Christmas Forwarding Address

We moved into a different house just before Thanksgiving because Poppa lost the farm. When I sent Santa my letter, I forgot to tell him we moved. Momma insisted he would know right where to go, but I was not so sure.

I could not sleep. I kept waking up while it was still dark out. It was the longest night ever.

I kicked off the heavy blankets, slid out of my warm bed and tiptoed across the floor. I tried my best to stay on the rugs to avoid the cold and creaky spots. I hugged the doorway of the room my sister, May, and I shared. I had to know. Had Santa found us in our new house? I was so worried.

I could barely make out the Christmas tree as the fire was only a faint red glow beneath the thick ash. Mostly what I could see were the strings of popcorn we draped on the limbs to look like snow. I squinted hard to see if Santa had come yet.

I wanted some gloves for my sixth birthday as mine were too small and I had given them to May. I got a new seed sack dress, but no gloves. I sure hoped Santa read my letter and brought me some red ones.

I heard a door open and then watched Poppa walk to the fireplace. He put another log on and it made the fire light up the room for a second, but I still couldn't see.

Poppa turned and saw me. He put his finger to his mouth to keep me quiet and then waved me over to him. I ran to him and he took me in his arms. His skin smelled like the cold outdoors and his whiskers scratched my cheek as I cuddled against his chin.

Warming himself with his back to the fireplace, he pointed to the tree. I had to cover my mouth with my hands so I would not make a sound.

Santa had come!

Our stockings were full and there was a present for each of us. May, Billy, Tom and Lloyd would be so happy. I hoped Lloyd would trade me his orange for my nuts again. A second orange was better than nuts any day.

Poppa sat me on the couch and tossed a blanket over me. I quietly watched him build a fire in the stove and I checked once more to make sure Santa really came. Soon I was asleep, comfortable with the knowledge that our move posed Santa no difficulties.

I finished wrapping my great-granddaughter's scarf and gloves and smiled as I reflected on one of my earliest Christmas memories.