A Winter's Tale

"It's the most wonderful time of the year", said Mama as she described Christmas to Reuben. "It's a time for giving and receiving, but most importantly, it's a time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves." Mama continued. "In England, Scotland and Ireland where my own Mama and Daddy and brothers and sisters are from, we hold Christmas as a very holy and religious time. The feast of Christmas warms your heart; it makes it glow".

Mama started to tell Reuben about the Nativity Story and the story of baby Jesus. This Reuben could well identify with as he pondered his love for his own baby brother, Callum, whose name means "dove".

As they strolled through the streets with the soft golden lights from the Christmas tree shining into their eyes and reflecting off of Reuben's glasses, whilst Christmas carolers sang all around, Reuben asked:

"Mama, can you tell me about Santa Claus".

"Well, the original Santa Claus or Father Christmas as we used to call him growing up, was Bishop Nicholas of Greece, who became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need and for his love of children. That's the true message behind Christmas. To give without the expectation of receiving. It's about honouring the gift of Jesus that God gave to us. Some people find it hard working out where Santa fits in with the Nativity Story, but to me, my son, it's the same story: the story of giving, of kindness and love and it transcends religions. And the Three Wise Men who came to visit the baby Jesus brought gifts to honour his birth".

"And how can I get to meet Father Christmas?" Reuben asked and with this question, Mama whispered into Reuben's ear:

"Step this way, I think I know just the place. He's here to visit children who've been good".

Mama and Reuben walked up to the leaded glass window of the brightly coloured cottage where a crowd had gathered, and, peering through the window and with eyes open in awe and window, Reuben looked through to see Santa all clad in red and with a long white beard. He looked very busy, studying letters from children all over the World with their Christmas wishes.

Santa must have heard their footsteps in the snow outside, and looking up, he gave Reuben a big smile. (He wore glasses too so that pleased Reuben no end).

Reuben sat on Santa's knees and talked to him about his wishes for Christmas and that what he wanted more than anything was for the boys and girls in hospitals all over the World to have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas with hopes that they will soon be able to go home. He was thinking a lot about his friend in CHARGE, Moriah.

And then it was time to say goodbye to Santa.

Mama started to tell Reuben that the reindeer would be riding through the snow, but Reuben was adamant that the reindeer would be flying high with Santa through the night skies.

"But wait, what's that I hear?" exclaimed Mama.

Hooves a clicking, a thundering sound on the roof above them and jingling bells.

And as sure as I stand here today, Mama and Reuben looked above their heads and saw for themselves how  reindeer really do know how to fly.

It was getting late and the silver bells of Big Ben were beginning to toll. Ring a ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas Day.

The End

Photos taken at The Grove in Beverly Hills (where else would you get a Big Ben in Los Angeles!) and information on Saint Nicholas gleened from the good old web. I couldn't be more in love with Reuben in the first photo.

Please join us in keeping the true spirit and holy message of Christmas alive. It's not just another "holiday". It's Christmas.

Merry Christmas one and all.