All I Wish for Christmas

A few more Christmases went by, not unlike the first two. Additions to the decorations included Robin, a singing plastic and rubber motion sensor bird who would elicit a playing of Santa Baby any time Alexa would walk past her. There was also a light-up ice skating penguin, made of opaque white plastic that could change colors. Several other inanimate objects of decoration - ones which couldn’t come to life, like stockings and wreaths - were also added, coming from Alexa’s parents and other means. But her four-foot tree remained the same with few changes.

Alexa had also moved to another, smaller apartment in the big city now that she had graduated from the community college and was attending a large, more expensive university. Tilly had noted that Alexa no longer had the photograph of the handsome young man on her fridge anymore, and she wondered why. The falling must have never happened, she reasoned.

The biggest change over this time, at least for Tilly, was that she’d finally learned to fly! She was successfully making short flights by the end of her third year, but by year number five, she was a pro. She wasn’t quite as fast a flier as Clara, Cleo, and Clementine, but she could fly longer than they. Once she was well adjusted to her new abilities, she gained the confidence and freedom that she lacked before, with less fear of falling and breaking, constantly consuming her thoughts.

It was still early in December as Tilly fluttered her tiny golden wings, setting herself back on the table at the base of the Christmas tree. It was still early in the night, Alexa having just gone to bed an hour ago, and Tilly ventured out and about on her nightly quest. Mostly, she enjoyed learning about Alexa, looking at photos, reading letters, and studying Alexa’s things. Tonight, she started with the mail that was left on the kitchen counter and she was very glad that she had.

“Hey, everyone!” Tilly called out, getting the attention of all the tree and manger decorations, and calling out again so that others around the house would come, too.

“What is it, Tilly?” Glint asked, as it was unusual for the friendly, but relatively quiet angel to make a house-wide announcement.

“I have some news!” Tilly replied with a smile, before continuing to gather everyone. She was no longer nervous around Glint after that first Christmas with him. And while she still blushed at his compliments from time to time, she could easily laugh him off, having built a comfortable friendship with him. That happened after she’d met Miss Tooth, who came by on occasion throughout the holiday season. Tilly found the pair’s relationship super sweet and had gotten to see a completely smitten and different Glint than ever before.

When everyone had finally gathered, Tilly, all lit up with excitement, began, “Alexa got a postcard in the mail today from her mother! It says that she and Alexa’s dad will be in Hawaii for Christmas on a romantic getaway to celebrate their big anniversary. She said that she was sorry Alexa would have to spend Christmas here, but that they’d come see her once they got home.”

“Well, that’s cool, I guess,” Oliver noted. “I suppose that will make Alexa a bit happy—for her parents, that is—and a bit sad, too.”

“Yeah, it’ll be her first Christmas without them,” Joseph threw out solemnly, sure Alexa would be disappointed.

“You guys don’t get it!” Tilly, still smiling, cried out. “If Alexa stays home for Christmas, that means Santa Claus will come here!”

Gasps and ohs came from the small crowd as realization swept across the room, especially for those who didn’t have long histories of Christmases with Santa visits. Tilly, of course, was beside herself. What would she say to him? Would he even talk to her?

Despite Balthazar’s acknowledgment that Santa Claus wasn’t any more special than any of them in the ideology of the Christmas Spirit, Tilly still had the famous old elf on a pedestal in her mind. After all, next to Jesus, he was Christmas’ most notable symbol—a Christmas celebrity.

For the next few weeks, Tilly scoured all of Alexa’s mail and sticky notes, looking for any sign that her parents’ plans may have changed or that Alexa might have decided to go visit someone else for the holiday instead. When the night of December 22nd arrived and there was still no luggage or overnight bags in preparation, Tilly finally relaxed, at least partly. Alexa was staying. But that meant Santa Claus really was coming.

By the time Christmas Eve had arrived, Tilly’s nerves had overtaken her joy. She unhooked herself from her branch upon waking that night, but she didn’t come down from the tree.

“Frilly Tilly Tilly, aren’t you going to come join the merriment?” the Grinch, who’d softened up considerably at this point in the season, pleaded in his Dr. Seuss-ian pleading, and Tilly couldn’t bear to break his big ’ole heart at this point.

“I’m coming,” Tilly smiled at him waiting for her at the base of the tree as she fluttered down to meet him.

“What has you so down, little angel? I’ve never seen you so solemn on Christmas Eve.” The Grinch watched Tilly as she wrung one of her fluffy feathers, looking more green than he really was.

“Oh, Grinch, I’m just so nervous!”

“Whatever for, dear one?” came his tender and worried reply.

“I know everyone says there’s no special protocol or ceremony for when Santa arrives, but I’m just worried that I will mess something up or...,” Tilly paused, afraid of voicing her biggest fear.

“Yes?” the Grinch prodded, knowing Tilly well enough to realize that if she didn’t get her problem off her chest, she would suffer for the rest of the night. And tonight was not the night to be downhearted.

