It was a miracle and there was no other way to explain it. How could the lovely doll possibly land up in my stocking? The one I had been wanting for months? I hugged her tight and kissed her gently.

One year ago, I would have believed it would happen. But my elder sis, Shirley, told me not to be silly - there was no Santa Claus at all. My hopes were dashed. I cried a bit. I would press my face against the shop window and admire the beauty of the doll's hair and dress. So perfect! If she were mine, I would comb her hair, dress her up…there I go, dreaming once more…

On Christmas Eve, I placed my stocking beside my bed and mumbled a prayer, “Dear Lord, please, I wish for Santa to bring me my dream doll. I’ll be a good girl, I promise. Amen.”

I went to bed that special night and dreamt of Santa bringing gifts in his reindeer sleigh. The next morning, when I woke up, my wish came true. What a miracle! Thanks, Santa!

I looked at the doll's angelic face and smiled for a very long time.

© 2007 Clara Mok. Original for CCF  (Clara Mok grants CCF  first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).