Xmas 2023

The shadows in the room deepened in the dim light caste by the green shaded desk lamp. The computer screen added an eerie glow. The gloom matched his mood. 

He sat, head in hands. The desktop was covered with note papers, brown papers; typewritten, handwritten. His email, like the desktop, was strewn with appeals; specific, general; mournful, or downright sad.

Every year, he questioned his life’s work. Was he making a difference? Did a few hours of fun, frivolity and sometimes joy really effect change.

Did his attempt to spread compassion and kindness really give lasting value?

With most of the children, he sensed the uplift in spirit when they opened a gift and found something they desired; or when their parents received a gift that brought happiness to the whole family. But recently, more and more children seemed restless, dissatisfied, even petulant.

He sighed.

So much hate, so much violence, so much misunderstanding in his adopted world. Could he, and his crew, nudge Earth toward the love and peace required to meet the intergalactic requirements for membership?

A knock on the door brought him out of his reverie.  

“It’s time to go, Papa Claus,” his wife said as she opened the door. The smile on her lovely face, lifted his mood. “I know you are lost in your annual concerns, but the only hope these Earthlings have is you.”

“If only we could make a monthly, or a weekly or a daily trip.” Santa said.  “Maybe that would turn the tide?”

Mrs. Claus smiled. “You say that every year.  “Up, Up, now. The inter-space reindeer are waiting. The rocket is full. The North Pole landing site is on alert.”

“You are right, Mama Claus. We cannot give up. We must strive on Earth for peace, goodwill toward men, and do our best to make it happen.”

Santa pulled on his boots and tightened the belt around his rotund tummy.

He shut down the computer, turned off the light and followed Mrs. Claus out to the launch pad.

“Ho, Ho, Ho…” Santa said. Mrs. Claus kissed him goodbye and smiled.