Last Christmas, it was snowing in Taman Anggrek. There were bears dancing with Merry Christmas music on a small cottage surrounded by ponds, lakes and fountains. There was a big poster saying “Please adopt us. We need new home. You can adopt us in Santa’s house.” So those cute dancing bears were looking for someone to adopt them.“It would be nice if we can adopt one or two bears and bring them home, wouldn’t it? I said to my butterfly.
“It must be very expensive.” She smiled. A few snowflakes dropped on our head.
“You maybe right. But let’s look for Santa’s house anyway.” I held her hand and walked passing crowds of people.
Walking around, we stumbled on Santa’s house. Santa’s house was in a form of a big dark brown boots. I looked around for its doors and finally found it. There was a note attached to the door, “Adopt the bears for only 275.000 rupiahs each.”“You are right. It’s too expensive.” I said with a sad look.
“Let’s take a picture near the Christmas trees instead.” She pulled my hand towards the trees.
A few days later…
I was about to wash my hands in my butterfly’s place, when I spotted a short red robed figure leaning on the stairway.“Santa, is that you?” I asked.
“Well hello, yes, I am Santa.” He answered with a very tired voice.
“What in the world are you doing here?” I asked again.
“Oh, I’m very tired after delivering those heavy Christmas presents for kids all over the world. You don’t mind if I take a rest here for a while do you?” Santa replied while showing his eyes and big round nose.“Oh, not at all. Take your time Santa. Would you like something to drink?” I offered him a glass of hot tea that my butterfly had made for me. “My girlfriend made this. Very warm and sweet. Here, drink some.”
“Thanks a lot.” Santa took a few sip of my butterfly’s warm tea.
Suddenly, I remembered Santa’s house and those dancing bears that we wanted to adopt at Taman Anggrek. So, I told Santa everything about how expensive it was to adopt them.
“Oh no, that was not my house. You must’ve had the wrong address.” Santa replied.
“So, that was not your house, and those were not your bears?” I asked.
“No, it was not my house, but those bears are my true friends.” Santa looked deeply into my eyes. “My friend, you will never have to pay in order to receive a gift from Santa. A gift from Santa is always FREE.”“I see… But those poor bears had danced all day and they had no home.” I said.
“Don’t worry, they were there, because they were meant to be there. They are waiting for you and your butterfly so the two of you can have a great and Merry Christmas.” Santa explained. “I thank you for taking your butterfly to see my bear friends dancing. They really appreciate it.”
“Well, thank you Santa. I really enjoy being with my butterfly accompanied by your bear friends.” I shook Santa’s hand. “Please send them my regards.”
“No problem.” Santa walked out of the house with a wide smile.
It’s funny… I was wondering how did Santa get in to the house? We had no chimneys… Hahahaaa… Merry Christmas everyone… Ho Ho Ho…!!!
Ivan the Freelancer
