Struggling writer. Christmas Fact Sheet
Do you believe in Christmas?
Well, you should, because I am spirit of Christmas, and I know it’s true. I descend upon your household on the 8th of December every year, and let me assure you I’m a very busy spirit.
Firstly, I want to dispel any silly notions that Santa does not exist. He does. I’m the one that helps him with the naughty and nice lists during the other eleven months. Santa would give everyone presents, but I make sure that even Santa obeys the golden rules of Christmas.
Rule number one. Believe in Santa.
Now, let’s get this straight. If you don’t believe in Santa you won’t get presents. That is rule number one. Your parents may buy you presents, and pretend that they are from Santa, and most do, but there is always a special present from Santa for those who believe. I know some girls and boys try to test Santa, and don’t tell anyone what they want, but it is the thoughts of your parents that help Santa decide which present you really deserve. So, if you don’t tell your Mummy and Daddy, don’t blame Santa if you don’t get what you want. You only have yourself to blame.
Rule number two. Being good does not mean you will get everything you want.
Santa will not bring you everything you want, unless of course you have been very, very good, and I know it’s hard to be that good. No, Santa considers children who ask for lots of expensive toys as being greedy. That means you will lose points, and if you’re very greedy you may well end up on the naughty list.
Now for some Questions and Answers
What is the Naughty List?
There are two Naughty Lists. If you name appears on the Really Naughty list, I suggest you are extremely good to your parents, because it will be your parents who will have to buy you presents; Santa won’t be calling on you. Santa does understand that sometimes you can’t help being naughty, which is why he has the Slightly Naughty List. So if you have been naughty, and have genuinely been sorry for what you did, and, more importantly learned not to do it again. Santa will bring you presents, but may take some off your wish list.
How does Santa get down the chimney?
I help. I freeze the flames so he doesn’t get his boots burnt. They make such a horrible smell if I forget. Some houses don’t have chimneys anymore, and then I have to work extra hard. First, I have open the loft door, remove some slates to let Santa in, and then, when he has left, I have to put them back on. My apologies to those houses that lose their roof slates because of the January winds, but I don’t have time to make sure they are fixed back on the roof properly. Santa is so fast, I can barely keep up with him. If you don’t have a loft, don’t worry. When all else fails, I can shrink Santa down small enough to get him through the letterbox. He doesn’t really like it, because it makes his voice a little squeaky, but I find it funny.
Why do we have Christmas?
Now this is the important part. Christmas is not about receiving presents, which is all very nice. Christmas is about giving, and not big fancy presents either. Drawing a picture for someone special, giving your pocket money to a charity, or just telling someone that you love him or her very much will do nicely. Perhaps you could befriend someone who is being teased at school? That doesn’t cost very much, does it? Maybe you could say hello, and give a huge smile to your neighbours. Giving is not about money and presents. It’s about sharing your happiness with others.
Does Santa like cookies and milk?
Of course, he does, but he can be partial to a bit of chocolate, and I must confess the reindeer, especially Rudolph is fond of it as well. Santa loves chocolate for breakfast, and he always shares. I put on half a stone in weight last year so did Santa, but I did see him on the treadmill in January.
Stockings, pillowcases, shoes.
Santa doesn’t mind, but for those of you who put your stocking at the end of the bed, could you please make sure it’s clean. I almost passed out last year from one smelly sock. Oh, and if your parents insist that the stocking or pillowcase is to be in your bedroom, it is for a very good reason. Parents sometime stay up late to wrap the presents that Santa brings. They never actually see Santa, he is too quick for that, but they are very tired the next morning. So don’t wake them up too early, that’s the reason you have your stocking crammed with goodies; it give you something to play with whilst Mummy and Daddy catch a few hours kip.
Santa in the Shops?
Well you have to be careful here; sometimes it is the real Santa, and if you kick him on the shins … remember the naughty list. No, Santa does not have time to sit in every shopping mall in the world. So, the adults help out. If you’re very good, he may just make a special appearance just for you.
Why does Santa give presents?
Every time a child laughs, Santa’s heart fills with joy. He takes that joy, sprinkles it with love and makes toys. Sometimes he makes dreams come true.
The Spirit of Christmas.
You will feel it strongest on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, and you can hear it in Christmas songs. It’s in the snowflakes that drift on the icy air, and in smell of cinnamon, pine and clove. It’s in every snap of a cracker, the dancing flame of the candle, the smile on someone’s face when they unwrap a present, but especially it is in the brightest sparkle on the Christmas tree. Go on, take a look. I’m there, just look for me.
Oh … and one more thing. Stop mixing up the holly with the mistletoe. When I kissed Santa last year if was very prickly!