coin, and I won! I'll make sure David gets his present that he always wanted. As for me, I have already received my Christmas wish, because I get to ride on Santa's sleigh.
'THE LAST GIFT'
By Gina Tillman of Henderson
When the phone rang, Jill was in a good mood.
She was finished packing for her trip back to Indiana for Christmas and was excited to see the family she'd moved away from when she took a job in Phoenix. But when she heard her mother's voice on the other end, she stopped smiling.
Her grandma had died that morning after a long illness. Jill hung up the phone, opened her suitcase back up, and packed a dark suit.
With a three-hour flight to reflect, Jill thought about her final words to her grandma when she called last week. Members of the church had come to her sickbed in order to sing Christmas carols, so their conversation was short.
Jill had heard the happiness in her grandma's voice, so happy to see her fellow choir members and to hear the uplifting songs of the season. Still, the thought that Jill missed seeing her grandma by only hours made her sick, and she spent the flight crying silently, thinking about the Christmas gift she'd bought her grandma.
Jill had had a star named after her grandma this year, and the certificate was in her luggage, ready instead to be presented to her grandpa.
Jill awoke Christmas Eve in a cold hotel room, showered and dressed wordlessly, and left for the service.
It was Christmas Eve, and Jill was back in Indiana surrounded by her family, but instead of laughing in a warm house, they were crying outside in the cold of the cemetery. The ground was bare; no snow was expected to fall this Christmas.
Barren tree limbs and dark, frozen ground made this horrible moment somehow even more awful, and by the time Jill made it back to the hotel, she was exhausted and fell into bed.
Hours later, Jill awoke from her nap to spend the evening with her family, as they traditionally opened presents on Christmas Eve night.
Not sure what they were going to do this sad night, she gathered her bags of presents and headed outside. At the front door, Jill stopped. While she slept, it had snowed!
Without any snow in the forecast and a crystal clear sky, somehow a layer of at least 4 inches of snow covered the ground. It was beautiful, and as sad as Jill was, she appreciated the beauty of the fresh snowfall and smiled for the first time this trip.
At her parents' house, everyone talked about the unexpected snow. It was easier than talking about Grandma. When the time came to hand out presents, Jill gave the star registry certificate to her grandpa and explained what it was. Through her tears, she could see everyone was watching and crying.
Jill's grandpa said quietly, "So that's where this snow came from. It looks like Grandma gave us all a beautiful Christmas snowfall from up in the heavens. Her last gift to us."
Jill hugged her grandpa, knowing it was true, and whispered, "Thank you Grandma. Merry Christmas."
'THE MONEY BOX'
By Paulette ErkenBrack
I couldn't believe Dad was gone. He was 55. I sobbed seeing the house again and his favorite chair. As soon as I walked through the front door I'd smelled the faint fragrance of his Old Spice.
The icy day reminded me of that bitter-cold Christmas, years ago. The furnace was threatening to give out. My parents were worried about how they could replace it.
When Dad came home from work, his knuckles were chapped and bleeding from the cold. He as particularly cheery, despite the double shift he'd just worked.
Wearing a wide smile, he placed the peculiar-looking box on the kitchen table. We crowded around him to see his treasure. When he opened the lid of the box and we saw all the money, our curiosity exploded into a shrill excitement.
Mom gasped. "Where did you find this?"
"I was coming up Idylwood Road when I saw the bills strewn all over the snow. I jumped out of the car and started picking up the money. Every time I picked up one bill, I saw another, until both fists were full."
He set each bill out on the table. "There is $650."
"We can get that pony," my sister squealed.
"What about my bike?" my younger brother argued.
"Oh honey, we have to get a new furnace," Mom said.
Dad held up his hand. "Let me finish. I was as excited as all of you with Christmas coming and needing that furnace until I saw this."
Dad pulled the lid of the box all the way back and inside was a name, address and telephone number.
"It must belong to this fellow," Dad said, picking up the phone.
Mom's smile faded.
"It's tempting to keep the money, I admit," Dad said. "But as much as we could use the money, it wouldn't be right to keep it! It isn't ours."
"Think about the poor soul who lost this money," Mom said. "How do you think he's feeling right now?"
Disappointed frowns replaced our smiles as we each turned our focus to the person who'd lost the money.
I can still remember the young Navy man standing there in the middle of our kitchen holding his small white hat, tears ready to spill from his eyes.
