Letter
David is walking home from work, and the fresh crunch of snow under his boots reminds him of his childhood. He thinks about sliding down hills on school bags, snowball fights, licking frosty iciclesthose golden days
Suddenly, he hears a child crying. Looking around, he spots a boy in a brown coat and a grey woolly hat sitting alone on a bench. The boys crying loudly, wiping his tears with the back of his hand.
David approaches him.
Hello, mate, are you lost? Why are you crying?
I lost my letter… I had it in my pocket, and now its gone, the boy sniffles before breaking down again.
Come on, dont cry. Lets look for it together. What kind of letter was it? Was your mum sending you to the post office?
I wrote it… It was for Father Christmas… Mum doesnt know about it…
Oh dear… Well, never mind, you can write another one…
But it wont get to him in time…
Tell you what, you head home now, its getting dark. Ill look for your letter, I promise. Sound good?
Alright but if you find it, will you really send it?
I promise! Im sure Father Christmas knows what all the children write to him. Even if I cant find your letter, hell still bring you something
The boy gives his face a good wipe with his sleeve and hurries off.
What a poor kid. He tried so hard, and now this
A gentle smile crosses Davids face as he remembers finding presents under the Christmas tree as a boy, certain Father Christmas had read his letter and delivered just what he wished for. It feels so long ago.
Soon, his own son will be writing letters, but for now little Harry is only four and cant quite manage it yet
David walks on, scanning the snowy path, feeling sorry for the lad. He must have asked for something dear to him, held such hope
Suddenly, a corner of an envelope catches his eye, poking out from a snowdrift. He pulls it out carefully. Its the letter!
The paper is damp, so David gently tucks it in his bag, taking care not to tear it.
At home, his wife Alice is preparing supper, while Harry is playing with his toy cars. David loves his family dearly, always happy to return to their warm, welcoming flat.
Alice, youll never guess what happened! There was a ladcouldnt have been much older than eightsitting on a bench, absolutely sobbing. Hed lost his letter to Father Christmas. And lookI found it! Shall we have a look at what he wanted?
He takes the envelope out of his bag. In childish handwriting, it says: To Father Christmas, from Charlie Brown.
Shall we open it and see what hes wished for? Alice asks.
Lets. It wouldnt have gone anywhere else from the post box anyway
He opens the envelope gently, unfolds the lined paper inside, and reads aloud:
Dear Father Christmas!
Its Charlie Brown writing to you. I live at 97 King Street. Im nine, in year four. I love playing football and running around with the boys.
I live with my mum, Vera, and my granny, Lily. We recently moved into an old little house kind people let us stay in.
We used to live with Dad in another townbut Dad drank too much and would hurt Mum, sometimes me as well. Mum and Granny would cry all the time, and Id cry with them. It was awful with Dad, so we ran away and brought Granny with us.
Father Christmas, Id like to ask you to help Mum find a new job. She cleans, but her back is bad and she shouldnt bend down. Also, please get Mum a new dressher old one is torn now. Shes quite tall and slim and very pretty!
For Granny, please bring medicine for her kneesthey ache a lot, even though shes not very old yet. And she dreams of a warm dressing gown, as she gets cold a lot. Grannys small and thin.
Id love a beautiful Christmas tree, with lights and colourful decorations. Mum used to put up a tree, and wed celebrate before Dad got drunk and knocked it over
I hope you come this year, dear Father Christmas.
Charlie Brown.
David finishes reading, glancing at Alice. Tears glisten in her eyes.
Oh, thats heartbreakingly sweet Poor boy, running away from trouble, now they barely have enough money And his wishes are for his mother and grandma, not even anything for himself apart from a tree!
Theyve clearly been through a lot with his dad And the mum took her mother-in-law with hernot many would. They sound like lovely people, Alice. What do you thinkshall we make his Christmas wish come true?
That would be wonderful, David. You know, I grew up in a home like that. My dad drank and made our lives a miserysuch tough times I only wish my mother had left him. But she never dared; not until he passed away did we have peace.
