Winter Wonderland
Coffee Break Tale
Sharon walked past the department store’s display windows and stopped in her tracks. The window dressers had outdone themselves this year. Delicate snowflakes fell onto Santa and his reindeer sleighing through a white and twinkling winter wonderland.
It was beautiful, but unfortunately it also reminded her of the Christmas trip she and Mark would no longer be experiencing this year.
She headed to a bench in front of the store and sat down. This was where her friend Karla had said to meet her. Sharon stared at the store windows again. Where would she and Mark be right now if he hadn’t cancelled their trip? Flying to one of the Nordic countries? In transit to Lapland?
Ever since she was little she’d wanted to experience Christmas at the home of Santa Claus himself. Sure, the grown-up in her knew the truth, but there was still a bright-eyed little girl inside her who would never let go of the magic of Christmas.
Sharon’s phone chimed. A text from Karla. Sorry I’m late. Will be the resoon! No worries, she replied. Sharon thought of Mark while she waited. His job at the telecoms company was unpredictable, demanding and often required business trips away. It wasn’t the first time plans they had made had fallen by the wayside. Sharon was beginning to realise it would always be like this. Was that what she wanted? To her left, Sharon noticed a Santa with a present sack walking along. The store must have hired him. Poor man. Even though it was chilly, sweat beaded his forehead.
She knew Santa was definitely feeling hot when he headed to the bench and plonked down beside her with a groan.
“Do you need a drink?” said Sharon. “I haven’t opened this bottle of water yet. You’re welcome to it.”
“Ho, ho, no. I’ll be fine,” his deep voice rumbled. “Thanks for the offer, you’re very kind.”
“You’re welcome. But you need to be back in the North Pole or Lapland where you belong,” she smiled.
“Well, when Christmas is over, perhaps. Lots to do before then.”
“I guess there is. You can’t disappoint the kids. It’s lovely how they believe you only have to wish for what you want, and it’ll happen.”
“Sounds as if you don’t believe that any more,” observed Santa.
Sharon could see sweat dripping off the end of his nose onto his white beard.
“Are you sure you’re OK?” She frowned. Was he in danger of fainting? “Changing the subject?” “I confess,” said Sharon. “Yes, I’ve been disappointed. In fact, I was meant to go on a trip of a lifetime with my boyfriend to experience Christmas at the home of Santa himself…” She shrugged. “But it’s OK.”
“Hmmm. Doesn’t sound OK to me. He let you down.”
Sharon shook her head. “As lovely as the trip would have been, I know what’s most important.” “What’s that?” “I’ve been missing Mark terribly and I realise I’d be happy at Christmastime no matter where I am, as long as he is by my side. Even if it’s just here at home.”
“Oh – I’m not sure what to do with this, then.” Santa reached into the sack and pulled out a small, thin rectangular box. He handed it to Sharon. “What’s this?” “A present from Santa.” Sharon opened the lid, then gasped. Two aeroplane tickets to Finland, leaving tomorrow.
She stared into Santa’s eyes – brown, sparkling eyes she’d recognise anywhere. She threw her arms around him.
“I don’t believe it. What are you doing here?”
Santa’s voice changed to a familiar tone. “I worked fast and late and delegated as much as I could so I could get home ASAP. I wanted to surprise you. Karla helped by getting you here. I thought seeing the Christmas Wonderland would create the right ambience.” He wiped his brow. “So, what do you think? Is spending one week over Christmas in Lapland, the home of Santa, OK with you?”
“More than OK.” She hugged him again. “Thank you.”
Sharon felt someone tap her shoulder. She pulled back and saw an elderly woman standing there.
“Don’t hog Santa, dearie,” the woman said. “I can’t wait to see what trip Santa has in that sack for me.”