Santa's Special Delivery: a Collab

Brutal was the biting wind, sweeping brown locks of a tiny urchin side to side, often hiding her eyes. Oversized slippers she had donned were lost in deep snow drifts. She plodded forth barefoot, risking frostbite. Little daylight remained to guide her; a dangerous holiday trek she undertook. Villagers in passing carriages didn't notice her. With snow falling fast and accumulations growing deep, she didn't realize she'd left the main road. If only she could find her grandfather's cottage! For Christmas Eve it was, but in her heart there was no joy. Her cruel stepmother’s house she left in search of love. As darkness fell, the biting cold increased. Her weary legs she dragged; with teary eyes she searched in vain, for only shadows could she see. A green-clad elf with lantern lit was homeward bound deep in the woods, when all at once he spied this forlorn girl, sprawled on the snow deprived of strength and shivering. He shone the light on her white face; eyelids moved and flickered. He read her thoughts and understood; he knew just how to help her. No time was lost; his crystal flute he blew to call his trusted friends. An entire family of elves pulled the shivering child, placing her gently on a sled, fully decked out in Christmas flare. The elves had been on their way to Santa; Yuletide deliveries had to be made, but the wee girl's plight took priority. Once she was aboard the sled, reindeer arrived on cue, ushering the crew to the North Pole. The little girl came to quickly, nestled in Santa's arms. With pleasure he brought her to her grandfather's cottage. Grandfather sat alone by his roaring fire when a knock came to the door. He went to see who it could be so late into the night. There on the doorstep his young granddaughter stood with shining eyes, a dream come true for those who never give up hope. He picked her up in welcome arms, a warm embrace of love. The clock struck twelve. They heard the sound of jingling bells as Santa waved goodbye and off he sped across the sky. Christmas had arrived, and his first gift had been delivered! [Inspired by the first paragraph of The Little Match Girl by H.C. Andersen] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co-written by: Paul Callus~Carolyn Devonshire~Valentina Stagno-Navarra Contest: A Christmas Tale Sponsor: Debbie Guzzi Placed: 1st