Oh Santa Oh Santa Don't Leave Me In The Snow! I Really Do Have Somewhere To Go

Twas the night before Santa and all through the house all the creatures were stirring, even the mouse. They awoke me at just half past midnight with their chitters and chatters and little feet scratching. I hushed them with a pat on each head, and gave them a nuzzle before going to bed. I closed my eyes and a whine arose from my little dog terrier in the crate next door.

I pulled the covers up over my head and wished for a miracle of quiet and peace. Five minutes, ten, and then over again, the whine got more frantic till I alighted again. I pushed on my slippers, my thick terry robe and went to investigate the dog with a bow.

She wiggled and peered apologetically ahead as I opened the gate with some dread. She dashed to the door, her tummy was stressed. Must have been those darn popcorn snacks pa gave her before bed. We went down the stairs and I turned on the light, I was searching for her leash red and bright. I yanked it from the hook and affixed it tight to the little slim neck of my wiggling beast.

We strode outside in the frigid night air and I wondered if Santa was anywhere near. The dog did her business and we turned to the door when a breeze took the handle and pushed it closed. I turned the knob, it shouldn’t have been locked, but my cat stared beyond a row of boxes upright. His eyes sparkled bright; it had been his delight to create a new memory for this night.

I almost screamed so my neighbors could hear, but instead felt a shiver of numbing fear. What would we do it we had to be out on a night full of stars and icicles bright?

I trudged to the front to search for a key I had hidden beside the thick apple tree. My slippers got damp from the evening’s dew, and I wished I had worn a sock or two. I got to the trunk; there was no key, so I stood frozen by the big thick tree.

The dog started barking and I wanted to cuss, how could it be we were in such muck? The dog saw a raccoon high on the fence post. I yelled and ran forward, my foot caught a twig, I fell with a thump and a bruised knee. My nightgown got dirty; my face splattered too, what in the world was I going to do?

The dog left the fence and licked my face, I cared no more what people would think. I went to my neighbor’s they let me in, gave me a bandage and some gin. They had a spare key, what a relief, if only I’d remembered that as I stood out by the tree.

We got in the house; I put up the cat, and closed the dog crate quick and fast. I put on some music and sat by my stocking, a little wild mouse scurried beneath. I watched him run by and what did I see, but a package of gold glinting at me. I lifted it up, what could it be but a shiny heart ornament of me with my thee. A present it said, from Santa dear, I saw you sprawled out upon the snow and thought you could use some glow.

I held up the heart, it sparkled and shone. This Christmas was turning out to be bright. A beautiful, happy moment of light.

All photos property of and copyright 2009 Cindy Letchworth