Annie had completed all her Christmas shopping, all except for her dad. She has promised to meet him at 6pm down at the park, just beneath the big glistening star.
What can she buy him? Annie's dad told Annie he didn't want anything yet Annie still wanted to buy him something. She knew her dad is feeling sad about Grandpa who died earlier this year. Annie wants to give her dad something special, something really special to lift his spirits but what can she give?
The time is now 5pm. Annie has an hour left to find the perfect gift. Annie wanders through the crowded shops, each bursting with people in a mad rush to buy last minute Christmas gifts. Some stores are packed with people pushing and shoving each other in the hope to get to the front of the queue, while others glow with beautiful decorations. Annie sees nativity scenes of baby Jesus; brightly coloured Christmas ornaments and sparkling tinsel hanging from the ceiling. Nearby the Christmas carollers' are singing Annie's favourite song, "Silent Night", while Santa in his red suit is seated with children all lined up waiting to tell him what they want for Christmas. These children will have to be quick, as Santa will soon need to leave and make his way back to the North Pole and onto his sleigh bearing gifts to all the boys and girls throughout the world.
Suddenly Annie had an idea! ... What about if Grandpa is able to come down from heaven and spend Christmas with Dad. Annie knew this idea was virtually impossible, yet she knew miracles always happen at Christmas. Maybe Santa can help. Yes Santa! I have to see him now. Without hesitation, Annie weaves herself in and out of the other shoppers and makes her way to Santa.
Annie nervously takes her place in the queue. Glancing at her watch she realises she has 10 minutes left before she had to meet her dad "What happens if Santa says no, what do I do then? Still there was no harm in trying. The worst that can happen is I will have no present to give dad on Christmas Day."
Finally it came to Annie's turn to sit on Santa's lap. In a soft voice Annie whispers, "Santa, I don't know what to buy my daddy for Christmas. My Grandpa died earlier this year and with your Christmas magic, I'm wondering , are you able to bring Grandpa down from heaven to have Christmas dinner with Dad? It will make my Dad so happy. "
Santa looks at Annie thoughtfully, then nods. "You are right Annie, magic does happen at Christmas. Leave it with me and watch out for the Christmas Star."
"The Christmas Star, like the one in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?" she asked.
Santa nods, "Yes just like that one. You will see it shining on Christmas Day just as you are having dinner with your family."
Annie's eyes sparkle "Oh thank you Santa!" She hugs Santa so so tightly. Quickly, Annie makes a dash back to the park where her daddy was waiting, beneath bright big glistening star.
"Sorry dad, I had to see Santa." Annie hugs her dad with all her might.
Annie's dad smiles, glancing at the sky. "What a magnificent star, Grandpa would have loved to see this star."
Annie felt a lump in her throat . "Daddy, I believe Grandpa is, the brightest star in the sky. Just like the star from Bethlehem when Jesus was born."
Annie's dad nods "I think so too."
On Christmas morning Annie and her family gather around opening presents. Annie felt guilty as she hadn't bought a Christmas present for her dad, just a card. "I hope Santa remembers," she murmurs.
"Dad, my present will come to you at Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas," she said handing over her Christmas card.
Annie's dad looks at Annie with a glowing smile. "There's no need to buy me anything, I'm happy with all my family around me."
Meanwhile, Annie hoped and prayed that Santa was be able to bring Grandpa down from heaven.
As Christmas dinner began, Annie and her family all sit around the table leaving one empty chair for Grandpa. On the table is carved Christmas leg ham, roast turkey, some seafood, roast vegetables and a crisp green salad. There is also non alcoholic Christmas fruit punch and of course Christmas pudding for dessert.
With everyone now seated around the table, Annie decides to raise her glass. Her family follow.
"To Grandpa," she says "Who is now in heaven and always in our hearts."
A hush fell over the table as everyone raises their glass and gazes at the empty chair. Just as dinner is being served a sudden breeze stirs out of nowhere.
"I mustn't have closed the window," says Dad. He walks towards the open window. Annie stands and follows behind. Annie and her dad gazes out into the quiet evening.
As they both gaze, a glowing light appears right in front of them. This glowing light was the brightest star they had ever seen. The same star just as Santa had promised Annie earlier.
Annie's dad turns to Annie with a smile "Thank you."
And every Christmas afterwards that same bright star appears, filling Annie and her dad's heart with peace, love and joy.
Discover more about Danielle Corrie at http://daniellecorrie.com.au.
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - December 2024.
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