Day 23

Christmas Eve was supposed to be quiet and relaxing. The conditions were perfect—all of Hammelburg was covered in snow, and more snow was coming down. The forecast in the newspaper that morning said it was a guaranteed white Christmas, with snow slated to be in the area for the next couple of days.

Dietrich had his last cigarette for the day right as the sun was beginning to set. The rich colors of sunset poked through the clouds, then swiftly faded as more clouds bearing fat snowflakes came through. Lights from town could be seen twinkling brightly as darkness began shrouding the German countryside. When it became too dark, too cold, and his cigarette was spent, Dietrich disposed of it before heading back inside. A hot shower and a cup of hot chocolate was next on his list. Tomorrow would be quite chaotic with hosting his former adversaries, the Rat Patrol, and their wives and children. He would enjoy the soft Christmas music playing on the radio in the living room for the rest of the night, with only the tree and the fireplace for light.

He was halfway up the stairs when someone knocked on the front door. Dietrich sighed, hoping it wasn't those damn carolers again. He opened the door, expecting to tell a bunch of carolers to find another house to bother. Instead, he was greeted by a man with a long, white beard, tiny spectacles, and a heavy, dark winter coat. There was a pipe in his mouth, but he didn't smell like tobacco. Instead, he smelled more like peppermint.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I'm in need of some assistance," the old man said, taking his pipe out of his mouth.

"What sort of assistance?" Dietrich asked.

"My car broke down, and I'm running late to catch a train home."

"What sort of trouble are you having with your car?"

"A flat tire, and I have forgotten my spare."

"I have a spare in my garage." Dietrich put his coat on, looking the old stranger up and down. There is no way. This is not… no, it cannot be. "Where are you headed tonight?"

"North," the man said.

Dietrich decided not to press. "This time of year, north is quite cold."

"Oh, indeed, but what a sight it is."

Dietrich adjusted his gloves before grabbing his keys and leading the man out to the garage. "I hope this spare will fit your car," he said while opening the garage door. "If not, I can drive you to the train station."

"That would be marvelous. Thank you very much for your kindness." The stranger gave Dietrich space while he took the spare tire off the back of his car. "You were quite quick to help—what should I call you?"

I would assume you already knew, if you are who I think you are. "Dietrich. Hans Dietrich."

"Well, Dietrich, how can I thank you for your help?"

"I do not need anything in return. Seriously. I can buy another spare tire, and you can have this one free of charge."

"Oh, I insist. Perhaps—" The man searched his pockets. "I have this little box of Lebkuchen that I was planning on giving to someone. Perhaps you might enjoy it."

Lebkuchen was one of Dietrich's favorite Christmas cookies. It was difficult to say "no" to anyone offering them. Dietrich sighed and held out his hand. "Alright, I will take them."

The man gave Dietrich the box, who immediately put it in the house so he didn't start eating them now. He would enjoy them with that cup of hot chocolate later. As he carried the tire out to the old man's car, Dietrich still had a sneaking suspicion that this man wasn't exactly… ordinary. He chose not to say anything, though. Besides, if he actually is Santa Claus, I would like to make sure he gets back to the North Pole or wherever he is going. Dietrich sighed. I have to save Christmas? Why me?

He kept quiet while assisting with getting the flat tire removed from the old man's car, then put the spare on. Once the spare was on, Dietrich checked the tire pressure to make sure it was where it needed to be, then stood to face the stranger. "There you are. One new tire. Well, somewhat new. I bought it last year."

The man was smiling broadly. "Thank you very much. I do apologize once again for troubling you—"

"It was no trouble, honestly."

"Still. I greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your night to help. Have a very Merry Christmas." He took out his keyring, which had bells adorning it, and got in the driver's seat.

Dietrich swore he heard more bells as the car drove off. He worked his jaw as he thought, then said aloud to himself, "I just changed a tire for Santa Claus. No one is going to convince me that was not Santa Claus." He turned and headed back to the house. "What is next? Am I going to give the Easter Bunny an oil change?"

The snow had gotten quite deep, but Dietrich wasn't going to worry about shoveling until the snow actually stopped. When he entered the house, he noticed something was different. It took him a moment to realize what exactly was different. He noticed the fireplace had been lit, the radio had been turned on, and there was an extra wrapped box under the tree. I mean, this is Santa Claus. Of course he is magic, but it is bad enough that Troy barges into my house to give me random things. Dietrich knelt by the box. He figured he would open it now so he didn't have to explain to the others in the morning that he changed a tire for Santa Claus. The box was heavy, and so neatly wrapped that Dietrich almost felt bad about ruining the craftsmanship of the paper. He took the bow and paper off anyway, then pulled off the lid underneath.

Inside the box was a snow globe, depicting a lovely Christmas scene in Hammelburg. At the bottom of the box was a note, reading, "Never underestimate the effects of all your little acts of kindness. At some point in time, you have changed someone's world, and I suspect you will continue to do so for many others. Merry Christmas."