My Pagan Christmas Carol- All Parts

[hylandrdet]

This is dedicated to the conservatives who wanted to put the CHRIST back into Christmas as well as to those who’d lost some very close, on this Christmas Day. My Christmas gift to you. It took a lot of last second editing, so excuse me if looks crude….

MY PAGAN CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Hylandrdet

It was two days before Christmas, I along with my daughter, were on our way to the Mall. She was beaming; her eyes and mouth wide opened, with every other word being, “daddy look!”. I’ll say the usual, “Wow, yeah!” while I continued driving. We’d finally arrived at the Mall; the scene was that of an well disciplined riot. Bumping, pushing and shoving; if I had a stick and a puck, it would had been all too obvious. “What the hell am I doing here?” I’d said to myself. “Oh yes! Your manipulative daughter wanted to see Santa Claus, the Pagan God of Christmas”.

So we’d stopped at the end of the mall’s left wing section, when my daughter pointed at a sign which read “Santa, twenty feet away”. My daughter screams, “We’re almost there!”. “Hold on, we’ll take our time getting there”, I told her. “You’re waiting because you don’t believe in Santa Claus.”, she said back. Trying to be logical about this, I told her, “Do you really believe a man slides down a chimney and decorates your house full of gifts?”. She said yes, so I’d answered back, “Do daddy a favor. If you should see Santa coming down our chimney, let me know, so that I can call his BLUE elves to help him finish his job and escort him out of the front door. While his blue elves arrives, I’ll go get my baseball bat so that I can offer it to him as a gift”. I try to be sensitive to my daughter at this time of year; it’s been eight years since she’d lost her mother. If believing in Santa Claus is part of her healing process, then I have no choice but to grin an bear it.

Well here we were, ten feet away from Santa , when my Ghost of Christmas Past approached me; her name was Charlene. “James, is that you?”, she yelled out; “You know it!” I’d told her as we hugged. “How long has it been?”, she asked. “Forever” I answered, ”Wow, you look wonderful”. “Thanks, so do you” she responds. “Look, I don’t have time, I’m buying presents for my son. Want to exchange numbers?”. We’d exchanged numbers and we’re saying our good byes when my nosey, yet lovely daughter asked, “Where did you two meet?”. She answered back, “He came to my high school Christmas Party. Your daddy and I hit it off, laughing and pulling pranks the whole night.”. My daughter then asked ,”Sound like you two were in love”. At this point, I was looking for a place to hide, when Charlene said, “No, we were very good friends, I‘m sure your mother would understand”. That’s when I’d intervened and whispered in Charlene’s ear that her mother was dead. Guilt ridden, Charlene quickly said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know she was no longer among us ”. My daughter said, “That’s OK. Mommy watches over us now”. I chuckled and said, “She’s our guardian angel”. “I can see and admire that” Charlene said. “See you later James”. As she walked away, she quickly turned and gave me a glance; my daughter caught it then whispered, “She still likes you dad.”. “Hush, child”, I told her as I played with her for a second before moving on.

 

[hylandrdet]

So we walked on another three feet before I’d ran into my Ghost of Christmas Present; Ron, my Boss. He was doing his last second shopping when I’d bumped into him. “Hey, Superman!”, my boss said. “Hi sir.”, I’d answered backed. “Why am I Superman?”. “Because you’re the only one willing to work on Christmas Day”, he answered back. I told my daughter to stand in line for Santa while I talk to my boss. He’d seriously said, “You know you don’t have to, right? Look James, this is not your time of the year; your wife died on this month; if I had a choice to disrespect anyone’s request to take Christmas off, I could list a lot of names, but not yours”. “Sir, I respect your opinion”, I said, “But I’m ready to close this business deal. Besides, I won’t be in the office too long; I will find time for my daughter.”. My boss said, “OK, just promise me that your day will be short .” . I promised him that , but with all of that paperwork, plus my sister making my daughter so excited about our Christmas visit, I could see myself spending the whole day there, without anyone knowing I‘m gone. “Dad , I‘m with him!”, my daughter yells as she is the next person on Santa’s lap. The apparent wait wasn’t as long as I’d expected. I told my boss that it was time for me to go. We shook hands and parted ways. Before he’d left, he said I could call him if I’d needed anything. I agreed and parted ways.

