Busy Days at the North Pole: Planning Christmas and Caring for Santa
Oh, my darlings,
It has been quite the exhausting three days! I’ve missed being here with you, but I’ve been so busy. As I mentioned on Wednesday, I had a full day ahead of me, one of the highlights being the start of plans for our Christmas Day pageant, cantata, and dinner at the church. That meeting, well, is a story in itself—one I might share later. But the real tale begins when I arrived home, and who should be there but Santa.
Does Santa Claus Get Sick? Yes, He Does!
It was early in the day, and I should have known something was wrong. Poor Santa had caught some kind of virus. Oh, I’m sorry—I didn’t even consider that you might not know Santa gets sick! But yes, my dears, even he does. He may be a legend, but he’s human, after all. He had a dreadful stuffy nose, was chilled one moment, and sweating the next. It was bad enough that he climbed right into bed, still in his work suit—hat and all—propped up just enough to breathe through his nose. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of him; it was quite the sight!
Caring for Santa: A Challenge When He’s Sick
Santa is a bit of a bear when he’s sick, mostly because he hates not being able to work. He doesn’t mean to, but my goodness, does he exhaust me just trying to keep him in bed! But we managed—several bowls of homemade bone broth, a few cups of hot pepper, honey, and lemon tea, and a couple of good days (and nights) of rest, and Santa was back to his jolly, healthy self.
Taking Care of Santa Is My True Calling
Taking care of Santa is truly one of my greatest callings, and it brings me immense joy. But when a man who would rather be working is laid up in bed, it can be a bit exhausting for anyone! I say this with a full heart—Santa is better, and I’m so grateful he’s back to work.
Catching Up After Santa’s Recovery
With Santa back at the toy shop where he’s happiest this time of year, I’ve taken today to regroup and catch up on the household tasks that have gone untended over the last three days. But I must tell you, while I was nursing Santa, our dear Jingles and Bell, the Saint Bernards, added to the excitement!
The Saints Stir Up Trouble: Jingles and Bell’s Merry Chase
While they’re gentle giants who wouldn’t hurt a fly, they do love a good chase—unfortunately, at the expense of an unsuspecting victim. I had let them out the other afternoon after a beautiful snowfall. The village was so quiet, the snow making everything feel still, as though time itself had paused. I stood on the stoop, soaking in the peacefulness of it all.
I must have gotten lost in the quiet because, out of nowhere, the calm was shattered by an eruption of baritone—no, thunderous—barking! The Saints, as Santa affectionately calls them, had spotted poor Zelda, Mrs. Twinkles’s cat, and off they went on the merriest chase they’ve had in some time! They may have been having a grand old time, but I can assure you, Zelda was not.
There I was, chasing those two down one alley and up another, all the while realizing just how out of shape I am! Despite my desperate calls, Jingles and Bell were determined to finish their joyous romp. It wasn’t until Zelda found the back gate to her home and the waiting arms of Mrs. Twinkles that the chase came to an end.
A Grateful Heart: Zelda Is Safe, Santa Is Healthy
Thankfully, Mrs. Twinkles didn’t hold the Saints’ little game against Santa, myself, or the dogs—though I wouldn’t have blamed her if she did. As for Zelda… well, let’s just say I’m not so sure she’s as forgiving!
Well, my darlings, that’s all for now. I promise I’ll get a recipe out soon—one of Santa’s favorites, of course!
Until next time,
Mrs. Claus