The Day After

Santa’s big night was ober. The sky had quieted, the snow had stopped whispering, and ebery last present had found its way home. So Santa tiptoed back to his own little house, red hat still tilted just a bit sideways, paws tired but his heart was berry happy.

He leaned on his silver stool and sighed a happy sigh. The cookies were gone (mysteriously), the cocoa was lukewarm, and the little tree by his door blinked its lights one last time, proud ob its hard work. Outside, the woods rested, wrapped up in snow like a big cozy blanket.

Santa hung up his hat carefully — not goodbye, just “see you later.” He tidied his lists, smoothed the corners, and tucked them away for safekeeping. There was nothing left to rush, nowhere left to hurry. For now, the world could rest.

So Santa waited. He watched the snow drift. He listened for distant dreams. He practiced his “Ho Ho Ho” berry qwietly so it would be extra jolly next year.

And as the months would pass, and the lights would sleep, and the tree would wait patiently in memory, Santa would be right there in his house — resting, smiling, and getting ready.

Because Christmas always comes back.And Santa always does too.

Fank you Ratty Box for this wonderful box full ob goodies including (but not pictured) a Reindeer hammock and Nutri-Berrie snacks!