Christmas with Santa

It’s been an exhausting day. As I sit down to write this, Amelie is in bed dreaming, I hope, of the day that started with a visit from Santa. Yes, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus, Father Christmas and various other nom de plumes, came to our house in the morning. I heard the knock on the door about 8am, and when I opened it, there was the jolly old man with all his reindeers. He was running late after a fiasco involving a blocked chimney and rottweiler in Rochdale, so he didn’t have much time. For a man that must have spent the entire evening racing around the world, dropping off presents for all the good little children, he didn’t seem at all tired. In truth, he was in very good spirits. He asked me to hold his reindeers while he gave Amelie a few presents. Normally Santa wouldn’t visit a child on Christmas day, but because this was Amelie’s first proper Christmas, he was willing to make an exception. I didn’t see the next few minutes (I was stroking Rudolph’s bright red nose while feeding him a carrot), but Carla filmed it on our camcorder. While Amelie wasn’t entirely sure who Santa was, she seemed really excited about seeing him. Her face lit up and she had this perfect smile on her face throughout the visit. Santa spoke in an unusual American accent and told Amelie she had been a very good girl. Presents were handed over and Santa offered his lap to her, but Amelie refused (already she’s street smart). After a few compliments to Carla, he came back out to the reindeers. Before he left, he pulled me to one side and whispered, “No gift could ever match that of a child’s smile.” He was right.
I could go into the rest of the day, the visit to see all the grandparents and the wonderful gifts Amelie received, but I think it’s time to settle down with a hot cup of tea and watch a film (and no doubt fall asleep half way through it). But I want to take this time to wish my daughter a very Merry Christmas. Santa was right, your smile was the best present I could have hoped for this Christmas. Sweet dreams. Your mummy wants to say something to….


Amelie, my love

Its such a shame you won’t remember your first visit from Father Christmas. Or it may well be a blessing, as I think of phoney American accent and red baggy trousers split at the crotch! He must invest in a better suit next year.
It was lovely watching your eyes widen with each word he spoke and your looks of reassurance from me.
Today was a lovely day but I look forward to the Christmases when you understand what’s happening and delight in all the gifts and attention from people.Sleep well my angel, you are the best present I could ever wish for xxxxxxxxxxx