A Happy New Year

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 31 December 1938, Page 12

A Happy New Year

Lather Christmas felt so very tired. His sack was quite empty, for he had been to every house in the world, and though, when his load of toys and presents had been delivered, manv little stockings bad remained empty of worldly gifts, he had hlled them with good wishes for the little owners, since that was all he had left to give. “Bless their little hearts, ’ he murmured to himself. “I must get the fairy folk to work harder next year”—and then he remembered—he had forgotten the fairies, and they would be waiting for him, as expectant as any mortal children. “Whatever shall I do? What will they think?” he cried in dismay, and his tender old heart almost broke at the thought of their disappointment. “Hullo, Father Christmas! Finished your work? ’ cried a cheery voice. It was Mr Stork, and he carried a small bundle under his wing. “1 say,” he continued. “I’m in a fix. I’ve been so busy all day long delivering babies, and now I find / have one over. I’m sure I don’t know where it belongs. What am I to do?” “Peter Stork, you’re a good fellow!” exclaimed Santa Claus in great excitement. “Give me the baby. I’ll find a home for it. That is just what I want.” “Well, you’re welcome to it. Goodbye, I wish you joy and a Merry Christmas.’’ Away went Father Christmas, holding the precious little bundle very carefully. There was great excitement among the fairies when they saw Santa Claus coming. “What have you brought us. Father Christmas? they cried as they gathered round him eagerly. “I have brought you all a baby! Lather Christmas said slowly. “Santa Claus, you darling! Oh, isn’t the baby sweet?” “Do let me kiss his wee toes.” Then Wise Wings, being the eldest fairy, thanked Father Christmas from them all. “Santa Claus,” she said, “we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your beautiful present to us. We have never had a baby before. Oh, we love him already, we do really, and we thank you a thousand times! Then she kissed the wrinkled cheek, and Father Christmas departed in high spirits. Oh. the fuss that was made of the baby. Fach fairy kissed him in turn, laughing and tickling the dimples in hi* knees and arms. 1 hey dressed him in the white petals of an arum lily lined with the blush of a rose. “And what are you going to call the little fellow? enquired Father Christmas at the christening ceremony a week later, and the fairies answered in joyful chorus, “A HAPPY NEW YEAR!”