The Christmas Wish

Word count: 854

The Christmas Wish

         It is a little known fact that if a person is fortunate enough to touch the tiny pom-pom at the end of Santa's hat they will be granted one wish. Knowing that Santa is almost pure magic himself, it would not be hard to believe the truth of this.

         It is a difficult task because Santa does not take kindly to any interruptions on the busiest night of his year. But, if you are sincere and do not make a ruckus at his appearance it is possible to enter into a brief conversation with the "Jolly Elf." It just so happens that I have been able to speak with the "Winter Gentleman" on more than one occasion, although, I have never before been able to get up the gumption to ask him to allow me to touch his puffball for fear of losing his trust.

         Well just last night, this morning, I did meet with Santa once again. After sharing a few laughs over large cups of cheer, he asked me, "If I could make one wish, what would that wish be?" Up to that moment in time, I was sure that I could use a free wish. Now that the wish was as close as my outstretched hand, I took another moment and reviewed my life.

         A roof above me, despite lean years and our money woes, I often have to remind myself that even though funds are tight our family has never spent the night out looking for shelter or out in the cold.

         A wife who loves me, she’s the one who gathers all the scattered pieces and assembles them so that our lives are full and complete. I married her for a love of which no one other can compete.

         Children to be proud of, for I am the proudest father of two; truly both, the boy and the girl, have grown to be better people than I. It is my children who I aspire to imitate.

         Pets that I'm scared of, a cat that will stalk and pounce upon me and a dog that will take me down just to greet me only do so to show their affection.

         Meals that content me, as the chef of our Christmas meal it brings me great joy to fill my families collective belly’s. A family fed and content spends time spreading the wealth.

         A Christmas tree that is filled from the star on top to all beneath it, many trinkets formed by the hands of the children, other ornaments with meaning of memories, all of which represents what this family has shared.

         Friends that are friendly, for true friends and best friends are the spice of life and make it such a savory mix that it brings a smile to our face.

         A parish that needs me, as parish’s the world over need our gifts of time, effort and sometimes funds to grow the congregation and help spread the word.

         A god that won't desert me, who despite my own faults has watched over me and mine, always providing what we’ve needed in ways we could never understand.

         Thus, I realized that even with this wish there is not a thing that I could change that would or could make my life any more worth living.

         And so, I answered this inquisitive Elf with the only possible wish that I would make. I said to him, "Claus my friend, I would wish that all men could know and keep the spirit of Christmas for more than just one day of the year."

         Well, Saint Nick blinked, and swallowed, and scratched his little red nose, he opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, so he took a sip from his cup of cheer instead. He looked away towards our family tree, then back at me, and then he said to me, "You have just chosen the very same wish that I wish for every year."

         Santa explained to me that although he is quite magical, his power comes only from those that believe in his existence. He feels that, even though he will continue to make his wish every year, his main goal is to spread the word that was not his first. Hopefully there will be some that listen even for just one day.

         With that Santa thanked me for my company and for making his day. He did not offer to let me touch his pom-pom and I did not ask. I helped him gather his bag and gave him a hand as he levered himself up and out from his chair. As he rose he gave me a smile with a twinkle in his eye. He quietly hitched up his pants and we both agreed to catch up again next year as he got ready to leave.

         Just as he was departing he did say to me, "That as long as this family believed and kept Christmas well we would always be included in his Christmas wish each and every year."

I dedicate this story to my wife Linda for keeping this holiday so well.