Christmas Smiled

Christmas Smiled

“Can we open our presents now?”

Dad looked at Sadie, age three, “What presents?”

“Christmas presents!”

“Do you see any under our tree?”

“No… where are they?”

“Still up at the North Pole with Santa. It isn’t Christmas yet, it’s Tuesday.”

“When will be Christmas?”

Dad laughed, “Tomorrow Honey, when you wake up. Santa comes while children are sleeping. But not until Christmas Eve.”

“It’s not Christmas?” she said, sadly.

“No, but today is Christmas Eve, tomorrow when you wake up it will be Christmas!”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“OK. Come on Teddy,” she said, sadly, to her little brother. He was used to her bossing him around and just got up to follow.

“Where are you going?” asked Dad.

“To bed, so we can sleep and it will Christmas,” she said in the most resigned voice.”

“No, no!” Dad said quickly. “We have things to do today to be ready for Santa to come!”

“I’m ready…” Sadie said, sadly.

“No, you’re not! Have you made cookies for Santa with Mom yet? Have we gone over to Auntie Jill’s to bring them the presents from us? Did you kids clean your rooms so there will be space to put your new toys in? I know Santa will probably bring you some, Santa loves toys!”

“Oh, oh!” Sadie said, then “Teddy let’s go clean our rooms!"

Teddy looked confused, but knew if he didn’t mind his sister, she would get bossier, off they went.

“Nice job!” came a voice from behind Dad, he jumped a mile.

“You were there the whole time?”

“Yes, and I loved it. You are the best Dad!”

“There’s my favorite Christmas present early, you saying I’m the best.”

“We’ll see if it holds up when I find out what you got for me…” Mom laughed.

And Christmas smiled.