I smiled as the little boy jumped onto his feet and ran to a little side table, drawing everyone’s attention to the plate sat on it. “These are for Santa,” he said, pointing to a glass of milk and a mince pie. “And this is for Rudolph.” He indicated a huge carrot. “Rudolph is my favourite reindeer.”
“What’s this about?” Jason said. He picked up a children’s book that lay on the coffee table, before making a show of studying the cover. “The Night Before Christmas. Ooh, this is a good one.”
Seb’s eyes widened. “And that’s my bestest Christmas story,” he said, taking the book and having a look at it himself. “Would you like me to read it to you?”
Lizzie reappeared with a tray of mugs. “Hot chocolate, anyone?”
“Thank you,” Oliver said to Lizzie, reaching for a cup.
As Lizzie held her tray towards me so I, too, could take a drink, she smirked and discreetly nodded in Oliver’s direction.
Taking a mug from her, I pursed my lips and rolled my eyes.
Seb looked to Lizzie. “Mummy, look at all these new friends.” His eyes went from her, to me, to Oliver, and to Jason, while each of us smiled back at him. “We’ve gone from knowing no one to knowingeveryone. This really is the best Christmas ever.” Turning to the first page in his book, he shook his head, as if unable to believe his good fortune.
Lizzie’s eyes teared up as she took in her son’s delight. Her gaze turned to me. “Thank you,” she said, discreetly mouthing her words.
No sooner had he started reading, than Seb had stopped. “What’s that?” he asked, as if confused.
“I can’t hear anything,” Oliver said.
“Me neither,” I said.
While the rest of us pretended not to know what the little boy was talking about, Seb cocked his head at the sound of jingling bells, alongside a vague rumbling. His gaze went to the window. “It seems to be coming from out there.” He got up to look and cupping his eyes, he pressed his face to the glass. Colourful lights flashed into the room. “Mummy, you have to come and see this,” he said, his voice loud and clear.
As Seb ran to the door and threw it open, Oliver hastily pulled out his phone and nodded at Lizzie to let her know he was recording.
“Mummy, it’s Santa. On his sleigh. Being pulled by a big red tractor.”
Such was his excitement, as he jumped up and down, I thought the little boy might hyperventilate.
“I think he might have come to see us.”
“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Ted said, his voice easily louder than the bells and engine noise.
Oliver positioned himself outside to get the best view of Seb who stood in the doorway, while Lizzie, Jason and I were able to watch freely. I bit down on my lips as I clocked Barrowboy behind the tractor’s steering wheel. Surprised to see him involved at all, I couldn’t believe he’d agreed to wear a green elf suit. He had to be the most serious Santa’s little helper I’d ever seen. Unlike Ted, I noted, who was faultless in his role. His smile couldn’t have been bigger as he waved from the back of an attached sheep trailer that had been made up to look like a sleigh.
“Isn’t this great,” Jason said, ruffling Seb’s hair.
“It sure is,” the little boy replied. He went from jumping to hopping, going from one foot to the other. “Look! Look! Santa’s little helper is getting out.”
Forced to keep his head down thanks to the huge snowflakes that fell thick and fast, Barrowboy descended from the tractor’s cab. I could see he was trying to get into character as he unhooked the rear of the trailer. However, trying to negotiate the weather as he worked made him look more pained than perky, unlike Ted, who continued to enjoy his role. The old man picked up a huge Christmas present and walked down the ramp.
Taking in the brightly coloured wrapping paper, I wondered what was in the box. I certainly hadn’t provided a gift for Seb. My heart melted, as Ted gave me a discreet nod, and realising he’d taken it upon himself to provide one, it was all I could do to stop myself throwing my arms around him.
“Is that little Seb whom I see,” Ted said, as he began making his way towards the door. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Seb stood there in awe. “Mummy, heiscoming to see us. He even knows my name.”
I smiled at Ted as he approached, knowing I couldn’t have asked for a better Father Christmas and not just because he came bearing gifts. Of course, Ted already had the necessary hair and beard, but his red suit with its white furry cuffs, thick black belt, and big silver buttons was equally perfect. Finishing his outfit with a pair of black lace-up boots, Ted had even given his cheeks a rosy glow with smudges of lipstick.
“I’m here to make an extra special visit, with an extra special present,” Ted said.
Seb’s jaw dropped at the size of the box. “That’s for me?”
Ted laughed loudly. “Yes, it’s for you.” Ted gestured to the rest of us. “From all your new friends here.”
Seb swallowed as he looked at each one of us for a second time. “Thank you,” he said, his voice suddenly mouse-like as he accepted his gift, “so much.”
