Let me tell you the story of Gypsy at Christmas time. Her family was poor, but didn’t tell her, so she was happy as any kid could be. In those days, she didn’t question. Mama and Daddy could get away with the fantasy of ‘we-have-plenty’.

What I’m about to tell you was all unknown by Gypsy at the time. She was just a little tyke, three or four, maybe.

Right after Thanksgiving, Daddy started scouring all the second-hand shops looking for something special to put under the Christmas tree for Gypsy. When he found it, he would know right away, that was the ‘something special’.

“Mildred, I found it. Guess what it is?”

“What’s what, Frank?”

“You know, the special gift for Gypsy to put under the tree?”

“Oh, I didn’t know what you were talking about. What is it?”

“A doll bed. It’s made of walnut and really nice. It’s got a few scratches, but I’ll sand it down and put a new finish on it, so it’ll look just like brand new. She’ll love it for her Matilda.”

“That’s darling. Great find, honey. I’ll make a little mattress, pillow, and comforter for it. I planned on making lots of new clothes for her doll so this will be perfect. I’ll even make a little nightgown for her to match the one I just made for Gypsy.”

“Is that the doll she wants Santa to bring new clothes?”

“Yes, I asked her, just this week, which of her dolls Santa should bring new clothes. She told me, Matilda. I need to get started, since I can only work on them after she goes to bed at night.”

“Well, let me take this out to the garage before she sees it.”

“Thanks, honey. You found the perfect gift, that’s for sure.”

*

It was Christmas Eve and Gypsy could hardly finish her dinner because she was so excited.

“Is Santa really coming tonight, Mama?”

“Yes, he is, Gypsy and he has special treats for you, I’m sure.”

“Will there be nuts and candy and a REAL tangerine in my stocking, just like last year?”

“Well, sweetie, you’ll just have to wait and see, but I feel sure Santa will fill your stocking with those good things again. You really liked that tangerine, didn’t you?”

“Uh-huh. I hope I get another one.”

“Go upstairs now and brush your teeth. I’ll be up soon to say prayers with you. Don’t forget to leave Matilda downstairs under the tree so Santa can dress her up in her new clothes.”

Gypsy dashed up the stairs. She grabbed her doll and ran back downstairs to put it under the tree.

Later that evening, after prayers were said, Mama went back downstairs, ready to relax a bit before she put the gifts under the tree. When she sat down, she saw Gypsy’s doll, Mike, propped up under the tree.

Oh no. Gypsy, you little minx. You told me you wanted Clothes for Matilda. Mike is so big, he won’t even fit in the doll bed we fixed for you.

After Gypsy was asleep, her mother tip-toed into her room, retrieved Matilda from the bed and quietly went back downstairs. She dressed the little doll in the new nightgown, laid her in the doll bed and covered her with the miniature coverlet. She placed the remainder of the new clothes for Matilda in a wrapped package under the tree.

Where should I put Mike? I hope she won’t be too disappointed.

She sat Mike on the sofa, filled Gypsy’s Christmas stocking with candy, nuts, and a tangerine and placed it in his lap.

In the morning, the parents were up early stoking the coal furnace, having coffee, and waiting for Gypsy to waken.

“Here she comes, Mildred.”

Mama was nervous wondering if her little girl would be disappointed. Gypsy took one look at the tree, flashed a huge smile at her parents, and dashed for Matilda in the doll bed. She removed the comforter, picked up her doll and hollered as she ran to her mother.

“Look, Mama, Matilda’s got a nightgown just like me.”

When she stood in front of her parents, she noticed Mike sitting there beside them on the sofa holding her Christmas stocking. She placed Matilda on her Mama’s lap and reached for the stocking. Looking inside, she squealed.

“Look. I got a tangerine. And candy. And nuts.”

She looked back at Mike and wore a quizzical look on her face.

“How come Santa didn’t bring me the clothes for Mike? I left him under the tree.”

“He said he packed his sleigh a couple days ago and already had things made for Matilda. He hoped you wouldn’t mind.”

“No, that’s okay. She looks real pretty in her new nightie. How did Santa know where she was, Daddy?”

“I told him Matilda was in your room and he went upstairs to get her. Guess what he said?”

“What? What did Santa say, Daddy?”

“He said you were snoring. Real loud.”

“No, he didn’t.”

An explosion of laughter filled the room and another wonderful Gypsy memory was made.