From chance encounters down at the shops to thrilling last-minute home visits, these amazing experiences from Reader’s Digest readers will make you believe in the spirit of Christmas.
Santa can bake!
Because we didn’t have much money, our family focused less on gift giving and more on the birth of Jesus. But that doesn’t mean we went without. We lived close to a Franciscan convent, and each Christmas, the nuns brought us a huge box overflowing with aromatic baked goods – some dipped in decadent chocolate, others with a chewy fruitcake texture.
What a treasure to discover that Santa dresses in many colours besides red. Sometimes Santa arrives in plain black dresses and can bake. – Melanie Salava
Santa claws
One Christmas Eve, Dad wanted us to experience watching Santa place gifts under the tree. So, unknown to my siblings and me, he had a coworker dress as Santa and come to our house around the time we were going to bed.
When Dad’s friend “sneaked” into the house, I was so excited to see Santa.
So was our dog, who attacked him.
I reached the kitchen in time to find red and white fur on the floor and to see Santa leaping over the back fence for his life. – Stanley Sons
The Santa cure
When I was eight, I attended a Christmas party with my mother, since Daddy was working late. Unfortunately, I had a terrible headache and begged my mum to take me home. She said she would, but only after Santa had passed out our gifts.
Then Santa arrived.
When he called my name, I sat on his lap. That’s when I saw his distinctive mechanic’s hands, covered with grease and calloused.
Santa was my dad.
Amazingly, my headache didn’t hurt so much anymore. – Debi Michel