Tilly swallowed heavily, staring up into the Grinch’s heavily-browed and slightly green-tinged eyes, “What if I’m not good enough? For Santa to like, that is?”

The pear-shaped, furry creature looked down on her in surprise, his eyes widening. He placed both hands on his wide hips, sticking out his belly with slight indignation, “What? How preposterous! Never in my life! How...? Who...?” he stammered before scratching his head. Then leaning down and cupping Tilly’s chin with his long, equally furry green fingers, the Grinch seriously regarded the relatively young angel, “Tilly, you have nothing to fear of the jolly old elf, Saint Nick. For if Santee Claus can treat a nasty old sourpuss like me with friendliness and kindness, then a sweet and kindhearted being like yourself has nothing to fear at all.” Again, the Grinch stood tall and pointed a long finger at her, “Now no more of this frown. You will come and enjoy Christmas Eve with all of us. And when Santee Claus comes, you stick with the ’ole Grinch and I’ll show you how it’s done!”

Tilly giggled, never imagining how the Grinch would act around Santa. Surely, it would be an awkward encounter since he was the one who had tried to steal Christmas away from all the little people in Whoville. Yet, she considered, If the Grinch can be brave and positive about it, then so can I!

Soon, she was so distracted by the game of Christmas soccer being played with a round peppermint candy under the dining room table that she forgot all about the impending visitor. It wasn’t until she heard someone up in the tree call out “Santa!” that she remembered her nerves.

The Grinch, who’d been keeping an eye on her since their talk, wrapped a long arm over her shoulder and brought her to gather with the others, “Just stick with me, little one.”

Taking the Grinch’s hand, Tilly watched with wide eyes as the human-sized giant of a man appeared in the darkened living room. Lit only by the soft glow of lights from the Christmas tree, he was an amazing sight to see. Knowing that he didn’t really come down chimneys as stories often portrayed, she was still mesmerized at how he magically faded into existence within the entrance of the small room, solidifying before their eyes within a matter of seconds.

He was everything that Tilly expected and more—a giant in his luxurious red velvet and white fur-trimmed coat and pants. The top was more cloak-like, hanging long to his knees and wrapped over his shoulders, a warm dark green fur vest peaked out from underneath. Everything was lined in gold thread and the golden buttons reflected the sparkle of the Christmas lights. His hat was plush, and while it was traditional to the pictures she’d seen, Tilly noted that it looked warm against the cold weather. His boots were black, but lacked snow or dust, shiny as if polished with care.

His face was serious, and his beard not nearly as white as she expected. In fact, he seemed younger than she thought he would be. Once he got his bearings, the infamous figure focused his eyes on the Christmas tree and his expression softened. Several pairs of eyes were staring back at him, some accompanied by smiles, while others, like Tilly, were wide-eyed and amazed.

“Merry Christmas!” Santa beamed at the crowd, a large smile causing his eyes to crease. “Give me just a moment to take care of business, then we can chat. I see some familiar faces!”

Making his way to the Christmas tree, he seemed to take a moment to admire it before placing his hands lightly on the limbs near the middle of the tree’s height. He looked up at the glowing yellow star and softly smiled, then bowed his head, closing his eyes, and taking a deep inhalation. Tilly could tell that he was concentrating.

Just before she was about to whisper an inquiry to the Grinch about what was happening, her voice caught in her throat. The tiny twinkling lights on the tree began to glow brighter and a warm breath of energy washed over the room, sending a gentle tingle though Tilly’s body, all the way from her ballet-slippered feet to the tips of her golden wings. She suddenly felt relaxed and happy all at the same time. She looked up at the Grinch, who upon feeling her eyes on him, turned to smile back down at her, squeezing her tiny ceramic hand.

It wasn’t long before Santa Claus finished, then turned to the group collectively standing on the tabletop near the tree and on the floor nearby. “Hello, my dear friends! Let me see, it’s been a few years since I’ve seen some of you.”

He called out the entire Nativity set by name, and said hello to Oliver and Olivia, Glint, and others that had met the jolly old man before. Tilly was amazed that he actually remembered them all so well, asking about each of them personally. She’d read Alexa’s geography book and knew the world was full of people—the amount of toys and ornaments that he would have to know by name had to be in the millions.

“Now, let’s do some introductions!” Santa rubbed his hands together, starting with the wooden angel triplets, who as usual, act as a group, rather than individuals. He asked them a few questions about how they liked Alexa’s home and they politely answered in their quiet ways. As he moved along the crowd, those who had already spoken with him began to dissipate, going back to their own celebrations, and mingling with one another.

The Grinch remained with Tilly, who had firmly latched herself to his hand until Santa finished with the last ornament before them. Santa had already had his moment joking with the three-inch tall green creature earlier and it was apparent in his gaze that he was surprised to see him still hanging around.

