A CHANUKAH TALE

Chapter 9 It’s Monday and Grandpa is reading the paper as he slowly drinks his coffee. As Jonathan and Matthew are eating breakfast, Jonathan says, “why are you eating so fast Matt?” “Freddy’s parents are taking Freddy and me to the mall” “That’s not fair.” Jonathan says.”Anyhow the Mall doesn’t open till 10.” Fearful that Grandma might change her mind Matthew sits around for 2 hours fully dressed for winter and ready to leave as soon as he hears Freddy’s Daddy beep his horn. The beep comes and Matthew is off to the Mall. At the Mall Freddy and Matthew wander the stores with Freddy’s parents. Both their eyes and little minds are filled not with sugar plums and fairies, but with toys and computer games and Addis. So much to choose from as they sit in contemplation while Freddy’s mother buys boys underwear, tooth brushes and tooth paste. “Hey guys I think it may be time for lunch.” As Freddy, Matthew and Freddy’s daddy walks over to MacDonald’s, Freddy’s mother continues to shop in the big department store. Entering MacDonald’s Freddy’s daddy asks. “Okay guys what will it be?” “I’ll take a big Mac, French fries and a coke.” Freddy says. “I’ll just have some water.” Matthew replies as he reaches into his empty pockets. Looking over at a disappointed Matthew, Freddy’s daddy replies, “my treat Matt.” “I’ll have a big Mac, French fries, a coke and a sundae and a cookie.” “Wow Matt do you think you can eat it all?” “I don’t need the cookie, and thank you.” “See, I remembered to say thank you. That was GOOD.” Matthew reflects. They pick up their order and sit down to eat. You guys take your time eating. Freddy’s mother and I will be back in about thirty minutes. Don’t wander. I want you both here when I come back.” Matthew and Freddy finish their lunch in about 15 minutes. Getting up Freddy starts to leave.“Where are you going, Freddy.” “I have to go to the bathroom, I’ll be right back. As Matthew waits for Freddy’s return, he sees Santa Claus come walking up to the counter. He hears Santa order a coke. Matthew slowly rises and walks over to Santa. “Are you Santa Claus?” “Yes….yes I am,” the young man answers as he gets back into his Santa Claus act. “You bring gifts to kids that aren’t Jewish, don’t you?” “Well yes.” Santa answers. “Well I’m Jewish and I have been trying to be very good, and I even have to be doubly good because my brother is in the hospital…..and he had surgery on his heart….. and my grandma and grandpa are taking care of us and….. and even though I try to be very GOOD something bad always happens and….. my brother and sister and I don’t get any Chanukah gifts!” Matthew’s story only took 20 seconds to be told. “Wow kid that’s a pretty sad story, but what can I do for you?” “Well I was thinking, even if I don’t celebrate Christmas, if I told you what I wanted for Chanukah maybe you could leave some gifts at my friend, Freddy’s house with my name on it, then I could come to his house and maybe get the gifts later.” “That’s an interesting plan, but that’s a hard one kid, I think I’m going to have to think about it.” “You would? Wow.” Matthew responds. As Santa Claus wipes his brow and opens the top button of his Santa Claus coat, Matthew who has started to leave sees a Star of David hanging from Santa’s neck. “Wait a minute,” Matthew thinks. He then turns and looking at Santa, he says in disbelief, “Your Jewish, you’re Jewish, Santa Claus!” Before Santa Claus can come up with an explanation three more Santas enter Mac Donald’s. “Hey Eli,” one of the Santas yells. Seeing the young boy talking to Eli the second Santa stops his conversation abruptly. Matthew looks up at all four Santas and says, “You’re Jewish and he’s Black and he’s Chinese and he’s Mexican or whatever. You mean there is more than one Santa Claus?” While Matthew waits for an answer, the Santas stand around and seem to designate Eli as there spokes person.