The Omaha guide., 1946-12-21

AAlulllSlI U0lOI6 we 90 W DeU +.
the eldest son Of twelve asked.
ooh, I guess so, but after that
all Of you must get ready for
bed, answered the mother.
I've got enough money too
buy Paul a scooter the eldest
daughter told her mother just two
days before Christmas. I'm go
ing to get it for him today. We
can buy the other boys some toys
later on if we. have the money. If
we don't, we might be able to get
some checkers or something that
we can afford"
The children were all in bed
and as the mother and daughter
sat before the stove, huddled to-
gether, getting the last heat be-
fore the stove went out for the
night, they were talking softly,
almost silently. So much to think
about and so little to do it with.
Their bodies were tired from
the jobs that consumed SO much
of their time. Minds mixed up.
not knowing just where to turn.
The eldest daughter was sombing
her hair, letting it fall lazily owe
her shoulders. Her mother just
remained silent, pushing her feet
further under the stove while the
fire slowly died out.
A sharp knock sounded at the
door. The eldest daughter arose
slowly almost half-asleep, and
walked to the door. Opening the
door part way and asking, "Who
is it?"
I'm a friend of your son.
May I come in?", the-man asked.
please do" the daughter said
as her mother hurriedly got up
and walked into the other room.
After making excuses for her
appearance and the appearance of
the house. she asked the gentle
man to sit down on one of the
good chairs.
Il met your brother the other
evening and we had quite a chat
about Santa Claus. I had planned
on coming Christmas Eve but in
order to be home with my family
I must leave tonight. I brought a
I do hope you will accept them"
the gentleman said.
1T will make the children very
happy. Oh mother, mother come
here, come here!" the daughter
cried excitedly.
Her mother walked slowly out
of the darkened room, half-shy
and yet proud of herself and her
children. She smiled at the tall,
well-dressed gentleman, bidding
few presents for the children and
him good evening. He returned
her smile and walked out of the
door, talking to a man who had
accompanied him.
They began bringing in toys,
candy, and fruit. Time after time
they walked in and out of the
door. The mother and daughter
Just stood silently as if in a
trance. The men finally finished
bringing the many gifts and pre-
sents. The mother walked up to
the men, tears forming in her
eyes, and said brokenly, If only
dad could be here to see this. Who
shall [ tell the children brought
them these gifts?"
The tall gentleman just smiled,
saying, "Just say Santa Claus
brought them. 1t was the greatest
pleasure that Santa Claus has had
this wear Both of YOU ladies just
sit down and I'll bring in your
present"
AS the men came back through
the door both of the women jump
ed to their feet. It was dad. They
ran to him. Rugged him, kissed
him. almost overcome with emo
ton. ooh dad, you're home" his
wife sobbed. \.
During all of this excitement
the men had walked out. None Of
them came out Of the trance until
thew heard a motor start up. They
lust remained grouped together
until they heard the car pulling
off.
Dad what are we going to
tell the children when they come
downstairs tomorrow? They know
that tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
We cannot hide all Of these gifts
There are just too many, said
the eldest daughter.
Dad just smiled and said, They
will understand. Well just tell
them that Christmas came early"