Now I had to face the infamous Ghost of Christmas Future… “Santa Claus” himself. My daughter was on his lap and he asked her, “Little girl, what do you want for Christmas?”. “Just a Barbie Doll”, my daughter said. “My daddy told me to never ask you for anything he cannot buy because he doesn‘t believe in Santa Claus.”. An offended Santa asked, “Where is your father?”. She pointed to me; at this point, I was praying that a fight doesn’t break out. After all, you don‘t have to be Martha Stewart to understand that fighting Santa Claus would be quote “a bad thing“. “Son, you don’t believe in Santa Claus?”, he’d asked. I answered, “No, I don’t; but my daughter does. Don’t you think that matters?”. “Well, I suppose.”, Santa answered. “But it wouldn’t hurt for you to support her a little; after all, it is Christmas”. “I’ll think about it”, I’d said as I grabbed my daughter and started to walk off. “Hey! You forgot something”, Santa said as he handed me a card. The card was an offer to donate to the 8th street Orphanage. “Thanks”, I’d said, even though it was insincere. “You’re welcome”, Santa said as he resumed his duties.

As we walked off, my daughter went off. “Daddy, you were rude!”, she yelled at me. “Baby, I know that this is hard to hear, but there is no such thing as Santa Claus.”, I’d said. “No, Santa Claus does exist, you’re mad because he didn’t bring mommy back for Christmas!”, she’d said. It took everything GOD had imbedded into me to not want to slap her for saying such an awful thing. I quickly regained my cool and said to her, “Santa Claus does not have the power to command God’s will. It was your mother’s time.”. My daughter was very observant; she understood what she’d said and responded, “Daddy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”. “Don’t worry my little pumpkin, I’ll still love you”, I answered, I then hugged her.

 

[hylandrdet]

Next day, Christmas Eve. I was at work, getting ready for another long and grinding day. I had everything planned for Christmas. My sister was going to baby-sit my daughter; I will join them later after I finish my paperwork. I’d went into my closet to check the presents I’d bought for my daughter; everything looks right and on schedule… Until the phone rang.

I answered the phone; it was my sister; she said that my daughter was crying . I asked my sister to put her on the phone. “Baby, what’s wrong?”, I’d asked. “SANTA CLAUS IS DEAD AND IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!”, she then hanged up.

I called back to ask what was that all about. My sister told me that the man who was playing Santa Claus at the mall, had died in his sleep. My heart had sunken; I never felt so bad in my life. My bitterness and insensitivity had crushed my daughter’s spirit. I also felt guilty for making that poor man’s last hours so hard. I knew from there what had to be done.

I first called Charlene and asked her to help me out. I’d asked her to work with my sister in keeping my daughter busy for the entire day. She agreed; I gave her some information and my plan was on the way. I ran to my boss and told him that I needed to go; he gave me the nod and I was off. I jumped into my car and flew like a bat out of hell to get to the mall; I know that for a fact because I got the speeding ticket to prove it.

I arrived at the mall, with elbows ready to swing and a credit card ready to swipe, I was on a mission. I bought everything that was necessary and then raced back to the house. I’d set everything up, then called my sister. I’d asked her to take my daughter and Charlene to the boss’ house for the evening. From the Mall, I drove to the toy store to buy a bunch of toys. While I was shopping, I receive a call from my boss, asking as to why I have people coming to his house. I’d explained to him my plan; he liked it and went along with it. Once I’d finished shopping, I headed to the 8th street Orphanage. With a bag full of toys, the person in charge was happy to see me. I gave her the bag and started to walked off; when she’d asked me as to whom to thank, I told her, “Santa Claus”, then jumped into my car and drove off.

