Father Christmas

As far back as I can remember, my parents always told me that if I wanted nice presents from Father Christmas then I had to be good all year round. I recall reading that delightful little book Struwwelpeter, (if you can get yourself a copy it is a book worth reading), and totally believing every word about why it is so important for children to be good all year round.

I have continued over the years to read Struwwelpeter to children and grandchildren alike, in an attempt to get them to behave as children should all year round. In other words, be good and listen to what your Mother/Grandmother says in the hope that Father Christmas's fairies and elves, who are watching, can go back to the North Pole and tell Father Christmas that here truly are children that deserve the best.
I remember, as I grew up, Father Christmas was always very kind to me at Christmas. I still see Christmas stockings filled with nuts and fruit, and all sorts of lovely things as positive proof that I had been good and so had received what I truly deserved.



The joy of Christmas has never left me, I think it will always be my favourite day of the year. As my children grew up they too have taken on the excitement and pleasure that Christmas time brings. Even though they are both grown up with children of their own they still wake up early with the anticipation of what the dawn of this beautiful morning always brings.

We have always had pets and they too share the excitement with us, and please, do not doubt my word, they really do know there is a present under the tree for each of them as well. As the tree is put up each year all four-leggeds in the house are told about how important it is to be good all year round so that they too are remembered on this important celebration.

We are very lucky in that we have been blessed with fairly good children, human and otherwise, so with great glee every Christmas each of us has been able to open a gift from Father Christmas and receive something we really want.
That now brings me to this Christmas, that is Christmas 2008, we all opened our presents, there was the usual oohs and aahs as wrapping were thrown carelessly onto the floor and all faces were bright and cheery.
Shooter, the dog, really liked her new tennis balls and tug of war ropes. The humans really liked their presents too.

Then it came to grandchild, Kiger the cat, he loved his catnip mouse, and all the little furry toys he enjoys loosing around the house. As each toy came to light it was tossed around and tested for strength and enjoyment. The last thing he opened was a lovely Father Christmas attached to a long piece of elastic and a pole. This now was the greatest gift a cat could or would ever receive.
It is here, dear friends, that my problem came to light, Kiger totally abuses his Father Christmas, the poor man is dragged around the house by one leg, left out in the garden, pushed under the sofa, spat on and chewed. I cannot imagine what Father Christmas, the fairies and the elves think when they witness this sort of bad behaviour.

Therefore, and with baited breath I sit here on the 5th January and worry if Father Christmas will visit this house and it's occupants come December.