Theres an admin job going at work; doesnt involve any cleaningdecent pay. I could offer that to Vera, remembers David.
Lets borrow the Father Christmas and elf costumes from the Smiths, and pay them a visit. Lets give that boy a true bit of Christmas magic! Ill get Granny some joint tablets; they should be the same prescription my mum used. Ill hunt for a soft, pink dressing gown for her and a nice dress for Mum, about my size. Itll be easy to find something good before Christmas with all the sales on. We have enough money, Davidwhy not do a good deed?
Im all for it! Youve always had the kindest of hearts, Alice
He hugs his wife tightly. Theres such happiness in sharing thoughts and perfect understanding with your partner.
The next day, Alice buys a smart dark green dress, a soft pink dressing gown, the right tablets, a box of chocolates, satsumas, and a set of sparkly Christmas decorations. David decides to get a budget smartphone for Charlie as wellits not likely he owns one.
They arrange to borrow the costumes from their friends. David buys a little Christmas tree and adds it to their boot. Their own son Harry stays with his grandmother.
The old cottage they find has a crooked fence, and a light glimmers in the windowsomeones in.
David grabs the tree, Alice hauls the sack of gifts, and together they walk quietly up to the door and knock.
Who is it? A tall, fair-haired woman in her mid-thirties opens the door. Must be Vera, Charlies mum. She looks confused at David in full Father Christmas regalia.
Im sorry, we havent booked anythingperhaps youve got the wrong address?
Does a boy called Charlie Brown live here?
Yes, thats my son
Mum, whos there? calls a voice. Charlie, in jogging bottoms and a jumper, runs into the hallway.
Oh wow Father Christmas?!
Hello, Charlie! I got your letter, and here we aremy helper Elf and me! Can we come in?
Mum! He got my letter! The man found it and sent it off, just like he promised! This is amazing! Come in!
Vera smiles and lets them in. Out of the sitting room comes Granny Lilypetite, slender, surprised at the sight. Charlies eyes shine with joy when he sees the tree.
Is that for us? Its beautiful and smells just like Christmas
Yes, Charlie, every child should have a lovely Christmas tree. Here are some decorations, tooyou can put them up together. But before gifts, youll have to say a poem or sing a song, as all children do for Father Christmas.
David puts on his best booming voice, trying to sound as jolly as possible.
Charlie gets nervous, lost for words, but stares in awe at Father Christmas red cloak and snowy beard.
Charlie, Ive heard youre a good lad, you love your mum and granny, help them out and work hard at school. Now, you get to hand out the presentsgo on, have a look!
Charlie glances at his mum, who nods. He unties the sack, carefully pulling out a box wrapped with a red ribbon: Grannys dressing gown. He lifts it out, excited.
Granny, this is for you! I asked for it!
For me? Oh my I thank you! says Granny Lily, as she puts on the gownit fits perfectly. Ive never had one of these. Thank you!
Next, Charlie hands over the dress to Mum, and gives Granny the box of tablets. They look bewildered, overwhelmed by the kindness.
Charlie pulls out a big bag filled with chocolates and satsumas, and a box with a brand new smartphone lying on top.
For me? A phone? My very own? This is brilliant! Thank you, Father Christmas! I knew you were real, I believed in you! You didnt let me down! Charlie shouts, tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.
Health and happiness to your family. We must be off says Father Christmas, as David and Alice gather up the empty sack.
Mum Vera and Granny Lily follow them to the door.
Who are you, really? How do you know Charlie?
I found his letter and wanted to bring your boy some cheer, with my wife. Please accept these gifts, from the heart. You have a wonderful lad. Heres his letter backand my business card. If youre interested, were needing an administrator at workyoud be perfect for it.
Thank you so much This is all such a lovely surprise Charlie is over the moon. Hes been hoping for a miracle, and thanks to you, its come true.
As they drive home, David and Alice sit in comfortable silence. Theres nothing quite like bringing joy to a child and his family, especially when the happiness in their eyes is genuine.
The money gone on presents isnt missed. More money can always be earnedbut nothing can buy the feelings from giving hope, kindness, and a touch of magic.
