My Most Magical Christmas Memory

The most magical Christmas moment of my life occurred when I was 7-years-old.

I had just started earning allowance and had been saving up to buy my little brother Wayne a special present. I'd noticed it at the store before and knew it was perfect; a toy bow and arrow set that was so realistic that I imagined it would shoot far across the yard, allowing him to bravely defend our pretend backyard fort.

For what seemed like months through my young eyes, I held on to every penny I was given to earn the $15 for this toy. It was difficult saving, especially when there was always the temptation to buy something easier, but I stuck to my goal.

When I'd finally earned enough money to cover the purchase, my grandmother drove me to the store. The sounds of excited children eclipsed the joyous Christmas music that resonated throughout the shop, and while the scene may have distracted me any other time; my determination led me without hesitation to the section that housed the bow and arrow.

Or the section that was supposed to house the bow and arrow, rather.

Much to my dismay, the toy wasn't on the shelf. My grandmother and I tried looking in other spots, but we had no luck. Eventually Grandma asked an employee if they had any in the store, but the answer was a disappointing "no. "They had no idea when it would be back in stock either.

Running incredibly low on options, I remembered something very important; something that could turn this whole thing around. Santa Claus was in the store that day! I asked my grandmother to please take me to see him, and she did.

After waiting impatiently in line behind crying babies and anxious parents, I finally got my meeting with Santa. I was placed on his lap by a helpful elf, and he asked what I wanted for Christmas.

"Well, I don't know what I want for Christmas, but I saved up all this money to buy my brother a bow and arrow, and it isn't here. I was hoping you could help me."

He seemed taken aback for a second, but then responded with a gentle smile," I may have just what your brother needs in the North Pole. If you're both very good, you may be pleasantly surprised."

I was then told to "say cheese"; a bright camera flash followed, then a hasty good bye. I also received a candy cane somewhere in the quick process.

I returned to my grandmother satisfied with the terms Santa had proposed. I knew I could be very good, and I could probably convince Wayne to do the same, at least until Christmas. Still, if Santa was bringing the bow and arrow, I had to decide on another gift for my brother. After surveying the store once more, and probably over-tiring my grandmother, I decided on a Power Ranger action figure.

Each day after that, I worked hard to behave and keep my brother in line. Whenever someone asked why I was being so good, I told them about my deal with Santa Claus. I also told my mom, in private, what exactly Santa was bringing for Wayne, and she agreed that a bow and arrow would be the perfect present.

Before bedtime on Christmas Eve, my mother allowed my brother and me to exchange the gifts we picked for each other. I opened mine first; it was a beautiful doll with long black hair that I could brush and style. It was so nice that I became embarrassed about the gift I got for him.

"Wayne," I began while handing him the wrapped box. "I wanted to get you something better, but it was gone. This is all I could think of, but I asked Santa to bring you what I wanted to get."

He opened the gift, and then responded, "It's okay. I like Power Rangers."

"I know, but the other thing was better..."

My mother put us to bed after that, reminding us that Santa was on his way, and we needed to be asleep when he comes.

But that night, I couldn't sleep. I knew I had promised to be very good, and I was certain that going to bed on time was part of that, but I was just too excited and hopeful. Not only was I ready to see what I got, but I wanted to see if Santa would keep his end of the deal and bring Wayne that bow and arrow! I tossed and turned, barely dozing then reawakening, until the sky began to lighten as the night ended.

Unlike the Christmas mornings prior, I didn't wake Wayne before I first went down the stairs. I wanted to know first if the wish had been granted. I descended into the darkness quietly, disturbing no one.

When I finally made my way to the tree, I saw it; the very same bow and arrow set that I'd wanted to get my little brother! Santa had come through! I raced back up to Wayne's room to wake him, making enough noise to arouse my mother in the process.

The mention of Santa brought my usually difficult-to-wake brother to life instantaneously. We went downstairs to tackle our presents from Santa Claus.

It was an amazing feeling to believe that Santa had heard my problem and come to my rescue. The bow and arrow was my little brother's favorite gift of the bunch, likely because we both felt it held a special quality, that Christmas magic most children only experience through stories.