Pushing Tilly in front of him gently, the Grinch announced, “Santee Claus, I would like you to meet my friend, Tilly Tippy Toes, our very own ballet dancing angel.”

For some reason, Tilly wasn’t expecting a formal introduction, and with big eyes, curtsied politely. “Nice to meet you, Santa,” she said in a squeak of a whisper.

Santa laughed goodheartedly, extending a giant finger to her, which she took with her tiny hand in a handshake. “I shall talk to you later, Grinch. Let me have a moment to get to know Miss Tippy Toes a little better.”

The Grinch gave Santa a little salute, then patted Tilly on the head so that the star on the tip of her pink hat bounced, before he departed to join the others.

“My dear, you are frightened?” Santa asked as he returned his attention to her.

“Uh, not really, sir,” she shakily replied honestly. “It’s just that... you’re Santa Claus!”

He laughed again, kindness crinkling the corners of his eyes as he pulled out a pair of glasses and perched the spectacles on his nose, then leaned down to get a better view of the tiny pink angel. “Yes, child, I am Santa Claus, but I am a friend, not someone in search of praise or subservience. Surely, you do not act so fearful of your friends?”

Tilly shook her head, relaxing some. It was true, he didn’t seem nearly as intimidating as she imagined him to be all these years. He was gentle and amenable, and though his clothes were exquisite enough for royalty, he didn’t carry a sense of power or notoriety.

Gently setting her up in the tree so that he could speak to her at eye-level, Santa continued, “You have many questions, Tilly. What is it that you would like to know?”

Tilly thought, then with a breath began, “I’ve learned a lot about you from Balthazar and the others, but can you tell me what you did with the tree when you came into the apartment? And where is your bag of presents?”

Chuckling lightly, Santa nodded, “Very good questions, young lady. I’ll start with the second one, because it leads to the first. Physical presents are a tradition for children, but as Alexa is no longer a child, I no longer need to bring her a physical gift. No, now she simply gets what I bring to every human, young and old, each year.” Tilly tilted her head curiously, and Santa continued, “I amplify the Christmas Spirit within the walls of this dwelling, sending blessings of hope and love from Heaven through my own power and love to each inhabitant. My gift to people is hope and the power to endure struggles and hardships for the entire year.”

This sounded much like what Balthazar had said about Santa’s job a few Christmases ago, and Tilly smiled back at him. “That’s such a good gift! Much better than physical things that people use up and throw away.”

“Well,” Santa mused, “sometimes people throw this gift away as well, and they oftentimes need a refill throughout the year. But that’s why I return each year and gift them hope, love, and perseverance over and over again.”

“Hmm,” Tilly acknowledged, then asked, “What about the naughty boys and girls—or adults?”

“Coal?” Santa smirked, guessing where she was going with this and she bobbed her head. “No, Tilly, those who are troubled often need the hope, love, and perseverance even more than those who are doing well. To those people, young and old, I gift them the same. All children, regardless of whether they believe in God, Allah, Yahweh, the Creator, the Great Spirit, or any other divine entity, or even nothing at all, deserve my gifts—for these gifts remind all of Earth’s children to do good unto each other and to count their blessings, finding the beauty in the world around them, even when there is little beauty to behold.”

Tilly soaked in his words, recognizing just how much more hopeful and positive it felt just being in his presence. Realizing that Santa had already been at their home for a while, Tilly suddenly queried, “Don’t you have to go soon? Surely, you have many more homes to visit tonight.”

Chuckling once again, Santa stood tall and proclaimed, “Tilly, like you I am magical, derived from the Christmas Spirit. I, much like other such beings, but unlike you, have a special ability to be in multiple places at the same time. So, as much as I am here with you, I am also in hundreds and thousands of other homes all around the world. Yet, I can still give my full attention to each and every one.”

“Wow,” she whispered in awe, then smiled, “that’s a lot to keep up with!”

As their discussion wound down, Tilly thanked him for spending time with her and explaining his purpose. “Thank you for what you bring to Alexa’s home and to your friends here,” Santa swept his hand across the room. “It takes a very special person for the Grinch to watch over so carefully, and that tells me a lot about you. A lot of good things about you. Now, I must leave, and I shall see you again another year.” With a smile and a twinkle in his eye, Santa Claus faded out as though he were never there.

Tilly rubbed her eyes, feeling warm and happy inside, yet almost as though the whole thing were a dream. The most wonderful dream and apparently, one that had taken most of the night. With the sky beginning to brighten and only seconds to spare before the dawning of Christmas Day and the end of this year’s magic, Tilly shouted out to the others below, “Merry Christmas, everyone! See you next year!”

Then, as there was no time left to visit the baby Jesus and present her annual Christmas wish, she simply closed her eyes, envisioning the sweet child in her mind. She whispered the same wish she did each year. “I wish for love that I can fall into.”