Why Won't Santa Visit Poor Children?

A Christmas story from the Philippines by Roy Thomsitt

 

 

Di Arrives Home - Christmas Is Really Coming

As the bus got nearer to their drop off point, Di really began to feel excited about going home. Hers was such a small, simple and poor home compared to Aunt Paula's, and even more so when compared to the lavish American home in the Santa Claus movie; but it was her home, where she had spent all her life, and where she was so happy.

With about a kilometre to go, she was watching ahead intently to see the beginning of the road to Estrella. As they got closer, many people on the bus were turning to watch her. She realised, too, that things were not quite the same up ahead. At the side of the road, there were a crowd of people and several parked vehicles. It was never like that; what was happening? Her excitement grew by the second, and she looked at Ma as if to ask what was going on, but saying nothing. Her eyes were filled with anticipation; this was something special, she just knew it.

The bus slowed down and stopped. There must have been 50 or more people waiting at the side of the road, now spilling onto the road so the bus could not move forward even if the driver wanted to. But he did not want to anyway. Normally, the bus would be away quickly. Today, the driver stood up, and looked back down the bus to see Di and her Ma stand up. Everybody else on the bus did the same, and started to applaud as Di's Ma ushered Di off first to the front of the bus. Ma followed, smiling at everyone she passed. They all knew what was happening; all, that is, except Di, who was overwhelmed with excitement.

Di looked around in wonder as she got off the bus. Papa was there, with Charles, Rose and Crystal. Di gave Papa a big hug even as her eyes kept looking around at all the people. "What's happening Papa?" she asked in a whisper. "Is it a parade?"

Di was used to many parades in the town, but not here, on the road to her village. Papa moved her a little way from the bus, and to her amazement, everybody on the bus, including the driver, got off.

"You'll see," Papa smiled.

There was a small band and a group of young majorettes about the same age as Di, some from her school, and some from other local schools, all dressed in very pretty red and white uniforms which must have been made specially for the day. Di realised, it was a school day, why were the children not at school? This was wonderful.

There was also a brightly decorated open truck in the centre of the road, with a multi coloured awning to provide shade. But there was nobody inside; just a large throne like chair facing backwards, as they have for the fiesta queens and beauty pageant winners. The truck was facing towards Estrella; Di was tingling inside as she was encouraged towards it. Everybody was watching her, and clapping as she passed them. Everybody, young and old, was smiling and happy. What was this all about?

 

 

 

Next: Santa Claus Story (cont)