Why Won't Santa Visit Poor Children?

A Christmas story from the Philippines by Roy Thomsitt

 

 

Di's Christmas Eve In Estrella

Di woke early on Christmas Eve. The whole family were excited about the arrival of their guests from Puerto Princesa. As promised, Maricel, back from Sweden for the holiday, was coming with her Mom and Dad, who were Di's Aunt Paula and Uncle James, and her two sisters, Tina and the youngest, Minnie.

They had never had so many people to stay before, theirs was such a small house even for Di and her three siblings, and Ma and Papa. Nobody really cared about that, nor even thought about it; Di's family would sleep together in one bedroom, Aunt Paula's in the other. Well, that's how they would start; but Di wanted to sleep next to Tina as she had when she stayed at her house.

Since the Christmas lights had been switched on, hundreds of people had come to Estrella to see them, and Di had gone out each evening to have a look and admire. Her excitement over Christmas itself, though, was confined to having so many visitors, including her favourite cousin Tina, and the special guest from Sweden, Maricel. Di was so happy and proud that they would all want to come to stay at her little house.

It was mid morning when the visitors arrived, and the four children ran out excitedly to meet the multicab as it pulled up on the dirt track beyond the garden, scattering a few chickens in a flurry to the side of the track. Di was overjoyed to see Tina again, and told her about the new sound system and videoke they now had in the house so Tina could sing.

A very smart lady got out of the multicab behind Tina, and that was Maricel. She seemed much older to Di, but she was only 23 and really only looked her age. But Di looked up to her because she was mature and especially because she had been to Sweden. That was a faraway place near where Santa Claus lived.

Maricel gave Di an enormous smile and greeting, and held her hand as she admired the chimney.

"Wow, Di, Santa will be so happy tonight," said Maricel, squeezing Di's hand.

Tonight? A surge of anticipation came over Di. She had not forgotten about the chimney; she sat and looked at it every day while in the garden, and just loved the fireplace inside. But, she had got used to it. All of a sudden it was that special chimney again; Santa Claus's special chimney.

"I hope he likes it," said Di. "I really hope so."

"He already knows about it, Di," Maricel told her. "My friend in Lapland made sure about that."

"Really? Really, Ate Maricel?" asked Di, her face alight again as it had been the day she first saw the chimney.

Maricel crouched down and gave her little cousin a hug. "Yes," she assured, "really."

Di stared at the chimney, bottom to top, then looked at Maricel.

"You think he'll come to my little house tonight?" asked Di.

Maricel gave an assuring nod as she held Di's hand while they went into the house. Di was now sizzling with excitement inside; Santa really was coming. The day was already taking on a whole new meaning for Di; a day she could share with all her favourite people.

 

 

 

 

Next: Santa Claus Story (cont)