Christmas Writing 30: Up On The Housetop

 

Up On The Housetop

December 14, 2024

Is He Coming? (1919), Norman Rockwell

Seven year old Jonny had no idea of the time. He could have been asleep for minutes or for hours. The house was dark and getting colder as he slipped into his slippers in his efforts to get out of bed. He crept slowly down the stairs thinking about one of the great wonders in his young life: Did Santa really come down the chimney? The fireplace in this old house was big enough to accommodate Santa. When the fire was out he could stand in the fireplace and see blue skies above him. If there was a fire, how did he get around it? He stood there,in front of the fireplace for a long time considering all the options. Maybe Santa was fire proof. 

Suddenly there was a rustling noise behind him. Cautiously he moved his arm holding the candle around in front of his body and looked for the noise. 

“Stanley!” he cried out quietly. “What were you doing under the tree?” Stanley padded over wagging his tail wondering what Jonny had been up to. They both turned and got as close to the fireplace as the heat would allow. Santa had to be here soon. His parents were in bed. Now was the time. 

Jonny yawned as he stepped back from the fireplace. He walked over and sat on the couch. Stanley jumped up, circled and sat down beside him. Jonny looked at the tree and yawned again. Soon his head was nodding. He curled down further. Stanley snuggled closer. They both dropped off into a good sleep.

Jonny woke up with a start. The room was cold and dark. The fire had gone down to coals that sizzled red. Staley had moved on to a warmer spot.

In the faint light he could see that Santa had arrived and gone. 

He would have to wait for next year to solve this mystery. Slowly he gathered himself, checked out the Santa Gifts and returned to bed.