Mama's Christmas Hat

I get to go shopping today. All by myself. Daddy gave me money to buy Mama a Christmas present. I already knew what I wanted to get her.



My name is Albert. I am 7. I am in second grade at Johnson Elementary. I have two brothers and one sister. John is 10. He likes football. Eric is 6. He likes dinosaurs. Emma is 12. She likes to dance and look pretty.

Our family don't have a lot of money, Mama says we make up for it with love. Daddy works at the power plant here in town. Mama doesn't work. She can't. Mama is real sick. All she can do is stay home and love us. The doctor said that Mama might not be around for very many more Christmases, so we try to make each one better than the last.

As I walk by all of the little shops on main street, I think of how Mama used to be. Mama is a beautiful lady. She used to take us to the park and push us on the swings. She used to go for walks with us and play hide-and-go-seek. Now, we have to be careful when we hug Mama so that we don't hurt her. One thing about Mama that hasn't changed is that Mama loves the color red.



When Daddy asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, I told him that I wanted to get Mama a present from just me. He said OK and asked how much I needed.

I have twenty dollars in my pocket and I'm almost to the shop. I whistled the whole way cuz Mama said that people whistle when they are happy. Turning the corner, I see Nellie's Hat Shoppe. When I get inside, I don't even need to look around. "Nellie, I want that red hat in the window, please!" I yelled excitedly.



"Albert, is this a present for your Mama?" Nellie asks me "She is gonna love it!"



"Yep. She is going to be so happy!" I said. I paid for the hat and left the store. It was starting to get dark outside, so I need to hurry and get home. Brrrr! It's cold too! No sooner did I think that and WHOOSH! the wind ripped Mama's red hat out of my hands. I chased that hat down the street and around a few corners. I finally caught Mama's hat!



When I turned around, I realized that it had gotten much darker. I didn't know where I was. Maybe if I just walk a little bit, I will see something familiar. After three blocks, I realize that I am really, really lost. This may be a small town, but it sure looks big to a small boy like me.



All of a sudden, I hear a noise. I've never heard it before, but somehow, it sounds familiar. It almost sounds like twinkling, if twinkling had a sound. Bells, very light ringing bells. Could it be? Why not? After all, it IS Christmas Eve! The twinkling kept getting closer and I noticed that the wind was gone. I didn't even feel cold anymore. Then, out of nowhere, appeared a giant sleigh. In front of it, were eight tiny reindeer. What a glorious sight! It twinkled and glittered under the street lights. Something was missing though. Where was the jolly elf that was supposed to be driving this thing? I peered into the sleigh, and to my surprise, I saw a smaller elf, dressed in all green, and definitely not as big as the elf I had been expecting.



"Hi, I'm Jensen. I am one of Santa's elves." said the small stranger. "You're probably wondering where Santa is. The big guy has so many places to be tonight, that he sent me in the backup sleigh to show you the way home."

"This is the backup sleigh?" I asked in wonder.



"Well, it has to be as big as the original, otherwise the presents wouldn't all fit. Let's get you home. It's getting late."



I climbed up into that giant sleigh and sat down. It was a clear night. You could see a million stars shining so brilliantly against the night sky. Snow fluttered to the ground like feathers. The flakes were light and soft as they landed on my cheeks. I felt a little sad thinking that this might be Mama's last Christmas and wishing that she were here to see this for herself.

As if he were reading my mind, Jensen asked me, "Do you want to take your Mama for a sleigh ride? Since I'm here, I mean."



"Would you? Oh, that would be wonderful! She's gonna love it!"



As we pulled to a stop in front of the house, I hurriedly jumped out of the sleigh and ran into the house. "Mama! Mama! Get your coat! I have a Christmas present for you! Hurry! Hurry!"



"Hang on Albert, you know I'm not as fast as I used to be."



"Mama, I have to give you your other present first, so you can use it! I got you this red hat cuz you like red and cuz I heard you when you thought I was sleeping. You were crying cuz your hair was falling out and you said that you aren't pretty anymore, but Mama, I still think you're beautiful."



At first, I thought that I made Mama sad because she was crying. "Albert, I love you so much. You have always been such a sweet and loving child. This is by far, the best Christmas present ever."



"But Mama, there's more! Come on!" As we made our way out the door, Mama's face lit up when she saw that great big sleigh.



"Albert, how did you...." was all she whispered.



Looking back now, I wouldn't change a thing from that Christmas. Mama had a wonderful time. She smiled like I hadn't seen her smile in a very long time. She stared at the stars and the magnificent night sky in awe. She was happy.

That was Mama's last Christmas. I am still surprised at how big of a thing such a small boy can do, with a little help from some friends.