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The Christmas Letter, by Jim Bartlett

23/12/2022

28 Comments

 
Pop...

The noise sends a chill down Allison’s back, stopping her mid-stride. She puts a finger to her lips, then pulls Molly, her Raggedy Ann doll, up close.

“Shhhhh... ‘member, we have to be extra quiet.”

With the doll seeming to understand, giving that one gray button-eyed look that only Molly knows how to give, Allison continues to tip-toe down the stairs. When she reaches the bottom, she leans against the wall and carefully peers around the corner into the parlor.

Gasp...

The last of the crackling embers in the fireplace have cast their spell upon the room, and everything, including the Christmas tree with its ancient lights and reused tinsel, seems to dance in the red/orange glow.

She takes in a deep breath, then wearily makes her way to the sofa, sliding in under Mrs. Quigley’s thick quilt. With Molly to her side, she pulls the crumpled letter from her pocket and reads the crayon-written words one more time.

“I’ve tried real hard to be good this year, Santa. Could I please have a mommy and daddy? Please!”

Setting the letter aside, she leans back, tucking her head against Molly’s.

Yawn...

This year she’s going to see him. For sure. Give him the letter herself. Then, maybe like Kaylee, who just got her forever mommy and daddy yesterday, right here in this very room, she can have a family, too.

Mrs. Quigley has been real nice. And it’s been real swell living here at the orphans’ house the last two years since Grammy passed away. But...

The embers begin to dim, the magic in their glow slowly slipping away. She fights and fights to keep her eyelids from closing – gotta watch for Santa – but – YAWN – it’s so very hard...

Soooo very hard...

Allison...

All-i-son...


The voice sounds a thousand miles away, but when Allison opens her eyes, Mrs. Quigley, wearing her biggest smile, is sitting right next to her.

“Is it morning?”

“Yes, Dear.”

“Oh, no... I missed him.” Panic swells within Allison and she begins digging into the quilt.

“Missed who?”

But Mrs. Quigley’s words are lost.

Because the letter is gone.

With her hopes, much like the fireplace’s embers, now dark and cold, little tears begin to roll down her cheek. They must call out to Mrs. Quigley, because she slides closer, wrapping Allison’s face in her soft warm hands.

“It’s gonna be okay, Sweetie. You see, I just got off the phone with the county. And guess what? Mr. and Mrs. Larson are coming. Today. Christmas! You remember them, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, they want YOU to be part of their family.”

With her heart feeling as though it might burst at any moment, Allison jumps up and gives Mrs. Quigley the biggest hug ever. “Oh, thank you, thank you!”

Mrs. Quigley taps Allison’s nose, but then a surprised look crosses her face. “When did you fix little Molly?”

Not quite understanding, Allison turns to Molly, who’s lovingly gazing back with her two green button eyes.
28 Comments
Michael Borjon
23/12/2022 08:03:58 am

Wonderful story Jim…
Who doesn’t like a happy ending this time of year? Plus a little Christmas magic is always nice..,

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:43:43 pm

Yes - we all could use a little Christmas magic (or any other time of year) now and again
Thanks so much, Michael
Jim

Reply
Don Tassone link
23/12/2022 11:06:45 am

Great story, Jim. Love the ending. Merry Christmas.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:44:36 pm

Thanks ever so much, Don. Really appreciate your kind words.

Jim

Reply
Michael McCarthy
23/12/2022 11:18:16 am

First class read. Always time for a feel good story .especially one as credible and well written as this.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:45:31 pm

You are too very kind, Michael. Happy holidays
Jim

Reply
Alex B
23/12/2022 11:39:41 am

Fantastic story Jim Merry Christmas Alex

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:46:11 pm

Thanks, Alex
And a very Merry Christmas to you
Jim

Reply
Marjan sierhuis
23/12/2022 01:22:14 pm

I am thrilled you found the time to gift 🎁 us with another one of your beautiful stories.

Happy holidays, Jim.

Marjan

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:47:25 pm

And I am so very thrilled to read you wonderful comment, Marjan.
Thanks so much, and Happy Holidays right back at you
Jim

Reply
Carol Garrasi
23/12/2022 04:29:45 pm

Excuse me a minute while I get a tissue to wipe away the tear. Lovely Christmas gift. Thanks Jim.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 04:48:46 pm

Thanks to you, Carol. Really appreciate the kind words.
Happiest of Holidays (and high hopes for a Happy New Year)

Take care
Jim

Reply
Peggy Gerber
23/12/2022 07:27:33 pm

Beautiful story of hope. I was a foster parent for a bunch of years and there are a lot of kids out there that need a lot of love.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 07:37:54 pm

Being a foster parent takes a lot of heart - thanks for doing that and for your kind words.
Happiest of Holidays
Jim

Reply
Doug
23/12/2022 11:11:14 pm

Great story Jim. Very well written. I knew a few foster parents ( not as their child ). They are very special people.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
23/12/2022 11:50:13 pm

Thanks, Doug. Foster care providers are indeed very special.
Merry Christmas
Jim

Reply
Sue Clayton
24/12/2022 12:21:45 am

This is such a beautiful, emotional story for any time of the year, not just at Christmas.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
24/12/2022 01:49:22 am

Thanks ever so much, Sue. I always appreciate your thoughtful and kind words.
Jim

Reply
Sivan Pillai
24/12/2022 04:26:18 am

Beautifully crafted, Jim. Congratulations.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
24/12/2022 07:05:52 am

Many thanks, Sivan. Best to you and yours for the New Year,
Jim

Reply
Mary Field
26/12/2022 12:55:41 am

Jim you're the best. It makes me happy to see your writing, glad you decided to make this adventure as a writer.

Merry Christmas, and a New and prosperous New Year..

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
26/12/2022 04:46:35 pm

Wo - so very kind of you, Mary. Your words are heartfelt and so appreciated.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and the best ever New Year.
Jim

Reply
Dee Lorraine
28/12/2022 09:33:55 pm

You went deep into my heart with this story, Jim. Miracles do happen.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
29/12/2022 06:50:45 am

Something every writer loves to hear, Dee. Thanks so much.
And yes, now and again, they do seem to happen here and there.
Let's hope 2023 brings a few more.

Take care
Jim

Reply
Robert P. Bishop
29/12/2022 12:43:46 pm

Hi Jim...Great story. Enjoyed it. Loving parents...the hope of every child. I liked the bit with Molly's eyes at the end...a touch of magic.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
29/12/2022 05:26:22 pm

Thanks, Robert! Really appreciate your comments. I'm so glad Molly's eyes caught your eye. It was sort of a key part of the story when I was first letting it swirl around in my head.
Happy New Year
Jim

Reply
Mimi Grouse
30/12/2022 01:53:53 pm

Now that's a lovely story!
Happy New Year, Jim.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
30/12/2022 04:44:11 pm

Thanks, Mimi!!
And a very Happy New Year to you as well!!
Jim

Reply



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