Santa's sleigh runs on Christmas spirit. When/where it doesn't exist, he has to land and find it to 'refuel'.
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Stranger By The Road
by Sandra S. Corona

Santa’s sleigh runs on Christmas spirit—
there is nothing around that’s like it.
The spirit isn’t parties, presents, trees
but helping others with many needs.
A holiday -- acknowledge as you please.
Don’t be blind to strangers on the road.
What goes up is destined to come down.
There’s much havoc, chaos, people frown.
Santa changed his clothes, hid his deer and load
to become a stranger by the road.
The weather was freezing rain, then snow.
A passing car stopped, door sprang … all told.
“It’s Christmas Eve. Where are you going?”
Santa could see her spirit glowing,
it thrived from passengers in that car.
“You’re welcome to come. We don’t live far.”
(He saw glitter in her eyes, a star.)
“Gather together, take off a load.”
In the hearth of her home, a tree shimmered,
adorned, decked elegantly.
She turned to the stranger, “Have you ate?”
Shook his head ‘no’… she warmed a plate.
“You can stay the night. It’s rather late.”
“Ma’am, I’m just a stranger from the road.”
“But for His grace, we’d all be alone.
If you’ve someone to call, there’s my phone.”
The tree lights were lit, they all sang carols.
His quest for spirit brought him barrels.
Slipping out, Santa spoke with sparrows.
“Guide my sleigh. Tell them to ‘watch my load’.”
The house emptied when the sleigh touched down.
Child spoke, “Will you let me ride around?”
Around the world he’d share his spirit!
Instantly Santa smiled, “Let’s do it!”
His Mom said, “He’s blind but love his wit!”
Santa’s knees knocked and his legs nearly bowed,
“On Christmas Eve, miracles thrive, spin,
and tonight he will see once again.
Except for Him, strangers we would be.
I deliver hope, His ministry, as its the seed of humanity.
Christmas is strangers, lightening one’s load.”