Chapter 4

It was Santa Claus’ tenth year in the red suit, and he was feeling jollier than ever before. He had brought joy to countless children over the years, but this year felt different. This year, he sensed a change in the air. A sense of restlessness among the children, a desire for something more.

As he flew through the night sky in his sleigh, pulled by his loyal reindeer, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The houses below were all decked out in their usual festive decorations, but there seemed to be a hint of sadness behind the glittering lights.

When he arrived at the first house on his list, he noticed that the children were not waiting eagerly by the fireplace as they usually did. Instead, they were huddled together, whispering amongst themselves.

“Ho ho ho! What’s going on here?” Santa asked, trying to hide his concern.

One of the children looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “We don’t want presents this year, Mr. Claus,” she said softly. “We just want our parents back.”

Santa’s heart sank. He had heard rumors of a terrible disease that was sweeping the world, taking loved ones from families everywhere. But he had hoped it wouldn’t reach these children.

He knelt beside them; his bag of toys forgotten on the floor. “I know how much you miss your parents,” he said gently. “But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to bring them home safe and sound. You just have to believe.”

The children nodded, sniffling, and Santa handed out small tokens of comfort - a stuffed animal or a book - before moving on to the next house.

At each stop, the same scene played out. Children who once eagerly awaited his arrival now greeted him with tear-stained faces and heavy hearts. It broke Santa’s own heart to see so much pain and suffering, especially during a time that was supposed to be filled with joy and magic.

But he refused to give up. He knew that the spirit of Christmas still lived within these children, even if it was hidden beneath layers of grief. And he vowed to do everything in his power to help them find their way again.

As the night wore on, Santa made his rounds, delivering gifts and spreading hope wherever he went. And though the world outside may have been dark and troubled, inside those homes, he helped create tiny pockets of light and love.

For Santa Claus knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, the true meaning of Christmas would always be found in the hearts of those who believed.

It was Christmas Eve, and Joe had been feeling particularly festive this year. He had decorated his house with lights and garlands, and he even put on a red suit and a fake beard to get into the holiday spirit. But as he sat in his living room, surrounded by presents and wrapping paper, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was missing.

That was when he heard it - the sound of hooves on the roof, and the jingle of bells. It could only mean one thing: Santa Claus was coming to town!

Joe ran to the window and looked outside, but all he saw was a sleigh and eight reindeer flying overhead. He watched as they landed on the roof and Santa Claus climbed down the chimney.

“Ho ho ho!” Santa boomed, his belly jiggling as he laughed. “What brings you up so late, my dear boy?”