Naughty or nice? Good or bad? All across the earth there were children awaiting his arrival. From tiny princess to brave adventurers, all were eagerly watching the stars hoping to catch a glimpse of his magnificent sleigh. Or perhaps hear his hearty laughter, the jingling of the bells on his sleigh as the winter chill brushed through his long white beard. In every town, every province there was a little one leaving him gifts of milk and cookies, sometimes even something out of the ordinary. Every youthful eye was cast upon their lightened tree, hanging stocking, or even little shoe placed at the doorstep to perhaps catch a glimpse of him.
True it was gifts of toys, candy, even clothes at times to children across the globe; it was not just monetary items that he gave to them. No. It was the cheerful delight he put in their hearts. What happiness his visits would bring to them and send joy ringing in the air with every cry of bliss at wishes coming true. It did not matter to him where a child was from, or who they were. So long as they believed in him, he was always to be there; and even when they did not.
Belief in him wanes and ebbs as each year passes to a child, some writing him off as nothing but mischief caused by their own parents. Though he never minded, despite the hurt each loss dealt him. But as one child grows beyond his wonder and cheer, so does another light shine as thoughts of him swarmed through their dreams. This was what drove him on, what kept each cold and dark night worth the effort and the strain. To know the joy and cheer he gave to them and in return those same feelings being passed on to those around them.
Though he asked for nothing in return, he always received letters from them. Thanking him, sending their love and promises of good deeds for another year. Each letter, every messy scrawl brought a smile to his tired and worn features, seeming to a light a fire within him and drive him forward; never to stop so long as a child needed him. He was a protector, a defender. And he would give his very essence away to the darkness beyond to keep belief and cheer alight in a little ones heart.
As the morning arrives on a blessed day, so would the end of his work dawn. With a hearty smile and a shine in his eyes, the reins upon his sleigh would snap and crack through the air as he vanished from sight. Returning to his home to begin anew; not a moments rest appeased him until he knew every child would receive a gift that next year. No matter how small or large the present, no matter how good or bad the child, he would see to it they were never alone. They would never fear that someone out there did not care for them. Though belief in him was as fragile as a snowflake resting upon a fires edge, he would continue to endeavor. Continue to bring cheer and marvel to all those around him. Naughty, or nice.