A Christmas Tree for Santa

An Original

Christmas Story

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"I don't mean to be pushy, Santa, but Grandpa looks like he's ready to go. Do you think you could just throw a little tree on your sleigh for me tonight? I won't ask for anything else, but I've always dreamed of having a Christmas tree like everyone else." Charlie smiled, but before he could speak he noticed the old couple getting up from the loan officer's desk and walking away, an obvious look of pain and disappointment on their faces. He took young Wendy in his arms and lifted her back onto the floor as he stood. "Yes Wendy, you'll get your tree. I promise. In fact if you'll excuse me I'll get right to work on it!"

Wendy could only watch as Charlie walked quickly across the lobby to the loan officer's desk. Bob, the loan officer looked up, somewhat surprised to see Santa Claus leaning over the front of the desk, beard draped over his computer screen. "What can I do for you Charlie...or should I say Santa Claus?" Charlie ignored his arrogant tone. "Bob, tell me something. Did those two old folks get their loan?" Bob shook his head. "No. Their only income is Social Security, and they are way too deep into debt.""Well how much did they want?"

Bob snickered. "One hundred dollars. We don't make loans that small." Charlie felt his blood begin to boil. He leaned over the desk until he was eye to eye with the loan officer. Bob didn't like the look he saw in those eyes, and he liked Charlie's growling whisper even less. "You mean to tell me you turned down a loan for a measly $100 on Christmas Eve?" He let Bob stew under his glare before continuing. "My gosh Bob, you've always been a putz, but I never figured you for a Scrooge. A big shot like you couldn't just loan them folks the money yourself? You blow that much cash going to Happy Hour!"

As Charlie rose and turned in disgust, Bob regained his courage and hissed, "Maybe that's why I've got money and you don't, loser!" Charlie turned back to Bob, his eyes cold and hard. He fought the urge to reach out and grab him by the neck and throttle him, knowing Santa beating up on someone, even if he was a jerk, would not look good. Charlie changed tactics, his eyes softening. "OK Bob, you have a job to do, I understand that. The old man upstairs would probably kick your butt for making a loan like that. Tell you what, we can skin this cat another way. How about you just give them the hundred bucks you owe me for playing Santa? I know I've got another hour, but what the heck, how about paying me now?"

Charlie gave Bob his best used-car salesman look. Bob started to agree...then caught himself and laughed at Charlie. "Nice try pal, but you agreed to play Santa for free. I wasn't born yesterday. A deal is a deal, we don't owe you a cent." Charlie muffled a growl, then grinned innocently at Bob. "Well you can't fault a guy for trying Bob. I guess you're just too smart for me. OK, how about you just loan me $100?"

Bob just laughed. "Sorry Charlie, you're probably a worse risk than those old folks are. I bet you don't have more than a dollar in your pocket, do you?" Charlie gave Bob a confident look. "Wrong answer Bob. I may not have a hundred bucks, but I've got lots more than a dollar." He had one dollar and twelve cents to be exact. Charlie saw the old couple walking towards the door, motioning Wendy to follow. His mind raced furiously, then an alternate plan hatched in his mind. He turned and gave Bob his most intimidating glare.

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