A wonderful Christmas visit

WORDS: SOPHIA PAMELA UMALI | DECEMBER 25, 2023

Bright reds and greens decorate every corner of the neighborhood

Joyful songs blast through speakers of malls and stores.

My Mama always reminds me to be kind and good,

Because Santa will give me a gift on Christmas Eve for being pure.

I always wonder how Santa gives out presents every Christmas…

Entering houses through the cramped and dusty chimneys,

He eats chocolate chip cookies and drinks milk in every home he goes

I wonder, does Santa not feel full in every house he goes to?

What does his ‘naughty list’ look like?

What does his ‘nice list’ look like?

Where is my name listed?

Will he let me see the list?

I always remember what Mama said; that I will be rewarded with a huge gift if I am good

That is why I always feed my pet rabbit and take care of them.

I go to school every day and study hard with my friends;

Earning a very good sticker from my teacher in my notebook again and again.

I wonder what would Santa say when he sees my stickers?

Will he also say I did a good job?

Will he ask what I want as my present?

Will I… will I get another present for having so many stickers?

Chasing Christmas lights as we dance and sway

Hugging every relative along the way.

Greeting “Merry Christmas!” is what we all say

Exchanging small gifts as we get some board games and play.

As the night goes darker and the lights become brighter,

Mama said that I have to sleep for Santa to come and bring gifts.

I excitedly changed into my pajamas, ready to sleep the night,

Slowly closed my eyes and hoped that my wish list be all checked tomorrow.

Is that his footsteps?

Will I see Santa?

Oh! He’s eating the cookies with the way he munches! Hope he likes it!

I can’t wait for tomorrow!

As I ran to the living room, I saw a huge pile of presents with my name.

Grabbing the first present and ripping it open, I see my favorite game.

“Mama! Mama! Look! Look! I got it!”

Mama smiles and says, “Well, Santa listened and saw your list.”

Cookie crumbs are on the floor; half a glass of milk rests on the table.

I hurriedly hugged Mama and thanked her,

She praised and reminded me to always be good,

As she says, “Santa will always remember good kids and reward them as he could.”

Oh, thank you! Thank you, Santa!

I promise I’ll be a good kid, as always.

I’ll help other people have a good Christmas too!

Until next time, Santa! Merry Christmas!