present and to keep it simple, they all decided to not do anything rash, but to see what developed after Christmas.
The snow had stopped and the air turned colder. It was close to hay ride time and Sunflower was at Joey's house telling all what would transpire on this ride. There would be lots of blankets to keep warm and hot cider to drink. Singing Christmas carols would take place as they roamed the country side stopping at a few houses along the way. At around 11 pm, she said, "We stop in town and wait for Santa to give us a sign he's on the way. Our people have decided to wait in the town's square with you so you can see Santa Claus for yourselves. Okay, let's go as I hear the bells jingling on our horses coming."
It would be hard for any off worlders to explain how they felt riding in a hay wagon on a white Christmas Eve. Joey said, in one word: "Wonderful". Andi said, "Exhilarating. Father said, "One of a kind". Mother said, "Peace on earth, good will towards men."
The long train of wagons made a large circle throughout the countryside. They stopped at homes along the way to give their blessing with songs of giving and friendship. The entire trip took about two hours with the stops. When they came back to town, all went to a large church to warm up and drink more cider. Joey hated to stop because on the trip, Sunflower sat next to him. About half way through the trip, she took his hand under the blankets. Even though his artificial skin or exoskeleton was of the latest design, he could only feel a slight warmth from her touch. However, Joey fell in love that night.
During the time spent at the church, choirs of both school age children and adults sang songs of old. At other times, afterwards, citizens spent the time talking to others and others meeting the new comers.
Suddenly it went quiet and a leading townsperson spoke from the pulpit. He said, "Ladies and gentlemen and our new friends, I've just heard some great news. Santa is on his way and will soon land here in our town square. This is special as he wants to welcome our new residents. He also said he was running a little late so be patient. We'll all go out in about thirty minutes. We need to make room for his sleigh and reindeer."
Joey and Andi were beside themselves with excitement. Especially Joey. Unexpectedly, right in front of Sunflower and her friends, he did a back flip of great proportions. The locals all gasped at his prowess. Joey felt ashamed and lowered his head in shame. Sunflower came up to him and took his hand saying, "That was really wonderful, Joey. It was just so unexpected is all. It's obvious you have some special abilities we don't have."
"I'm sorry Sunflower. Compared to you and your civilization, we are very strong and agile. I wasn't showing off, but was thrilled to hear that Santa is coming to town."
"Never mind. We all know you are kind and gentle. It just takes some time to adjust to you and you to adjust to us. I know there is a meeting planned to show you and your folks some ideas of permanent life here on Terra. We've lots of land our people are happy to show you how to make use of that land. I’m happy to have you here," she said moving closer and pressing against his side.
"Look! There he is. I can see the red nose of Rudolf and the blinking lights of his sleigh at about a half mile from here."
The crowd gave off pleasant sounds of happiness. Joey, Andi and all the other off worlders stood head tilted back, mouth open not believing their eyes about the mythical Santa Claus was circling for a landing in this small town on a planet light years away from Old Earth.
Later Joey described the event in detail to his diary. His first glimpse of Santa came as just when he softly landed in the town's square. He was the spitting image of what he had read and saw from ancient history: Short, rotund, a white beard and hair. His clothing of red, white and black boots authenticated his appearance. He stood up in his sleigh and said: "Merry Christmas everybody. A special hello to the new citizens of my favorite planet, Alpha. I thought it a good idea to stop by and give my faithful reindeer a rest. The children can pet my team and don't be scared when raise my arms to deliver your presents."
Santa raised both arms straight up and then outward. It was when his arms went out, that a flash of electricity shot forth blinding all of the area in a pure white light. It made all close their eyes. Joey had no idea how long it lasted, but soon all returned to normal. Santa said, "I've got to go now. I'm a busy guy as you well know. The universe is not as big as you thought. I may be a figment of your imagination or I might be as real as you can see, smell, touch and hear. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."
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