He turned to us, and I'll never forget his words. "Thanks to your dad, my wife and I and our newborn baby will have Christmas too. I haven't even met my son yet. I've been out to sea for the past six months. Like a fool in a hurry, I left the box on top of my car while I loaded the back seat."
He shook my Dad's hand and turned to us as he left, "Your dad knows what Christmas is all about."
'CHRISTMAS IN CROATIA'
By Dana Zupanovich Lucka
Once, long ago in a small village in northern Croatia lived two little boys, Marko and Ivo. They were identical twins but no two boys could be more different.
Marko was big, strapping and a bit of a bully. Ivo was thin, short and the quieter of the two.
As their mother would pack them for school, she would give them both a small piece of fruit and a few nuts for treats since money and food was scarce.
Each day on the way to school, Marko would shove Ivo and push him to the ground then take his treats. Ivo was too small to fight back and he wasn't the only little victim of his bigger brother.
When he would arrive home, he tells his mother of Marko's escapades and she'd say, "I can't punish what I can't see but, not to worry, St. Nicholas sees all!"
"How can that help me," he'd cry. "St. Nicholas isn't real and Christmas is a long way off."
"You just have to believe and on his feast day in December he'll make everything right."
For legend told that St. Nicholas would come on his feast day and would bring treats to all the good children. This was why all the children in the village would polish their best shoes and boots and leave them outside their door for St. Nick to see.
Apparently, Ivo and Marko's mother never told them about what happens to the "not so good" children in the village!
Krampas, an evil spirit dressed in rags who followed St. Nick during his deliveries, would take care of those St. Nick left behind and leave a little something "special" for the "not so good children."
The night before St. Nicholas, Ivo and Marko polished their boots and placed them on the mat outside their bedroom door.
When morning came, Ivo rushed out to find his boots were overflowing with a wide variety of juicy, ripe oranges, apples, pears and nuts -- all treasured items in the snowy little village.
Marko, on the other hand, looked down to find his boot contained two nasty looking switches with a note to his mother on how to administer the punishment for his bad deeds!
'LOST ON CHRISTMAS EVE'
By Rebecca Garlick, age 9
One day two boys named Timmy and Tommy, age 6, were camping with their parents. The two boys decided to explore around the campground.
About an hour later they were lost. They had wandered off somewhere far away from camp. They were having so much fun they didn't realize where they were going.
They yelled "Mom" and "Dad," but the owls' hoots drowned out their small voices.
"Oh no," they thought.
Some time later they gave up and decided to look up in the sky to see if they could spot Santa Claus.
"It's too early for him to come out and anyway he doesn't leave the North Pole until midnight when everybody's asleep," said Tommy. "OK, I remember," moaned Timmy.
Finally they laid their heads down on something. It felt warm, comfy and soft. They looked back to see what it was and started to breathe hard.
"A wolf," gasped Tommy.
"Looks friendly and cute," added Timmy. "I think it loves us."
"It's OK," said Tommy.
"Look," pointed out Timmy, "it's Santa Claus."
The wolf stood up and nudged the twins to follow. The wolf led them to Santa's sleigh.
Rudolph came over and flashed his red silly nose. It went flash, beep, flash, beep. The two boys laughed.
Timmy and Tommy watched as Santa Claus put Christmas presents under one of the finest Christmas trees. After he finished with the presents he touched the very top of the Christmas tree and it started to glow.
"Santa," whispered Timmy. Santa came over to Timmy and handed him the star.
"Go ahead, put it on," said Santa. Santa lifted Timmy up and Timmy placed the star on top of the Christmas tree.
"Thank you," said Tommy.
"No, thank you for believing," said Santa as he winked. Then off he went into the night.
"Don't forget our parents," yelled Tommy.
"I won't," he yelled back.
Timmy and Tommy went back over to where the wolf was sleeping and laid down beside him.
"Good night Santa," yawned Timmy and Tommy, then dozed off.
The next morning they woke up on the wolf but in the campground where this whole story began.
"Must have been a dream," said Tommy.
"No, a miracle," said Timmy. "Believe."
ALL THE STORIES R-J CONTEST WINNERS: Once Upon A Time: 'A Rock for Christmas' 'Holly and Carol's Christmas Adventure' 'What I Got For Christmas' Readers share their holiday stories More readers share their holiday stories
