For some people, Christmas means nothing more than another season to get new clothes, get new hair cut, get gifts, decorate Christmas trees, learn Christmas hynms, eat different Christmas delicacies and so on.... This was no different for Ethan.

Ethan couldn't believe his ears when his father broke the news to the rest of the family that they would be spending their Christmas holiday in the village. But dad, there is no network in the village I'll have to be offline for like a week! What's Christmas without a network connection?. I've made up my mind and there's no going back, his Father insisted. But there's nothing wrong with the village, I love it Ethan's little sister added innocently, she was visibly excited about going to the village. Ethan stared at her, digusted. This Christmas is sure going to be the worst I ever had, he murmured......

It was a cold morning and Alora was sitted in her Granddad's garden, ever since the doctor broke the news to her family that she had only one week left, everyone looked at her with pity, so she rather spend all her time in the garden alone. She could hear the birds chirping, the harmattan wind blowing the leaves of the trees, some of the trees dancing to the direction of the wind, others unshaken by the wind. She unconciously brushed her hair behind her ear anytime the wind brushed it over her face, she was in deep thought. She had two options, either she wallow in anger and regret spending her Christmas in pain, or she gets up, put up a smiling face and be strong for herself and her family. She decided to take the latter option, she wasn't going to make this illness bring her down and destroy her Christmas. She was going to make this Christmas the best she had ever had....

  The view was splendid, masquerades danced to the beat of the drummers behind them, so many food stands were scattered throughout the village hall each serving a special local delicacy. Different traditional dancers were seen displaying their talents. The village town hall was filled to the brim, lots of people had attended the Christmas party. Young boy, can you help me pack up this plates on the floor and take them to the balcony were they will be washed an old woman begged Ethan. Yes ma, Ethan accepted grumbly. His dad had asked him to join the youth that served as ushers in the event and clearly he wasn't happy about it. Hi. Hi, merry Christmas. I was told to bring these plates here to be washed. Ok dear, drop it there I'll wash it immediately Alora said smiling at him. Can I give you a hand? Ethan offered, he didn't even believe his ears but would you blame him?, she was beautiful, her dimples captivating and she didn't stop smiling, and those charming eyes.....

 The ushers just finished cleaning up the big village hall, Alora and Ethan were seated at the front of the hall staring at the full moon and the thousand stars in the sky. Just few people were left chatting lively and noisely, you can hear them talk about the excitements of the season, and how well they would spend or have spent their Christmas holiday. I just don't get what is so special about Christmas Ethan told Alora. It's almost the same ritual every year, so why do people make such a fuss about it. It's a beautiful time, Alora replied her eyes still set on the stars. It's overhyped Ethan insisted, I only enjoy the different delicases prepared on that day and the fact I'll stay all day on my bed watching movies and going through the internet. To me Christmas is more than that Alora responded this time removing her eyes from the stars and staring at him. Those charming eyes... To me it's not about the food, or the new clothes, or new hair, or the gifts. None of those matter to me anymore, not at this period of my life. Then what does Christmas mean to you Ethan asked? Love... a time to love and be loved, to be grateful for what you have and for the people surrounding you. A time not only to celebrate the birth of God, but to celebrate a birth into a new whole world of peace, love, and determination to be a better person to yourself and to all around you. Do you know how blessed you are? Alora asked and not waiting for a replied continued. You have both your parents alive right?, Ethan nodded. You are alive and well. You can see, walk, breath. You can afford delicacies that you are so proud talking about and you can also afford data she said and he smirked in reply. You are blessed, and this season should be a time people around you feel blessed because you are blessed. You are very lucky Alora muttered a slight expression of pain visible in her eyes. Are you alright? Ethan asked concerned. I have a terminal disease and I've got just few days to live, she blurted out, trying so hard to hide her pain. I'm so sorry ... No, Alora chuckled, you don't have to be. He looked at her with tears welling up in his eyes. Such pretty eyes and charming smile with just few days to live, but yet so full of hope and determination to spread the good news of love, he thought. Alora looking at the full moon said, I have just one wish for Christmas but you and I know it isn't possible, santa doesn't give life to those dieing, she chuckled pushing his shoulders with hers to brighten his mood. He just forced a smile. There was silence for some time before Alora stood up announcing she had to go. I should escort you Ethan said. No you don't have to, she interrupted smiling at him, my house isn't far from here. With that she started walking away slowly but then stopped abruptly, turned and told him. Hey boy, you have no reason not to have the best Christmas celebration ever. Go home and merry with your family. Then she turned and headed towards the village road into the darkness.

   At Alora's grandfather's village house, his extended family were all seated at the foot of their Christmas tree exchanging gifts. When everyone had gotten thiers, there was one gift remaining at the foot of the Christmas tree with a note attached to it, and in it was written 'for Alora'. She teared open the wrapping and inside it she saw a little figure of Santa and also a letter. She opened the letter and it read... "I know there isn't any gift that can be compared to the gift of life which you wish so dearly for. But you should know you saved my own life from the ignorance of what Christmas truly is. You have made me realize that I have to be grateful for the little things I have got, and now I'm having the perfect Christmas celebration with my family. You saved my Christmas and I do pray God saves you from your ailment. Merry Christmas. From Ethan". A tear dropped from her eye as she closed the paper but then she smiled immediately. She knew what the gift meant now, she was his Santa, she saved his Christmas.....