So up to the housetop the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.”
Molly laughed. “That’s funny—Santa Claus coming down through a chimney. Why, what keeps him from getting burned in the fire?”
“That’s how Santa Claus gets into people’s houses. And he doesn’t get burned in the fire ’cause he’s magic,” Barbara said.
Jenny continued.
“He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself !
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!’”
“Oh, that was a wonderful poem, Jenny,” Millie said. “And you spoke it so beautifully.”
“Yes,” Clara added. “And I think the children really enjoyed it, didn’t you, children?”
“Yes, ma’am, I liked it a lot,” Timmy said. “I just wish that Santa Claus could find us on the train.”
“If he could find us, what would you have him bring?” Jenny asked.
“Something to eat for us.” Timmy looked at Becky. “And some medicine for Becky, so she wouldn’t be sick anymore.”
“That is a wonderful gift to wish for,” Jenny said.
“That won’t happen, though,” Steven said.
“Oh, I wouldn’t be all that surprised if it happened.” Jenny smiled. “Sometimes, wonderful things happen on Christmas. Christmas was the day Jesus was born, you know.”
“I know,” Timmy said. “He was borned in a barn.”
“Why was the baby Jesus borned in a barn?” Molly asked.
“Because they didn’t have hotels way back when Jesus was borned,” Timmy said.
“Yes they did,” Barbara said. “But they didn’t call them hotels then. They called them inns. And Jesus was born in a stable and put in a manger, because there was no room at the inn.”
“How do you know that?” Timmy asked.
“Because it’s in the Bible,” Barbara said.
“That’s right. The whole Christmas story is in the Bible.” Luke began to tell the story.
“‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”
“Wow! I’m impressed!” Jenny said with a smile. “How were you able to do that?”
“I’ve spent many a Christmas at sea,” Luke explained. “And I’ve often been called upon to read the Christmas story to the sailors. I’ve read it so many times that I finally memorized it.”
“You know what?” Timmy said. “I think that, even if we are still on this train, it will be a good Christmas.”
“Now why on earth would you say something like that?” Senator Daniels snarled. “We are stranded here, with no food.”
