December 26th Resting Santa by the Fireplace Chris Card

Santa Claus sat in his chair, slumped and exhausted, with his long white beard resting on his chest. The bright red suit that he wore the night before was now wrinkled and dishevelled. His boots, usually polished to a shine, were scuffed and dusty from the long night of delivering presents. The fireplace beside him crackled with a few remaining embers, casting a warm glow over the room. The scent of pine and cinnamon from the Christmas tree filled the air, creating a cosy atmosphere. Santa's hat had fallen off, revealing his balding head, and his round spectacles lay askew on his nose. He breathed deeply, his belly rising and falling rhythmically as he slept. The sound of his gentle snoring was the only noise in the room, as the hustle and bustle of Christmas had finally come to a close. The toys and gifts that he had delivered were now scattered around the room, evidence of the joy and excitement that had filled the house just a few hours ago. But for now, Santa content to rest.