 

[hylandrdet]

I arrived at my boss’ house, prepared for the worse, I ranged the doorbell. My boss opened the door and I quickly whispered to him, “I was at work”. He winked at me and I came in. My daughter was watching TV; she turns, sees me, and quickly turns back to the TV. Charlene and her son were there, along with my sister, her two kids, and Ron‘s family.

I told my daughter that it was time to go; she was slow to get her coat on; obviously she didn’t want to go home with me. I’d told the boss that I will not be working for Christmas; he’d understood and allowed us to leave. My sister had told me that she was sad, but OK; Charlene reaffirmed it. I asked them both to come to my house; they both agreed.

When we arrived at the house, I gave my daughter the keys; she quickly ran towards the front door, opened it and went in. Just seconds behind me, my sister and Charlene had arrived with their kids. As I attempted to greet them I heard a shout from my daughter. “Daddy, come quickly!”, she said; I ran into the house with much exaggeration. What she saw in the house was remarkable.

An array of glowing lights and a well decorated Christmas tree; underneath it was the traditional Christ scene, one package and a statue of Santa Claus. “Who did this?”, I said in a attempt to sound ignorant. “I know who did it!” she said as she ran to open up her only package. Tears of Joy came from her eyes as she saw her Barbie Doll and a note that read the following. “Sorry little girl for not being here; GOD had sent me off to do another mission; please accept this along with my apology- signed Santa Claus”. With tears in her eyes, she showed me the “note”, then asked me, “Now do you believe in Santa Claus?”. I was drawn to tears when I told her, “Yes, I do!”. She jumped into my arms, and I have her a big hug. I invited Charlene and my sister, along with their kids to join us for dinner. It was a wonderful night for spiritual healing.

God’s Christmas gift for me was perfect. He’d sent my daughter, Charlene, my sister , my boss and “Santa Claus”, to rescue me, at a time in which the loss of my former wife had made my heart turned cold. In short, The curse was broken, I’d finally said Goodbye to my wife and I’d learned to live and love again. I’d also said goodbye to the way I view Christmas; Is there such a thing as Santa Claus? You betcha! He now lives in my heart, courtesy of loving family, my friends and Jesus Christ.

So with a renewed spirit and with happiness in sight, I say Merry Christmas to all… And to all a Good Night!

 

[MtnBiker]

Is this a personal experience or writing of fiction?

 

[hylandrdet]

Is this a personal experience or writing of fiction?

Both. The fiction lies within the the usual disclaimer found on every movie and TV show credits.

 

[Said1]

Both. The fiction lies within the the usual disclaimer found on every movie and TV show credits.

What does that mean? Did you steal it from an old episode of thirty-something?

 

[MtnBiker]

Hmmmm, curious.

You said previously :

masonry is the branch of construction I work in.

in this thread here:http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16123

however contained within this thread you said:

“But I’m ready to close this business deal. Besides, I won’t be in the office too long; I will find time for my daughter.”. My boss said, “OK, just promise me that your day will be short .” . I promised him that , but with all of that paperwork,

Then in the War on Terror forum you started a thread by claiming :

Today I declined an offer to apply for one of the CIA's +100 open analyst jobs?

http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16199

So first you want us to believe you work in construction laying brick, then you are trying to close business deals and have alot of paper work and next are turning down an offer to apply to the CIA?? Wow!

 

[Said1]

Hmmmm, curious.

You said previously :



in this thread here:http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16123

however contained within this thread you said:


Then in the War on Terror forum you started a thread by claiming :



http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16199

So first you want us to believe you work in construction laying brick, then you are trying close business deals and have alot of paper work and next are turning down an offer to apply to the CIA?? Wow!

Super Mod! Darn cat must be alseep somewhere!

 

[MtnBiker]

Hmmmm...........?

 

[hylandrdet]

Hmmmm...........?

Jesus Christ chose to be a carpenter for a reason; he took great pride in building rather than destroying. Tell me; do you question why he'd chosen an occupation of a lesser value than his potential?

