“It doesn’t have to be that way,” Kylie complained.
“It does! Are you coming?”
Simon crept downstairs and hid.
Before long his parents appeared with gifts, “That’s five for each.”
Simon waited then crept upstairs, “I’m right.”
Kylie frowned, “You’re not.”
In the morning, the family gathered to open gifts, six presents for each.
“But you put five there,” Simon complained.
His parents were surprised, “Yes, five each but don’t forget Santa.”
“There’s an extra,” Simon pointed.
A card read, “For Kylie who always believes, love Santa.”
Kylie found a small bell, “It’s one of Santa’s sleigh bells!”
Simon frowned, “It didn’t have to be that way.”
Ross's Writing Blog 
Ames
December 11, 2011 at 09:35
There’s always a stinker in every family!~Ames ♥
Ross Mannell
December 11, 2011 at 10:16
Thanks for the comment.
Even the young empirically minded can question. Simon learnt a lesson he didn’t expect. 🙂
Judie
December 11, 2011 at 11:14
A sweet story, Ross. One never knows, does one?????
Ross Mannell
December 11, 2011 at 14:29
Thanks for the comment.
It’s left open for the reader to decide. 😉
anita
December 11, 2011 at 16:54
Very sweet. I love the innocence of children and the mystery that Christmas is for them.
Ross Mannell
December 12, 2011 at 09:30
Thanks for the comment.
This story was aimed at keeping the mystery for the child who questioned. For Simon, so sure was he yet the extra gifts has him questioning what he felt true. 🙂
jfb57
December 12, 2011 at 03:28
Hello Ross! Fancy seeing you here! I love this piece. It has the innocence that is just about to go. I hope Simon is able to believe for at least one more year!
Ross Mannell
December 12, 2011 at 09:33
Thanks for the comment.
I don’t get much time for writing long stories now my life is spent commenting on numerous blogs. The #100WCGU and Saturday Centus give me a chance to exercise the would-be writer in me. 🙂
Simon was left with the question, did Santa come later and place the extra presents?
Tracy
December 12, 2011 at 06:51
I BELIEVE
Ross Mannell
December 12, 2011 at 09:34
Thanks for the comment.
How could we not believe what extra gifts had appeared. 🙂
Karen S.
December 12, 2011 at 08:06
Oh so sweet…loved this….children just complete life don’t they! Young and old!
Ross Mannell
December 12, 2011 at 09:36
Thanks for the comment.
There is that time in our lives when we start to question out childhood beliefs. Hopefully we keep some of the childhood wonder. 🙂
Kim
December 12, 2011 at 16:41
I love Christmas again now that we have grandchildren. I get to see the magic through their eyes.
Ross Mannell
December 12, 2011 at 17:12
Thanks for the comment.
We know the religious significance of Christmas but it’s the children who bring the fun. 🙂
Jenny Matlock
January 3, 2012 at 04:31
Christmas without small children around always feels so odd.
It was nice to revisit those times through this little gem of a story.
Thank you for sharing it.
Sending warm wishes your way for a glorious 2012.