Let It Snow

One Christmas Eve night, a little girl stared sadly out the window, reminiscing while watching the snow fall. The upcoming Christmas would be her seventh, but she was in no mood to be excited. After all, how fun could it be without her family? She shook her head to clear the memory from her mind, but it was there in vivid detail.

She sat in the back seat, happily chatting with her parents. Taking a quick glance out the windshield, she stared in shock upon seeing a car heading towards them. “Don’t freeways only go one way?” she asked, curious. That inquisitiveness soon turned to fear when she heard her parents gasp. “Get down on the floor!” her mother called out. Unbuckling her seat belt, she slid down into the space behind the passenger’s chair. A second later the rogue car made contact, and everything went black. What happened after that was a vague blur, but there were two things she remembered: the shards of glass lodged where she was sitting and the motionless bodies of her parents. They had saved their daughter in the last second, but were unable to protect themselves. With that she quickly faded back into the security of darkness.

Now life was a mess at the orphanage. Sure, everyone was friendly, but it seemed no one could cheer her up, especially now since she was about to “celebrate” her first Christmas alone. Suddenly, she heard a sound from outside. It sounded like… jingle bells… She shook her head. The other girls told her Santa didn’t exist. But… it was so real… She jumped as a shape appeared in the window and backed away. A reindeer? How was that possible? Finally, she heard a mighty “Ho Ho Ho!” and there was no doubt. Santa Claus had come to town!

The little girl pulled open the window and looked outside. Four pairs of reindeer were harnessed to the sleigh, with a very familiar one in the lead. She gasped upon seeing who was inside. “Hello Rose!” the man in red said with cheer. Her eyes widened further as he patted to the seat next to him. Rose hastily pulled on her winter jacket and jumped in, sadness forgotten. The reindeer dashed into flight and they were off, soaring through the cold night.

She searched for something to say, but couldn’t quite find the words. “Are you excited for tomorrow?” Santa asked. Memories of decorating a Christmas tree with her parents came to mind and she sighed, “I used to be.” He tilted his head for a moment, thinking of a response. “What do you think Christmas is about?” Sensing he had a point to make, Rose replied, “I don’t know.” “Most kids only see it as a time for presents. The real magic of Christmas is of celebrating those who love you. It doesn’t matter if they’re with you that night, or looking down on you from a better place, love knows no boundaries.” He turned to look down at his little companion as she blinked away tears. “As long as you remember all of the good times you shared with them, they will always be with you.” The gift giver took off his hat and placed it on her head. She was surprised and disappointed when the orphanage came into sight. As she climbed back through the window, the big man had one last thing to say. “Merry Christmas Rose. Everything will be alright.” She nodded and said, “Thank you.” He left to continue his route and the orphan removed her jacket. It was then she remembered the hat on her head. Taking it off, she held it close to her heart and quickly fell asleep, knowing she’d never forget her talk with Santa.