Santa Considers Retirement

SANTA CONSIDERS RETIREMENT

Upon waking to the bright sunny fall morning, Santa laid in his big sleigh bed feeling gloomy and wondered why he even bothered to keep getting up late one night every single year to deliver toys to all the good little boys and girls all over the world. He knows the children depend on him on Christmas eve to give them the presents of their choice, but is it really worth it?
More and more children are not believing in him as each year passes, the elves work very hard to make and build the toys, feed the reindeer, and clean and load the sleigh for the long journey.

Santa decided he needed some milk and cookies to calm his upset belly. He slowly climbed out from under the warm blankets, placed his feet into his warm fuzzy red slippers, headed to kitchen and thought about the decision of retiring or to continue trying to prove his reality.

After enjoying the milk and cookies, Santa entered into the toy shop. The busy elves, dressed in their red and green suits, red curled up shoes, and red and green stripped hat, stopped working. All the hammering, singing, laughter and work stopped immediately as the elves knew Santa had something important to say.

“My dear friends,” Santa began as the took his seat in the big wooden rocker. “I know most of you have been with me for many, many years and I thank you for all your hard work you put into making the toys, but I was thinking that maybe I would retire this year.”

“But you just can’t do that,” said Bart, the head elf. “All the good little boys and girls are depending on you.”

“Why would you retire Santa?” asked Margaret as she moved slowly to stand next to the big chair.

“No one really believes in me anymore, all they care about are the gifts. What happened to the real meaning of Christmas?” questioned Santa, as he stood waving his arms in the air. “I was thinking if I were to retire and there were no more presents under their trees, then they would start to believe in me again.”

“What about the list?” asked Stephen, while pointing to all the boxes sitting in the corner of the room. Those boxes are filled with our best toys for the good little boys and girls who do believe in you.”

“And don’t forget about all the letters that the children are working so hard to write to you.” said Anthony, who was standing outside the mailroom door, with his arms overflowing with letters.

Santa took three steps towards the mailroom, stopped and scratched his head. “I don’t know…I just don’t know if it’s enough to keep me going year after year. You all work so hard on these toys, then the children either break them or forget about them after just a few days. I am also thinking of you all while considering this.”

“But Santa, its not what the children do with toys that matters to us. The important part is helping you reward them for being good little boys and girls for a whole year. Why disappoint the good because of the bad?” questioned Bart.
“Some children work really hard to be good. Take Johnny Johnson for example. It was really hard for him not to flush his little sisters’ Barbie doll head down the toilet,” said Margaret with a big toothy grin on her face.

“Yeah Santa, take this letter from Lilly. This is proof some of the kids do believe. They expect you to do your job!” said Stephen, being pushy.

Dear Santa: I am six years old and I am riting this to you by myself. My mommy sez you can read al the words that are speled wrog. All I want for Crismas this yeer iz a babe doll. Some kids at skool said you are not reel. I didn’t lisen to them becuz I no that you are and that iz how we git all the presents. Their will bee milk and cokies on the table four you.
Love Always, Lilly

As Santa finished reading the letter, his mouth curved into a grin and a tear streaked down his rosy red cheek.”Your right,” exclaimed Santa, “ these kids love me and I love them. The work must go on. Back to work everyone!”

On Christmas Eve the elves were shoving toys into the big red bag. Mrs. Clause helped Santa into his red suit, shoved his boots onto is feet and wrapping his belt around his waist, she pulled tightly tugging and tugging to try to fasten the buckle.

“No, no dear….not so tight,” Santa gasped for air.

“My goodness, I believe I have fed you way to many cookies this year,” said Mrs. Clause, still tugging at the belt.

“No, I think you shrunk my suit,” laughed Santa as his big jolly belly jiggled. “Keep pulling I know it will fit. Finally Santa sucked his belly in and Mrs. Clause quickly fastened the belt.

Wiping sweat from her brow, Mrs. Clause walked to the kitchen to make Santa a warm cup of cocoa for the cold journey.

Swallowing down the last of the cocoa, Santa walked out to his sleigh. Looking up at the sky, he smiled as the falling snow hit his face. The snow covered ground was a delight to see, it meant an easier trip for the reindeer. When he reached the over stuffed sleigh, he remarked, “My goodness, there must have been more good girls and boys this year than last year.”

Walking around the sleigh, he checked the order of the reindeer. In order they are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen. Of course Rudolf was in the lead to guide the way.

“Off we go,” yelled Santa as the reindeer took the sleigh way up high into the sky. “Merry Christmas to all…and to all a good night.” Santa was on his way to deliver the toys.

The next morning, laying in his bed, Santa let out a big sigh and smile. He knew he was making a lot of children very happy but not quitting, except for the ones that were on the naughty list.

As dawn was approaching, Johnny anxiously bounded down the stairs towards the mantle to get his stocking of goodies. He knew Santa would still give him candy and gifts no matter how he behaved throughout the year.

Standing on the staircase watching, his parents waited to see what Johnny received. Yanking down his stocking Johnny poured the contents onto the floor.
“What is this?!” Shriecked Johnny standing over a pile of coal.

Laughing, his parents descended from the stairs. “Well Johnny, I guess it does matter how you act during the year. Santa made his list, checked it twice, I guess you failed both times.”

“This is not funny. I want my candy.”

“Sorry but we aren’t the ones who fill the stockings. Maybe you better start believing in Santa again.”

Beneath the tree were only a few gifts, one for mom and one for dad. “Here honey,” said dad, “I guess Santa thought we deserved something for having to put up with Johnny all year long.”

Rummaging through the gifts still under the tree Johnny pouted, “All of these are for sister. Why did she get gifts?”

“Well,” said mommy calmly as she squatted on the floor next to him. “I guess it is because she was a good girl this year. You see, Johnny, Santa does exist and he does make lists and when he checks them twice it is to see if someone should be moved to the other list. Obviously you didn’t make it off the naughty list. The next time you think of shoving your sisters doll in the toilet, think about this Christmas.” kissing his head and giving him a big hug, she rose and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

All the good boys and girls enjoyed a Merry Christmas with lots of gifts and candy. Yes, Johnny there is a Santa Clause!