Why Won't Santa Visit Poor Children?

A Christmas story from the Philippines by Roy Thomsitt

Santa Claus Alive - A Week Of Joy!

Di must have told over 100 children about Santa Claus being alive, as she and Tina went around to the houses of everyone Tina knew. Then they went to the store where Tina had taken Di to buy the dress, and although there were no children there, they were just as excited.

The store owner went out to the back of the store, then returned with her Magic Microphone, with thousands of songs on it. She handed it to Tina, telling her:

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is on there.

Tina got the message. It was not a song she had ever sung before, but did know it, and was soon into full voice. As Tina sang, Di danced and jigged, two of the girl assistants joining in to share Di's happiness and celebration.

It was an hour, and more than ten songs later, that Tina and Di returned to Tina's house.

As they went inside, Di became excited.

"Tina, can we watch the Santa Claus movie?" she asked. "Now I know he's alive, I would love to see him again."

Aunt Paula had already anticipated such a request, and the DVD was in the player, ready and waiting.

"Of course you can," said Aunt Paula. "It's all ready for you."
Aunt Paula exchanged knowing looks with her daughter, who sat down with Di on the sofa and started the Santa Claus movie. Di immediately cuddled up to her cousin and settled down with relish to enjoy to the full every single moment of her favourite movie.

Di glowed with extra radiance every time Santa appeared throughout the ninety minutes of the movie. All the sadness of the previous week had vanished, so there was no danger of tears of mourning. But although she was enjoying every minute, she could not wait for the closing scenes, when Santa and the reindeer would set off on their journey.

As the end neared, Di sat on the edge of the sofa in anticipation. She watched intently to see if they would show the reindeer drinking at Estrella Falls, as she had not been looking for that before. But they could not fit everything into a ninety minute movie, Aunt Paula pointed out.

"Oh, I know, I just wanted to check," said Di, feeling a bit silly.

For a moment she felt even more silly as Santa alighted on the roof of the American family. The chimney did not really look that much like the well in her garden; just a bit, but not much.

"But in the dark, he could have made a mistake," Di excused, Tina and her Mom roaring with laughter.

That was the first day of a wonderful week for Di; but in the meantime, much was happening back at Estrella.

 

Next: Santa Claus Story (cont)