Oleh Lavina Tien
It was a beautiful December day, with blue skies. And snow covered three tops, Christmas was in the air! But up in Santa's lodge, all was quiet. The usual hustle and bustle of preparing Christmas presents was missing, for Santa had fallen ill. Oh dear! What will the children say when they don't receive presents this year? Santa wondered sadly as he lay in his bed. Suddenly, he heard a noise from outside. He looked out of the window and saw his four raindeer standing patiently as usual. But they seemed quiet out of breath as if they had just finished a long trip. And as Santa took a closer look, he could not believe what he saw. For behind the raindeer was a long train of sleds carrying little children dressed in all sorts of colours.
One by one, they hopped out into the snow and headed towards Santa's lodge. Soon there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Santa called out for he was extremely curious. A little came in hugging something soft in her arms. "I heard that you were sick, Mr. Santa," she began. "So, I am giving you my teddy bear to keep you company." "Why, thank you, little Emma!" Said Santa for he knew every child by name. Then a young boy entered with a red package in his arms. "We knew that you were ill, Papa Santa," he said. "So my family knitted this quilt for you to keep you warm in winter days." "What a wonderful thought, Paul!" Beamed Santa patting him on the head. And one by one children came in through Santa's door each with a special gift to wish Santa well. There were cookies, pies, socks, mittens, books, jigsaw puzzles and even a small Christmas tree. "Christmas delivered to my door step!" exlaimed Santa. "Come let us all share these wonderful gifts." He gathered the children around him in a big circle. "Santa, which present do you like best?" Emma soon piped up. "My dear little ones," Santa replied smiling. "The love and kindness that each of you has shown to me today is the best present of all." He looked fondly at all eager faces around him. "This, my little ones is the true meaning of Christmas." With that Santa gave each of the children a big warm, holiday hug.
