A Mother's Gift

Santa’s Red Ribbon Race Against Time!

“This merrily miraculous side-scroller has taken the whole world by storm! Praised for its incredibly detailed graphics and catchy tunes, “Santa’s Red Ribbon Race Against Time!” is nothing short of a wonderful way to enjoy the festivities that Christmas brings! Your family and friends can tag along with the fan-favorite co-op mode! Or go solo with the snowy single-player mode!

Santa has to get back to the North Pole, however, there are still many presents that need to be dropped off! With the help of your eccentric elves, you will be able to become Santa and spread the spirit of Christmas to many people young and old!”

“Remember to watch out for the clock!”

There was a young boy, who always enjoyed this time of year. A young boy, beaming with optimism. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked upon his gift.

“Mom! This is the game! You actually got it! Mom…?”

Perhaps she went out to grab some extra food! Shrugging off the confusion, the young boy quickly ran to his game console, accidentally bumping into different Christmas decorations along the way, sleigh bells playing in his head. He rested his hand on his heart.

*Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum*.

The boy popped the disc into the console and watched as his tv screen shone in different festive lights, a cheery melody leaking out of the speakers. Wrapping himself in a red blanket, the boy grabbed his controller and started the game, escaping into the frosty fantasy!

The boy was now in a landscape filled with snow. He felt a certain fabric on his body. Soft and comfortable. It was red clothing mixed in with stripes of white!

“Santa? I am Santa!” the boy excitedly exclaimed!

Resisting the biting cold, the boy found his way to his new sleigh. Reindeers as majestic as angels, a seat as warm as the hot chocolate sitting atop an unknowing child’s table on Christmas morning, the sleigh zoomed through the clouds! Presents were falling out of the sky like snowflakes and the ho ho hos echoed throughout the land! The boy wished that he could be Santa forever.

Alas, his time was almost over.

The North Pole was within reach! Seeing his elves ready to congratulate him in the distance, the boy shouted “full steam ahead!” as he set his sights on the finish line!

“Woo! I have to do that again! I can’t wai-”

One of the elves looked at him in disbelief.

“Do you not understand? Running away from it will only make things worse. Don’t make this mistake. Reach out. It’s okay to seek help.”

Guardians of the Christmas Tree

My mother’s smile felt so warm and tender. She would tuck me in bed every night, but she always made an effort to do something special when December came around. Hot cocoa with two marshmallows swimming inside it, a cheesy Christmas carol, vibrant jumpers, you name it! She brought her A-game all the time. However, there was always one thing she did that stood out from the rest.

“Now let's add Marty over here and…Voilà!”

An assortment of Christmas plushies, given the arduous, but rewarding task of guarding the Christmas tree! One was named Evie, another was named Max. Too many to remember the names of, actually. They were a hardened bunch who would always take the challenges that they faced head-on. Although they were sometimes brash in their adventures, they always made sure to protect the tree and report back to the Big Boss (which was my Mother)!

I would always get scared of the cold. While everyone was having snowball fights, I would sit next to the plushies, drinking my Mother’s famous hot cocoa. She created an atmosphere that enhanced the Christmas spirit! She knew that I would get lonely, so I guess the plushies were her way of giving me new friends.

“Your father will be back soon! Make sure to finish up that cocoa, so we can get to playing some board games!”

My eyes would widen every time she mentioned board games. Who am I kidding, I would always get excited to just spend time with my parents.

The plushies looked at me with mischievous grins. They were always ready for adventure! I gave them a grin back as the snow continued to slide down our windows, slowly turning into tiny droplets, like tears.

I can’t stop crying.

Her Melody

You remembered the doctor’s words. It sent chills down your spine. Winter got colder. You repeatedly played her music box, trying to remember her embrace.

Uncertainty. You could only hope, but, really, you have no idea. You can not do anything. The clock is ticking.

Remember to watch out for the clock.

The music box continued to play a doleful sound.

You called out to your Mother, but there was no response once again. Still finding that food, perhaps?

She will come back.

Christmas was starting to lose its meaning. As the children went out to play, you were still inside, waiting for her to come back. The emptiness, the silence grew louder and louder. The tears still stream down the foggy windows.

You looked out of the window, taking in the subtle wind.

An energetic, but respectful group of people were going door to door, singing Christmas carols. Some people joined in, others shut the door in flustered frustration, but the group’s enthusiasm never faltered. You watched in awe as they continued to create blissful harmonies. You felt a familiar warmth wrap around you.

“Hold them tight because you will never know when their time is up. Time won’t stop for anyone. Life won’t stop for anyone. It doesn’t play favorites. Stay strong for her. Please.”

That started to echo in your head. You wished that you could have said more to her. Once she comes back, you will be able to say everything. Once she comes back.

Silent Night

It has been about five years since we lost you.

Christmas day.

Everyone was stuck in an indescribable shock when we heard the news.

The festive season is upon us once again.

I keep tossing and turning in bed, trying to move on and accept.

I still miss you so much.

I can’t make it any more complex than that.

I wait for your smile every day.

We celebrate every single Christmas in your memory.

The pain lingers. It is ever-present, but we push forward anyways. Right?

As I think about you on this silent night, I hope that you will continue to give me the strength to keep going.

You are gone and I can not change that.

However, I can make you proud.

I will make you proud.

Sincerely,

Your little sunshine