God, I hate Christmas.
Is that weird?
It's just...sad. Honestly. I have to tell my kids every year that Santa won't come because we're just too poor for him.
"But won't he want to help us?" asked my youngest, Ange. 190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MYkTT0DlT
How do I ever swing Christmas? I live in a two-bedroom apartment that I can barely afford ever since my husband walked out on me. We're constantly losing water and light access because I can't pay rent or bills. I work three jobs and still, when Christmas comes around, I try my damndest to make their dreams come true but it amounts to nothing. The most expensive gift I've been able to buy was a scooter for Devon, my oldest.
"Daddy, for Christmas, can I get a bunch of Barbies?"
"Of course, sweetie. Daddy will tell Santa about that."
I was lying through my teeth. Daddy would not be able to tell Santa. 190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7G0WuOTJl
I felt desperate. I asked my ex-husband for more money but he simply said "You decided you wanted custody instead of just placing them in adoption again. It's your problem, you hear, Dan? Not mine. Yours."
"Carl, come on, just-"
"NO. That's final."
"Fine. Thanks for nothing, Carl."
Dejectedly, I went to Walgreens and picked up some candy for a couple bucks. I can only afford stocking stuffers. I clean houses from 9-12, I serve people burgers from 1-5, and I telemarket from 5-9. It's grueling and I don't even get a lot.
But I'm determined to get my kids something nice.
I got them at least 30 different candies from Walgreens and then mosied on over to Berkley's, our department store, where I picked up some Barbies for Ange and some Hot Wheels for Devon. My total over the course of my shopping spree was $189.
I gasped at the price. Dude, screw this holiday. It's a cash cow for stores and the "Joy" comes for the rich. The poor have to deal with overpriced gifts.
Reluctantly, I handed over my card.
I swiped....and...
The dreaded words appeared on the kisosk screen.
"Declined"
I was defeated. I left my stuff at the register and walked out, when suddenly a man ran up to me, with all the gifts.
"Sir! Wait up!"
"What?" I sighed. Last thing I needed was an old man asking for money.
"Here." He said, handing over a bag of...the things I tried to purchase.
I furrowed my eyebrows. 190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD6qCuLDTd
"Why..what?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO26WpeBSL6
He chuckled- a "ho-ho!" sound. Now I know you guys won't believe this, but I swear to God that man was Santa.
"You look shocked! I just saw that you couldn't buy these nice presents...so I lended a hand."
"Oh-my god, can I pay you back? I mean... $189 is a lot of cash."
"Believe me, I have the money. Being Coca-Cola's spokesperson every December pays well."
"Well...thank you sir! Thank you so much!"
"Your welcome. Now, it's Christmas Eve! Go get your kids a great Christmas"
I hugged him and then walked upbeat to my car. I sped off.
When I got home, the nanny had tucked Ange and Devon in for a night's sleep. I thanked her and gave her an extra bonus. Then I wrapped the gifts and wrote a letter.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsOFuTIk31
"Dearest Ange and Devon...190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1s1tVWOfZ
I know Christmas has been tough for you. But, I spared no expense providing Christmas joy to you two bundles of joy. Be sure to hug your Daddy, cause he really helped me here!190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHAgj5zLUA
Your Dads and I love you,
Ho Ho Ho, Santa."
I smiled and placed the letter on our small-ass tree.
Playing Santa is tough. But I can do it, no matter the financial status.
Of course, with a little help from Christmas Spirit.
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