My chosing to walk away from a more prominent position, to live a more simplier life, was a personal decision, not a professional one.

That's as far as I'm going to dignify these "replies" with an answer!

 

[no1tovote4]

Jesus Christ chose to be a carpenter for a reason; he took great pride in building rather than destroying. Tell me; do you question why he'd chosen an occupation of a lesser value than his potential?

My chosing to walk away from a more prominent position, to live a more simplier life, was a personal decision, not a professional one.

That's as far as I'm going to dignify these "replies" with an answer!

Look, I really don't care if you turned down jobs. Are you going to finish the story?

 

[MtnBiker]

Jesus Christ chose to be a carpenter for a reason; he took great pride in building rather than destroying. Tell me; do you question why he'd chosen an occupation of a lesser value than his potential?

I don't believe Jesus ever presented himself as something he was not.

 

[hylandrdet]

I don't believe Jesus ever presented himself as something he was not.

Present your case or shut up.

I am telling the truth, show me a "hylandrdetisaliar.com" link so that I can apologize to you.

http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?p=190426#post190426

What were you saying about "staying on the subject"?

 

[MtnBiker]

On this message board we all build a personal history of how we present ourselves. That history will create how other view us. I have already stated my case by mearly pointing out things you have claimed about yourself. I did not pass judgement on those points just making observation of them. I will let others view those points and decide for themselves whether or not they lend to or diminish your credibility.

 

[Mr. P]

... I have already stated my case by mearly pointing out things you have claimed about yourself. I did not pass judgement on those points just making observation of them. I will let others view those points and decide for themselves whether or not they lend to or diminish your credibility.

Down here in my neck o the woods
ya gotta have somethin to add to or take away from fer it counts

 

[hylandrdet]

On this message board we all build a personal history of how we present ourselves. That history will create how other view us. I have already stated my case by mearly pointing out things you have claimed about yourself. I did not pass judgement on those points just making observation of them. I will let others view those points and decide for themselves whether or not they lend to or diminish your credibility.

Did it ever occur to you that I don't want you to DIRECTLY know anything about me and that my "fictional" stories MAY contain "a personal history" of how I represent myself?

I'm not the type to use the cliche "you don't know me"; no, I'm more sadistic; I want to know "Who you think I am".

 

[Annie]

On this message board we all build a personal history of how we present ourselves. That history will create how other view us. I have already stated my case by mearly pointing out things you have claimed about yourself. I did not pass judgement on those points just making observation of them. I will let others view those points and decide for themselves whether or not they lend to or diminish your credibility.

Agreed. You have done a yeoman's job at posting frequently and giving little away. If only. . .

 

[no1tovote4]

Did it ever occur to you that I don't want you to DIRECTLY know anything about me and that my "fictional" stories MAY contain "a personal history" of how I represent myself?

I'm not the type to use the cliche "you don't know me"; no, I'm more sadistic; I want to know "Who you think I am".

Did it ever occur to you to FINISH THE DAMN STORY?!!

So far you got the guy buying stuff and going to his bosses house in part III, there is no part IV that I can find.

Come on finish your version of scrooge and get over what some guy says about what job you do or don't have.

 

[MtnBiker]

Did it ever occur to you that I don't want you to DIRECTLY know anything about me and that my "fictional" stories MAY contain "a personal history" of how I represent myself?

I'm not the type to use the cliche "you don't know me"; no, I'm more sadistic; I want to know "Who you think I am".

It is a delicate business comparing one's self to Christ as you did with your carpenter analogy. Then you claim to be sadistic. I believe very few would think that to be in the manner of Jesus. I never called you a liar, nor do I seek an apology. If it is your wish to continue to present yourself in a contrary manner go right ahead.


no1tovote4, here are the links to finish the story. It seems it should not have been posted here rather in the Writing Skills forum.

http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16156&highlight=pagan
http://www.usmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16157&highlight=pagan