Ramona’s Chimney

Santa guided his sleigh over a quiet neighborhood.  As he approached the next home, a familiar warmth filled his heart. This house. He knew it well.

It had been many years before the north pole, before the red suit and the sleigh.  Back when Santa was just a man with tools and a knack for fixing old chimneys.

Ramona had lived here then, a widow, kind and strong.  With silver hair tucked behind her ears and soft hands that bore the marks of a life well lived.  He remembered the way she had greeted him that day, eyes full of worry as she led him inside.

This fireplace had a story.

“This old fireplace, it was my husbands pride and joy,” she said while resting a hand on a worn brick.  “But its been years since its been safe to use.”

Just walking up to the front door, He could see the cracked mortar and the stack was leaning.  This old structure needed more than just a simple fix.

"He could feel the weight of it—the project was large, but Ramona’s heart wanted it done right." He could feel her heart wanted it done to her husbands satisfaction. 

And so, they agreed on a repair scope. For him, its not because it was a job, not because of money, but because he could. 

She thanked him over and over pressing a warm cup of tea into his hands when he finished. “you don’t know what this means to me.” She said with tears glistening in her eyes.  You’ve brought something back into this home.”

Today, as Santa lands silently on the very same roof he saw the chimney still standing. Strong and straight and cared for.

This house belonged to Willa now, Ramona’s granddaughter.

Santa smiled as he stepped inside, a familiar scent filling the air.  The stockings hung neatly over the mantel.  The fireplace still safe to use til this day.  It was no longer just stone and brick and mortar, it was part of a family legacy, a piece of history, passed from one set of loving hands to another.

A framed photo sat on the mantel, a much younger Willa, no more than 5, sitting beside her grandmother as they posed in front of the fireplace.

Santa felt old joy spread through his chest.

For tonight, Willa was beginning a new chapter.  This is her first Christmas in this house with her husband and their baby, little June.

He carefully placed their gifts beneath the tree, pausing for a moment at his chimney repair that is still standing the test of time.

"As Santa rose up the chimney, he lingered for just a moment, gazing at the quiet house below. A house filled with history, love, and the warmth of memories that would never fade."

Gratitude had turned that small moment into a cherished memory. One that would live on in this home for generations.