A Christmas Carol

He was too small to understand the world. But he knew in his heart that Christmas was approaching. In his mind's eye he dreamt about a dog. Just a small one, with a playful and warm nature. Father Christmas felt his heart's desire and observed him. A dog was no option, a reindeer could be arranged. While the stars were twinkling, father Christmas sent his best reindeer to the boy.

The reindeer licked the fingers of the boy and he opened his innocent eyes. A cute smile appeared. They became close friends. The reindeer pulled him out of his warm bed and motivated him to take a walk with him. The boy was smart and dressed warmly like his mother always showed him. They left the house and kept on walking for miles and miles. They had deep conversations without being loud and they instantly liked each other.

Father Christmas was overwhelmed with joy to see how both of them connected so well. And so the start of the adventure became a fact. In every house that they crossed on their path, they saw a Christmas tree. Well decorated and sometimes presents too. A beautiful series of observations. Sometimes cats and dogs were playing with the branches of the tree and sometimes children discovered new gifts.

The reindeer had an inner gps, offered by father Christmas, so he knew well in what direction to go. The boy trusted him and was lead by the divine. Suddenly they stumbled upon a house with no curtains and no Christmas tree. The house spread joy easily and the vibes were stunningly warm. Intrigued the boy and the reindeer felt the need to come closer. A mother was lovingly telling a story to her children, a boy and a girl while the father was cutting wood outside.

The story was about the essence of Christmas and the boy and the reindeer listened well. It is not about a Christmas tree, nor about presents. The food can be good, but does not count so much as well. The children looked at their mom with questions in their eyes. If Christmas was not about this all, what was it all about? The mother hugged her children and whispered that they always could put their hands on their hearts and connect to the love inside their hearts. 

The little hands of the children found their way to the heart chamber. Mom was demonstrating how she hold the key to her heart and the children did alike. Little children smiles put more light in the living room. With that light entering, magic happened. In the corner of the room a Christmas tree full of presents appeared. Yet the presents were no objects, but different expressions of love. A gift from the mom to her children for all their lives to come. 

To hold close to their hearts like a warm and cosy blanket on a cold winter's day. The children felt safe and deeply loved. The boy and the reindeer hugged each other outside. Father Christmas realised that his Christmas gift manifested in that moment. The boy would get a dog later on. But he never forget the lesson learned. Love is the most magical gift between beloved ones and the Christmas carol went on and on. 

By Liesbeth Leysen, MSc. International Management

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