Miraya Madhav

It was  probably 3 AM. I could not sleep because I was feeling anxious for the biggest test of the year. Well, it’s a rumor from the most popular kid at school. School itself is so challenging as such, imagine how complex today will be. Although I was distressed the entire night, I was able to get some sleep. My mom dropped me off at school. Just like every day, I was late.

 Before long, I was rushing into my classroom. My eyelids felt like ten pounds weight because of the amount of sleep I got. Mrs. Johnson Spoke sharply to me,” Today is your lucky day. I have a meeting and a substitute is in the class. Be nice. I don’t know who it is so stay quiet. There is no test today and I will be back tomorrow.” Half the time I was closing my eyes but my eyes burst open when I reached the classroom because of its beaming Christmas lights and decorations. There was a towering Christmas tree right in the middle of the classroom. My eyes roamed around the classroom and then my jaw opened wide. There he was standing, old Saint Nick also known as our beloved Santa Clause. He greeted us with a huge smile and said “Ho Ho Ho, Merry early christmas fellow students. I am your teacher today for a special reason.” 

Afterwards, he announced to settle down and requested to look into our desks. There was a present for everybody. The present for Jade was a breathtaking red scarf. How did Santa even know about red being her favorite color? Austin was delighted to see a superb Mario figure (his dream present for a long time). For me it was a customized bracelet with my name. I had been asking for a customized accessory from my parents for a long time. It was by far the best present I ever got.

Then, we heard our dear Santa again – “Fun has just started folks. We will build a phenomenal gingerbread house and decorate it with chocolates I got from Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, we’re best friends! ” The class was absolutely thrilled when he disclosed it. We got busy with this unusual assignment. The gingerbread house was ready and adorned with mouth watering chocolates. It was my turn to break this house down, I was as starving as I had missed my breakfast. The flavorful gingerbread and chocolates melted in my mouth.

Shortly thereafter, Santa darted to the teacher’s desk. Talking about teachers, I want jolly old Nick, not Mrs.Johnson. Santa made a major announcement , “Hey my dear children, I am only here because I want to teach you a valuable life lesson. We shall ride my sled and go on a field trip. You will meet special friends and give them the memorable times of their lives. So grab a gift and we will give it to your friend. Make sure it will make them elated. After all, you are their secret santa.” I was perplexed about my options to choose from. Maybe my lucky pencil. No, why would someone love a pencil. I could give them my pencil box. Wait, that has a dent on the corner. After a lot of pondering and consideration I decided on the teeny tiny teddy bear I got last Christmas from late grandma. My teddy bear was named ‘Marshmallow’. Marshmallow was always with me as he reminded me of my grandma. I think someone else needs it more than me. I wrapped this gift with love and ran to Santa, who was packing up.

Next, we went outside to the playground and were astonished to see Santa’s radiant sled. Santa was busy neatly loading our presents in his red sack. He politely instructed us to occupy seats we liked. I chose to sit next to Austin and Jade. Austin was excited that he had packed his badge he won in a 2 mile marathon, while Jade was carrying her polarized sunglasses. Then Santa commanded Rudolph “Try to fly fast! we will take off for the orphanage”. Eventually we were in the air. I honestly thought that it would be like a plane but it was way more enchanting. I didn’t see the Christmas lights and decorations which would be hung up on Christmas but it was still marvelous. After 3 minutes, we landed. We landed right in front of the ’Divine Light’ orphanage.

In the middle of our astonishment, we heard Santa ordering us to hurry inside. He said that we needed to decorate the main hall in less than 15 minutes. Austin inquired why and Santa explained that the kids will come from lunch break soon. Santa pulled out an enormous bag of decorations and we sprinted into the main hall. 

Soon enough the hall was sparkling and dazzling with the decorations we did. Santa handed over the names of our young buddies in little chits, my chit said in gigantic golden letters ‘MELODY’. Suddenly, Jade exclaimed,“Do you hear the footsteps of children running?”. She was absolutely right, they had finally arrived! The children were impressed to see our Christmas ornaments hanging all over their spacious hall. We all were ready with our presents in our hands. 

Furthermore, Santa instructed us to find our buddies. I am guessing Melody is this short girl with pigtails. She has green eyes and a big smile, she has to be Melody. I questioned her name and my guess was absolutely right, she confirmed her name to me. I was very nervous that she would like Marshmallow. With trembling hands I handed over my present. She casually unwrapped the present and shrieked to see what was inside. She instantly gave me a tight hug and thanked me.

Finally it was time to end this pleasant field trip. Santa had made an important announcement that we were leaving soon. We darted to the sled saying goodbye to the children. I was so gratified remembering the captivating smile my present brought on Melody’s face. Santa narrated the most significant life lesson, “Kids, giving is far superior than receiving. A little bit of fragrance always clings to the hands which gives you roses, that is why you are as happy as your buddies today. I want you to do a random act of kindness and try to be someone’s secret Santa every year.” With this meaningful message for life we were dropped off to our school. 

Afterall, school is not so bad.Today taught me the finest lesson of life which will always stay with me.