Page 1 of The Christmas List

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josie

“Hey, Miss Josie, I heard my mommy tell my Aunt Daisy that my dad is alwayshorny.Does that meanhe’slike a reindeer too? Cuz of their horns?” Arthur asks, blinking up at me innocently.

You would think that teaching at Strawberry Hollow Elementary for over four years now would somewhat prepare me for the things that come out of my sweet, little cherub-faced kindergarteners’ mouths, but I’m honestly not sure thatanythingcould.

In today’s case, the bright red, blinking reindeer nose and velvet antlers that I currently have on while I teach the kids about my favorite holiday is the instigator.

It’s true what they say… kids say the damnedest things.

And believe it or not, this might not even be the craziest one I’ve heard.

“Um, actually, sweetheart, they’re not called horns. I know they look similar, but these are called antlers. Reindeers haveantlers,” I say brightly as I reach up and point to the antler headband on my head. They’re wrapped in multicoloredChristmas lights with tiny little golden jingle bells affixed to the points.

My most festive seasonal headband because only the best for my babies.

Arthur’s nose scrunches, his mouth pinching tight as he tries to wrap his little head around the difference between antlers and horns… and to figure out just what that has to do with hisdad.

Finally, he shrugs, his curious blue gaze returning to the half-decorated reindeer coloring activity on his desk.

I exhale the pent-up breath I was holding.

Okay. Phew. Crisis… narrowly averted.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving break, which some believe is much too early to begin celebrating Christmas, but I do have a reputation to uphold, especially at Strawberry Hollow Elementary.

During the holiday season, I wear my favorite festive outfits and plan as much Christmas fun into our daily curriculum as I can. I try to make every activity educational but alsofunbecause they’re still kids. Kids who are full of wonder and innocence and who still believe in magic. It’s one of the reasons that I love my job so much. My brothers have always said that I was born to be a kindergarten teacher, and it might just be the only thing we can actually agree on.

“I have something that I want to tell you all. But… it’s a secret. Do you think that you could keep a big secret? It’s pretty important,” I whisper as I lean in closer to the sea of wide eyes staring back at me from their desks. They all nod eagerly, covering their mouths as a few silly giggles escape. “I’m counting on you, okay?”

Lifting my hand to cup around my mouth, I lean even closer and whisper, “People in Strawberry Hollow… well, they call me thequeenof Christmas.”

A dozen dramatic gasps echo around the classroom like I’ve just told them something revolutionarily groundbreaking, and I laugh softly.

“But… Miss Josie… that means you’re like…royalty!” Lucy whispers in awe. Her bright green eyes shine, and an awe-filled smile takes over her face as she tugs on her long, strawberry blonde braids. “Christmasroyalty.”

She’s a new student who just transferred midsemester into my class, and she reminds me so much of myself. She’s bright and witty. Curious, compassionate, and kind to her classmates. But the thing that reminds me the most of myself is that she’s a self-proclaimed Christmas fanatic.

The very first thing she told me when introducing herself a couple of days ago was that Christmas is her favorite holiday, and she loves to tell Christmas jokes. Now, every morning, she has a new one to tell the moment she walks into the classroom.

Even though she’s only been here for a couple days, we’ve already developed a connection because, honestly, she’s the most adorable little girl ever, so it’s hard not to be completely taken with her.

I don’t have favorites.

I love all of my students equally, but without a doubt, there’s just something special about Lucy.

“I think that’s the best kind of royalty, don’t you?” I say, my lips curving into a grin when she nods enthusiastically. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved Christmas. Of course, because it’s the best holiday there is. So I will gladly accept the title of Christmas Queen of Strawberry Hollow.”

Twisting my fingertips in the soft fabric of my reindeer-printed skirt, I do a dramatic curtsey that makes another slew of giggles ring out around the room.

Which just may be my favorite sound ever.

“Okay, we only have a few more minutes until the bell rings, so everyone work on finishing your reindeer coloring sheets so we can hang those up around our classroom.”

The sound of crayons and paper shuffling fills the room, along with excited murmurs as my students return to their activity, and I make my way around to each of their desks. I always try to offer positive encouragement as a way to nourish my little minds, so I spend a few moments with each student, complimenting their art.

When I finally make it to Lucy, I glance down at the coloring sheet on her desk and see that it’s already completed, and she’s begun to draw something in the blank margin of the paper.

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