Keelan: A little boy’s Christmas wish

Editor’s note: This originally published on Christmas Eve, 2005.

By Don Keelan

Two weeks ago, at the Bennington Museum, a bi-weekly columnist (who for obvious reasons will remain anonymous) was Santa Claus for three hours.

It was in front of a beautiful Christmas tree, in a large wooden chair, that Santa rested and heard the individual Christmas wishes from about 90 children.

From little girls, outfitted in beautiful dresses, came their hopes that Santa would bring them an Easy-Bake Oven, a Barbie doll and, for some, an American Girl doll. And for others, a teddy bear at Christmas would be enough.

Public domain

Santa, as he has done so many times in past Christmases, told the youngsters he would do the best that he could in fulfilling their hopes for Christmas morning.

The young lads had their lists. Their faces showed deep concern that Santa would locate their home in Pownal, Bennington or Shaftsbury. Each one expressed his hope that he would receive at least one or two of the electronic games that are endlessly marketed to children.

Santa, as he has done so many times in past Christmases, told the youngsters he would do the best that he could in fulfilling their hopes for Christmas morning.

It wasn’t until late into the third hour that a delightful boy, dressed in corduroys, a blue sweater over a white shirt, and about 7 years old, came up and asked the aging Santa, “Is there any hope that my mother and father could be together at my house on Christmas morning?”

Taken back by the little boy’s question, Santa asked the boy was there anything else he might want? Courageously, the youngster replied, “Can you make this happen, Santa?”

For several days Santa pondered the boy’s hope for something good to happen to his family and came to the conclusion that, isn’t the spirit of hope the very reason we all pause at this time of year, in between busying ourselves with shopping, cooking, wrapping and card writing? What clings to each and everyone of us is that we are hoping that the lives of our loved ones, our friends and even of those we don’t even know will somehow be better.

And if we look beyond our own homes, we express the hope that the Christmas season generates — that events and the lives of people beyond our reach will also improve.

I would venture to say that no one who could, if they had the influence, would not reverse the tragedies that our world has had to endure this past year — tragedies that emanated from wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, fires and disease.

Nevertheless, during this season of hope, we should pause from our busy tasks and wish that the individuals and families of those who were directly impacted from recent tragedies will not lose hope, and that in time their lives will also be changed for the better.

Santa wanted so much to tell the young boy that his mother and father will be together at Christmas. But saying so wouldn’t have been the right thing to do, no more than it would be to have told some of the children that they will surely get that iPad, laptop or go-cart.

Looking at the young boy’s eyes, it was evident he wanted nothing material — no toys, no games, just that he could share Christmas morning with his mother and father.

It is not at all certain if the boy’s parents will reconcile and be there for him on Christmas morning. What is certain and real is the gift this little fellow gave to Santa, the gift of hope.

If a 7-year-old boy from Bennington can harbor so much trust and hope for what appears to be such a difficult situation, can we be any less hopeful that there is a chance for a better world? And isn’t this the time of year to do just that?

This Santa wishes all of you the true meaning and blessings of the season and the hope that all of our children’s dreams will get fulfilled.

Don Keelan writes a bi-weekly column and lives in Arlington, Vermont.

Image courtesy of Public domain

6 thoughts on “Keelan: A little boy’s Christmas wish

  1. It’s not “The Stuff” that matters most in life.

    A BIG ‘Merry Christmas’ to all the regular crew here.
    Take a moment to do something you love, just for yourself, just for the heck of it.
    We all deserve it.
    And, a BIG ‘Thank You’ for all you do here TNR Staff.
    It’s a lot of tiring, thankless -but life saving work- we see it, we get it, we appreciate it.

    Peace be with you,
    Laura

  2. This young mans wish, was for no toys, no games just wanting his parents to come
    together for Christmas, whatever their issues are between themselves they need to
    set them aside, if his parents have an ounce of love for the child ………

    Santa will deliver, correct parents !!

  3. A heart felt story sad but reassuring that hope is always there…

    I’d like to thank all the folks at TNR, Reporters, Contributors and Commenters for
    Making TNR one the best Christmas Presents I could ask for… Honesty in hot
    bed of lies…Patriotism in a state of Marxist
    A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all

    Doug Bean

  4. One of the best reports for Christmas.

    That young man really set the course for our nation and families. He really does get it. Hope he may have experienced a Christmas miracle today. Peace and Love young man.

    TGBTG

  5. a tear jerkier

    I can only assume that the young man did not show up alone and that his message got heard and relayed to the parents!

    Thanks for sharing even this sad story, God listens and his will be done.

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