Little Daniel’s Christmas

It was a cold, snowy Christmas Eve night. I was lying in my bed in pure darkness, trying to get to sleep, but the excitement of Christmas morning and the amazing thoughts of what Santa was bringing me kept me awake.

I left out his cookies and milk, and of course, a huge big carrot for his best friend Rudolph.

I sure hope his little nose is bright enough for that snowy weather.

My mummy said that Santa can fly his sleigh through anything and that I shouldn't be worried. I have worked so hard to behave myself this year, and I just know that I made the good list.

The branches of the great big tree outside my window kept hitting my window, stopping me from falling asleep.

What if I don't fall asleep before he comes? What if he just flies right past my house and forgets me?

Wait, what if he hates my cookies? Or what if my letter never reached him?

Why isn't the fairy dust that my mummy sprinkled on my head to help me sleep working?

I just heard a big bang on the roof. Oh no, it's him! I'm not asleep yet! Quick, I better pretend to be sleeping, or I won't get any presents. He always knows if we are awake or asleep. It's his magic powers; he's amazing.

Oh no, I forgot to leave my stocking out! He won't notice it. Wait, I hear footsteps in the hallway. My door is starting to open. Closing my eyes right now... It's Santa! I don't want him seeing me awake.

Suddenly, my door opened wide. I couldn't see with my eyes being closed, but the temptation was too much. I had to open at least one.

The room was very dark. All I could see was a huge shadow walking toward where I left my stocking. Could it be him?

I saw he put something in it, and he suddenly turned around. I was very afraid, but in a huge, deep voice, he said, "Merry Christmas, Daniel." I was so happy—it was him! It was Santa! I met Santa!

He also said, "Oh, and my dear friend Rudolph loved that carrot you left for him."

"Now go get to sleep, little one."

And suddenly, just like that, he vanished into thin air, and magic dust sprinkled along the floor. I couldn't wait to tell Mummy I met the real Santa.

I fell asleep right away.

The next morning, I woke up so early from all the excitement. It was still dark outside, and the ground was covered in soft, white snow. I ran to her room and screamed, "Mummy, it's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

But as I turned the light on, I noticed that Mummy was already awake. She was so excited. She grabbed my little hand and said, "Let's go and see what you got from Santa." As I walked down the stairs to the kitchen, I saw he had eaten all the cookies and drank all the milk. The carrot was also gone too. He really did enjoy it!

I then rushed to the living room door. My mummy covered my eyes with one hand and slowly opened the door. It creaked as it opened. I was so excited. We both sneaked in, just in case Santa came back. We didn't want to scare him.

I heard the light switch flick. I could see the brightness peeking through her hand. She walked me to the middle of the room and suddenly took her hand away from my eyes.

The room was covered in presents. Everything I had asked for was here. My mum whispered in my ear, "Merry Christmas, son."

She let me run toward all the presents and watched me open every single one.

It was the best Christmas ever, the last Christmas with my mummy, the year I finally made the good list.