Christmas Visit

My eyelids seem weighted- defying my will to remain alert. My eyebrows rose, pulling my eyelids upward in a last ditch attempt to remain conscious. I’d resolved to finally stay up for the Big Event even though I’d be lucky to get a wave from the Big Guy.

I understand he’s very busy, what with eight billion people on the planet. I wonder if the weight of all those people has slowed down the Earth’s rotation a bit. Maybe it’ll make him a little late this year. But I suspect modern technology has helped him to do his rounds. Google even has a picture of every house. Technology is a wonderful thing. UPS probably also has provided additional training and resources.  I hope the sleigh is still red. Brown just isn’t Christmas.

My last vision before I left this place was the little table by the tree. On it sat his favorite bottle of beer. I don’t get what he sees in Space Kitty beer but I got his note and he was clear about this. At least the cookies are more traditional- sugar cookies with lots of frosting and colorful green and red sprinkles. Eyelids closed.

The scene was chaotic but  wonderful. Bing Crosby visited and crooned “White Christmas” as snowflakes gently fell behind him in an evergreen forest.  He was interrupted by Elvis challenging him with “Blue Christmas”. Then Alvin and the Chipmunks sang “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. I was getting annoyed trying to understand the words when the little rodents disappeared and Charlie Brown dropped by carrying a little present to his sad tiny tree.  Woodstock flew around the tree wearing a little red hat. 

There were more surprises. The turkey waved a wing as he opened the oven door and jumped into the pan. Christmas trees spread their branches asking to be picked for the honor of serving as our holiday tree. Colorful bows climbed onto piles of packages. Rudolph sat in his recliner sipping scotch. No wonder he has a red nose. Then, it happened.

Santa appeared. He put his arms around Bing and Elvis and smiled for a photo op. He then stepped on Alvin while he ran swiftly around the tree flinging packages everywhere. I waved and he gave me a wink and a virtual high five. I did it. I finally met Santa. I was at peace.

“Dad, Dad- wake up”. I was rudely aroused from sleep. The recliner and I sat staring at the tree. “Santa was here- did you see him?”, queried my adult sons. I paused- not really sure about how to answer that. I looked over at the table by the tree. The Space Kitty bottle was empty and the cookies were gone. My cell phone sat beside the bottle. I thought I had it in my pocket but I must have taken a few shots of the tree before dozing off. I finally answered, “I’m afraid I fell asleep once again this year. Maybe next year I’ll try again”.

The day was filled with laughter and present openings. The food and beverages flowed through the day as the tide of family came and went from room to room- each with its own ambiance of decorations, twinkling lights, family pictures, candles, music and views of lawns and trees from windows framing the white Christmas before us. 

Before retiring after the day of bliss, I reflected on the mystery of Christmas. It was a much needed brief reprieve from Covid, insurrection, recession, war, hurricanes and worldwide human misery. I scanned my cell phone pictures to cement the day’s joys into my long term memory storage. The day was re-lived backward through time. Finally there it was- the tree in its nighttime glory. I flipped to the next picture. I bolted upright. 

Santa’s white bearded head and red hat dominated the photo. He had a huge smile. My head was tilted towards him, eyes closed with a subtle but discernible smile. It was the perfect selfie. I walked to the window and waved to my sons as they pulled away with their families. 

The red suit and hat was carefully packed in their trunk for next year’s Christmas visit.