The Christmas Nap
By Caleeb Roberson Mrs. Brady's 4th Grade Class, Blakeney Elementary

There was nothing under the Christmas tree.

It was 1 a.m., but still no presents. I know Santa should've come by now. I was extra good this year. I made good grades and even cleaned my room sometimes. I made sure I mailed my letter on Dec. 1 so that Santa would get it on time. I asked for games for my PS2, a ripstick, an MP3 player, shoes and clothes. I also wanted a four-wheeler, but thought that was too big for his sleigh.

I know the elves had plenty of time to make my toys and games. There must be a good reason why I don't have any presents. Maybe Santa put the presents in another room. I went to look in the living room, the kitchen and the garage. NO PRESENTS!

I know, maybe my mother hid them in the bathtub. I went into the bathroom and pulled back the shower curtain … NO PRESENTS!

I went back to the den and let out a long sigh. I sat on the sofa for a while and hoped my presents would appear, but nothing happened.

"Wait a minute," I said. "Santa's cookies are gone!"

Sssshhhhh, I hear something.

"Is that Santa," I thought.

No, it sounds like snoring. "Who is making that noise?" I thought to myself. Then I heard a noise on the roof.

I ran into my mother's room and said, "Mamma wake up, someone is breaking into the house."

"Go back to sleep boy, that's probably Santa Claus," she said.

I decided to take a look. I put on my coat and ran outside. On the roof were Santa's reindeer and his sleigh, but no Santa.

I ran back inside the house to the den. I heard that noise again. It sounds like someone is snoring. I looked behind the entertainment center and behind the loveseat, but I didn't see anybody.

Next, I decided to look in the chimney. "Oh my goodness, it's Santa," I whispered. He fell asleep in the chimney.

I stood there staring in shock. I tried to back up slowly, but I fell over the coffee table.

Quickly, he opened his eyes, and I took off running. I heard Santa will spit coal in your eyes if you pretended to be asleep. I ran as fast as I could, jumped in my bed and pulled the covers over my head. I pretended to be asleep, but I could feel him standing beside my bed.

Finally, he walked away and I fell fast asleep.

When I woke up and ran into the den, there were a lot of presents under the tree. There was also a letter to me from Santa. It said:

Dear Caleeb,

I didn't forget you this year. You have been a very good boy. I know you saw me sleeping in the chimney, but I was tired and full after eating those chocolate chip cookies and milk that you left for me. I decided to take a nap before I delivered all your presents. Keep doing good in school and always obey your parents.

Merry Christmas,

Santa

P.S. I left you a special gift outside.

I grabbed my coat and ran to the door. It was a four-wheeler.

I forgot ... Santa knows everything! It was the best Christmas ever.

Thanks Santa!