The magic of the seahorse

It was Christmas eve. The world of holiday cheer was alive indeed in the air. Everywhere you looked bells were jingling, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was flying here and there, and elves peeked from behind many a window. Christmas lights dazzled the eyes, fires burned within the hearths, hearts were singing lively carols and happiness, good cheer and eggnog were brewing within the cozy houses.

In short, cheer was present in mostly everyone, but not within me you see. I never had gifts or toys or even a Christmas tree at my house when I was growing up. So, the holiday spirit was not so easily anticipated, and with a "bah humbug", I, with a stiff neck and disdain for the merriment, kept walking by the celebrations, thinking that there was a reason I so loved the story of Mister Scrooge. Leave me alone, leave me out of it all. "Bah humbug".

I continued my lonely amble down the streets, past the shops all adorned with trees, ribbons and fake gifts under the trees. Lovely I thought, lure them all in with your trinkets and baubles, is it not after all just for show and making profits. Does anyone even remember the true meaning of the holiday. What was the true meaning anyway, I asked myself. I had no immediate answer to my own question.

I approached the Maison Mall, with the large aquarium display, today though it was empty for rejuvenation and renewal, the sign read. I thought that I somehow heard a melodious voice singing a haunting lullaby coming from inside the aquarium. Looking around, I saw no one within close proximity to the tank. Slowly though, an image was emerging inside the huge tank of water. I drew closer.

The form of a beautiful seahorse appeared as if by magic.

"Come on in and join me". The voice said.

"Did you just ask me to jump into the tank full of water". I asked, looking around to make sure no one was hearing me talking to a seahorse in an aquarium. That is if they could see the sea animal or mammal or whatever and not just me talking to myself.

"Yes. There is a ladder at the side. Climb in and take a leap of faith. You will be pleasantly surprised at the wonders to be found within a heart full of faith". I know that I could not be dreaming, the cold biting through my jacket was a reminder that I was not at home.

"First thing about that is, I cannot swim. Many other reasons come to mind, but foremost is that I am not crazy enough to jump into a tank with a clear figment of my imagination".

The seahorse did not reply this time, just started to sing again. The lovely melodies captivated my senses, and I found myself moving to the ladder. Up I went and down into the tank, forgetting about my inability to swim and just about everything else. The animal then transformed itself, became as large as a regular horse, swam up, and to my surprise, I was on it's back, out the wide open doors, and flying up into the moonlit, star-studded skies.

Like Scrooge, the world on Christmas day was displayed below. I was shown many demonstrations of kindnesses. The struggles of mine and many other families who, though not having the means for gifts and all the trimmings for the many holidays past, still had love and caring, sharing and the gift of each other through the many adversities large and small. The ones who had so little, but were still willing to share a morsel here or there so someone else would be fed. We saw elaborate fares adorning the tables of the more fortunate, with never a thought for the less fortunate. We also saw others, just as privileged, spare a few moments to lend a hand and a few hours to spread some cheer. There were happy families everywhere enjoying the warmth and love of each and everyone. Many scenarios, good, bad and hopeful were seen everywhere. Just choose one, my friend the seahorse said. Make a difference by solving one problem at a time.

Is there a real Santa Claus, you ask. Well. I can categorically tell you yes. I visited him at home on Christmas day. We sat and had dinner with his family. Mrs. Clause was a wonderful hostess. The elves, reindeers and especially Rudolph, made us feel very welcome. The many stories they had to tell. We wished them merry Christmas and a hearty thank you.

The last place we visited was an overburdened homeless shelter in the heart of the town. It had way too many people than it could feed and clothe, yet they refused to turn anyone away.

I felt selfish and a little unkind. "I understand now the true meaning of the holiday spirit, my dear seahorse". I said out loud.

Suddenly, I was back standing outside the aquarium. The story unfolding had taken place inside, outside and above the large enclosed tank. Magic had happened to me on Christmas eve, I still had time to do something wonderful, both for me and someone, or many 'someones' else. There was no sign of a seahorse or anything except water in the aquarium.

I was not rich, but I surely could spare a few dollars, forego the new coat, shoes and hat that I had my eye on. This one I had on was not so bad after all. So some last minute shopping saw me to the Bargain Store just down the street. I bought coats and hats, gloves and scarves. Little holiday treats I wrapped in colorful holiday papers, some went into little lovely gift bags with little notes.

Next day at the Shelter, they were very happy for the help, the gifts and especially the coats. "We welcome the gift of warmth for those who need a little help. Thank you." They told me.

Instead, I thanked them for showing what kindness during the holidays really meant.

Here is to wishing everyone a happy and kind Christmas holiday!

N.A.