How time flies and it's Christmas again! Though the nuns don't celebrate Christmas, they still put up their old Christmas tree every year. APK was saying wistfully that it would be nice if someone would give them Christmas presents.
"I know times are hard since COVID-19 struck and not everyone can afford to give away presents," she said. "But it would be lovely if I could have a new pair of socks for cold, rainy nights." Another nun said she needed a shawl to keep herself warm, and the other nuns also said they could do with some new things which they needed.
"Hey nuns, why don't you make a list of the things you want and put it under the Christmas tree," I suggested. "Who knows, Santa may come flying in and give you all you wish for!"
The nuns all laughed and APK said, "Come on, Vege Cat, we're not kids anymore and we certainly don't expect Santa to come down our chimney! Still it's a good idea, we'll do a wish list but I'll be really surprised if we get any presents at all!"
After they had finished their task, the nuns all went to bed as there was nothing else to do. They had done up the tree very nicely and I since I didn't feel like going to bed just yet, I jumped up on the old armchair nearby and stretched myself out. I could hear the faint singing of Christmas carols from somewhere and the laughter of merrymakers as they passed by the temple gates. I said "Merry Christmas" to myself and soon fell asleep.
I was awakened in the middle of the night by strange sounds which seemed to come from around the Christmas tree. I sleepily opened one eye, then the other and saw to my surprise a couple of Santa Claus floating in the air right in front of me! Was I dreaming?
Then one of them spoke: "Hey, Vege Cat, wake up! It's us, HD and PH!"
I should have known!
"What's going on and why are you two all dressed up as Santa? " I asked.
"Well, it's Christmas, isn't it?" answered HD.
Then I saw to my amazement that there were about half a dozen spooks, some with red Christmas hats on their heads, carrying boxes of brightly wrapped presents and putting them at the foot of the Christmas tree!
HD grinned and said, "I have friends in high places...hee hee... ....the nuns are gonna have a big surprise!"
"But what am I going to tell them - that these presents are from two ghosts?" I cried.
"Just say Santa brought them!" said HD, laughing.
"They'll never believe me ....."
"Oh, you'll think of something," said HD and turning to his fellow spooks, he said softly, "Ok, you guys, let's wrap it up. You can all go back now!" and POOF they disappeared.
"HD," I protested. "I think you're both being very nice and kind but ....." and before I could continue, he interrupted, "It's the season for giving and we know how happy the nuns will be when they see these presents. So say no more."
"But...but we don't have anything to give you both in return," I said.
"You and Head Nun gave us a home in this temple and that's more than anyone can ever give us," he replied.
PH nodded his pumpkin head and said, "Yes, we're very grateful indeed. I had a miserable life when I was alive and I never thought I would find so much peace and contentment now that I'm dead! Thank you, dear friend."
I was going to protest further but both of them suddenly disappeared in a trice. I was in big trouble because I had to think of what to tell the nuns when they find all those presents for them the next morning. I decided to go back to my basket in the kitchen and fell into a troubled sleep.
I woke up the next morning to squeals of delight from the nuns. APK came rushing into the kitchen shouting "Vege Cat, wake up, wake up! Santa was here last night!" and she scooped me up from my basket and carried me to the hall where the Christmas tree stood.
"I can't believe it," she cried excitedly. "There's a present for each of us and for Head Nun and you too, Vege Cat!"
I took a closer look at the presents and was amazed to see that each one had a nun's name on it and I was sure each would receive what they had put in their wish list. I was right. HD and his comrades had done a very thorough job!
Head Nun soon arrived on the scene having heard the commotion. The nuns rushed up to her showing their presents and if she was surprised, she didn't show it.
Then APK asked, "Vege Cat, you must have arranged all this, that's why you told us to do a wish list. Please tell us who is the kind person who gave us all these presents so that we can thank him or her?"
It was the moment I dreaded. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. Of course I could have easily lied and said they were from some charity but I didn't want to lie and add another sin to my list of sins. Fortunately, Head Nun, sharp as ever, came to the rescue.
"These presents are from a few well wishers who want to remain anonymous," she said. Little did she know how close to the truth she is, I thought to myself! Then before the nuns could say anything more, she continued, "Well, it looks like all of you have forgotten about your dawn meditation in the excitement. Since it's Christmas, I shall excuse you. Go and have your breakfast, then we shall do our morning prayers."
The nuns happily trooped off to the kitchen and after they had gone, Head Nun turned to me and said, "Vege Cat, I believe you have something to tell me ..?"
I nodded. It would be the most amazing story she would hear, thanks to two lovable ghosts!
Merry Christmas and may the spirit of Christmas fill your homes with love, peace and joy!
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