Jack had just woken up. It was the middle of the night. But first and foremost, it was Christmas Eve. His anticipation was so high that he couldn’t sleep. Jack loved Christmas. He found excitement in everything about the holidays, from the decorations and the music to the special roast. And of course, the presents under the Christmas tree.
This year’s Christmas was different though. His dad passed away last year and since then, the entire house felt different. Mostly silent. There were no laughs. Jack’s mother did her best to stand strong and keep Jack’s spirit high. But she was still mourning. The man she loved with everything she had, was no longer with them. Jack was also in grief. But his grief was different. He felt more numb than sad. Whys and hows were storming his mind every night, and since the accident, his sleep was less than ideal. This year’s Christmas would be the first without his dad. So yes, this year’s Christmas was very different.
“Would Santa visit him this year? Would he remember Jack? Would he remember to look after his dad in heaven? Santa must know if his dad is doing alright. He’s a saint after all isn’t he?” Jack kept thinking. He turned his head to face the alarm clock. 3 am. Perhaps it’s time. Or maybe, Santa has already delivered Jack’s presents. He hasn’t heard anything all night from downstairs. But then, Santa’s job is to deliver the presents in silence.
Suddenly, Jack heard a small crack on the wooden floor. “Did that come from downstairs?”he whispered to himself. He quickly got out of bed and approached the door to his bedroom. He leaned over and touched the door with his ear. Nothing.
And then came a big bang. Like someone had just dropped a big sack on the floor. It must be him! Jack finally got Santa! He quickly run downstairs, almost stumbling at the stairs, and then he stopped. Right next to the Christmas tree. He was there. Jack was looking at his back. He was dressed exactly like the fairy tales. He was tall, with broad shoulders and thick hips. Jack was scared and excited at the same time. He shouted “Santa!”
The man turned around, revealing a long white beard and graceful wrinkles on his face. He gave Jack a broad smile. “Oh my, my…” His voice sounded as old as his looks. “I might have just done it, didn’t I?” Jack remained silent, with his eyes glued to the man’s face. “I’m sorry, kid. The sack slipped from my hands and my reflexes are not as sharp as they used to be. I hope I didn’t scare you.”
“Santa! It’s really you!” Jack shouted. “Shh now boy. We don’t want to wake up the entire street now, don’t we.” the man said by holding his finger up to his lips. “Come on, help me gather the rest of the presents that slipped out of the sack. But don’t peek for yours, okay?” The man said and smiled again at Jack.
Jack nodded and returned the smile. He helped him with the rest of the presents in silence. When the sack was again tidy and full, Jack started asking “How old are you Santa? Where’s Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer? How did you fit through the chimney, what about…” Santa interrupted him by putting his hand gently on Jack’s shoulder. “No time for questions Jack. I have to go. More presents to be delivered tonight. More smiles to keep smiling, you see” The tall man responded. His eyes met Jack’s. Jack noticed their colours. Green eyes, like his father’s. He then noticed his smile. A smile as warm and kind as his father’s. Jack broke the silence by saying with a cracking voice “Dad…?”
The man smiled and said “Look at the tree.” Jack turned his gaze and noticed how the lights had just started their dancing pattern, changing their colours that Jack had never seen before. The twigs were moving up and down in such joy and harmony. And the star on the top started bowing to both of them, like wishing them happy holidays in its own weird way. Jack turned to look at the man once again, this time in shock. The man gave out a big laugh and said “Merry Christmas Jack!”
That was when Jack opened his eyes. The morning sun was sneaking his way in through the blinds. “Was this just a dream? Was it Santa? Or… dad? Was he really here?” Jack thought. He immediately run to the door. He opened it and ran down the stairs. Once he reached the living room, a certain warmth embraced him. His mum was there. Right next to the tree. She turned around to face him and said to him “Jack, come closer, come and see.”
Jack approached the Christmas tree. The lights were not dancing anymore. Their colours were of simple white. The twigs and star stayed still. No Santa or presents stood there. Only a simple Christmas card. Jack opened the card, which had the following written in it:
“It was nice to see you again my son. Take care of your mum. Merry Christmas,
Dad”