Today I would just like to share a sweet story of friendship that exemplifies the spirit of the holiday season.
Many years ago, I was a single mom raising my children. They were very young but always on the look out to be sure Santa had also treated me with goodies on Christmas morning. That meant I made sure some special gift arrived with a bow and that there was something in my stocking to pull out in feigned surprise. But one Christmas I experienced a Santa moment.
My friend and neighbor delivered a plain brown box during the day on December 24th. It was taped tightly shut and came with instructions to “put the kids to bed and then open the box.” That seemed mysterious and my curiosity was high. Although I wondered about it all day, my personal code prevented peeking until the appointed time.
When the excited anticipation of Christmas was finally exhausted, the kiddos were tucked into bed with visions of sugar plums and I opened that box! Inside I found a number of small wrapped packages and another note that simply said, “Fill your stocking and go to bed. Love, Santa”
The next morning, it was with genuine surprise that I opened each gift, delighting in every single one. The Santa ornament that was included in my stocking still hangs on my Christmas tree. It reminds me that Santa and the spirit of the season comes in many ways and that the gift of friendship lasts forever.
Do you have a Santa story?