The year Father Christmas vanished, the other Holidays gathered together to fashion a replacement. Each volunteered something of themselves in their best approximation of how they remembered the bygone Holiday.
Valentine shrugged off his red cloak. “For Saint Nick,” he said.
“For Santa Claus,” Amu Nowruz added, shearing off his white beard with a grimace.
“And I bring Joulupukki green boughs and branches,” said the May Queen.
But they worried that this wasn’t enough.
Finally, in late autumn, with the scent of cinnamon and waxy pumpkins in the air, the Headless Horseman rode in. He dismounted.
“I’ve come to offer my horse for Sinterklaas,” he said.
“I remember him riding a reindeer,” said the Easter Bunny, who had brought a basket of small gifts.
“If Christmas is something different to each of us,” Saint Lucia answered as she handed over her festive lights, “with any luck, it is for humans too.”
I love this! I particularly resonated with the sassy Easter Bunny making fun of the Headless Horseman’s contribution.
“And my axe, Gandalf,” grunted the dwarf.
“And my axe, Gandalf,” grunted Gimli, son of Gloin.
I wonder if he went missing because he finally decided to meet with all his counterparts who bring Christmas gifts in Poland to agree on a joint plan of action?!
Very thought provoking. Maybe the big guy is busy dealing with a labor dispute with disgruntled elves~
Love this!!
A great story in very few words. I hope Father Christmas didn’t really disappear, just got his calendar mixed up.
Was Valentine wearing anything under that cloak? Dying to know
Short and weirdly sweet, this was a perfect read for my very early Christmas morning.
Sequel, please!
Love this! Especially as you mention Father Christmas, who I fear is very much in danger of being forgotten and usurped by Santa.
This is so sweet! I love imagining the convergence of the holidays. Beautiful piece.
As whimsical as this is meant to be, it brings a great debate into my head. And now I am missing Pere Noel. Thank you Arendse Lund.