Page 24 of Sleigh Rides With St. Nick

"I'll use a colour," he said."Give me the present that matches it."

"Okay."I hopped down from the sleigh, smiling and waving at a little girl who was watching awestruck.

Pieter nodded to me from where he was standing by a rope, also dressed as an elf, though from his ears, it didn't seem like he was one.I'd never thought to ask him what he was, especially because that was rude.

He pulled something out of a small bag and distributed it to some of the children waiting.From their excited reactions, I assumed they were sweets of some kind.

I climbed into the back of the sleigh, being careful not to flash anyone.Pieter was already bringing the first child over, and I took that as a sign to get used to what was around me.It was easy to see what Nick meant about the presents.

"Why don't you come sit by Father Christmas?"Nick said, and I watched as the little girl who had been brought up took her seat."What's your name?"

"Mika," she responded, barely able to look at him.

"It's good to meet you, Mika.Have you been good this year?"His voice was lower than normal, but not in a husky way, and I could tell that he was being Father Christmas.Which made sense, considering hewasFather Christmas.

The little girl mumbled something and looked at her mum.

"She has," the woman said.

"Ah, that's what we like to hear," Nick responded."And what would you like for Christmas?"

The little girl's face lit up."A race track!With fast cars."

"What colour race cars are the best?Orange?"Nick asked with what seemed to be genuine excitement.

The little girl pulled a face."No, silly.Red."

"Ah, yes.Much better than orange.Well, we'll have to wait until Christmas Day to see if you get your race track, but I have a present for you now."Nick turned slightly to take a present from me, which filled me with panic.He hadn't told me the colour present he needed.

Except that hehadtold the little girl one.Understanding dawned on me.He was trying to tell me without it being obvious and preserving the magic for the kids.

I picked up a parcel wrapped in orange paper and held it out to him.

He smiled but didn't say anything as he handed it to Mika."Here you are."

"Can I open it now?"she asked, shaking the box slightly.

"If your mummy says you can," Nick responded.

The woman nodded and Mika didn't waste any time ripping into the present.She let out a loud gasp as she saw the race car within.

"Mummy, mummy, look!"She showed it to the woman.

"It's beautiful, sweetheart, what do you say?"

"Thank you, Father Christmas," she said, an adoring expression on her face.

"You're welcome.Merry Christmas to you and your family."

"Merry Christmas!"Mika hopped off the sleigh, and I watched her leave, my heart very full.It was hard not to be touched by the display he was making.

The next child came, and then another, and another.It was hard to believe how many there were, but Nick had patience with each and every one of them, making sure they got the right present for them.I had to admit that his colour-coding system was genius.The children never knew what he was asking for, but they left believing the magic had given them the perfect present.

And with every passing moment, it became clear just how much Nick loved being able to make the children happy.It wasn't a chore for him to be giving each of them their gift, he was enjoying it.And I felt very lucky that I'd gotten to help, even if it meant dressing up as an elf.

Chapter11

IVY

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