“Bummer, I hope Santa's not mad at me... I don't want coal in my Christmas stocking, instead of candies,” Timmy thought as he realised what his mother just remarked. “I really want that remote controlled car, Santa! That one's on top of my wish list. Please do get it for me. I'll be jumping around with joy if you do. It's going to be so much fun as then I'd be able to race my car with Alex, when he comes over,” Timmy planned ahead, excited with the very thought of getting his favourite remote-controlled car for Christmas, from Santa.

Eight-year-old Timmy was the son of Mr and Mrs Arnold. Mr Arnold worked abroad so it was only Timmy and his mum left at home and his grandparents. Mr Arnold did come home for holidays and special occasions like Christmas, Timmy's birthday, etc. This year, too, Timmy hoped that his dad would come home for Christmas so that all five of them could celebrate the festive occasion together. However, it wasn't certain if Mr Arnold could come on Christmas as he was much occupied with his work. But little did Timmy know that he was in for a big Christmas surprise. That too a pleasant one!

Timmy resolved to be a good and obedient little boy so that he wouldn't end up on Santa's 'naughty list' and miss out on all the Christmas fun. He obeyed his mum without a complain, did all his chores, completed all his homework on time, didn't quarrel with his friends — in short, instead of being obdurate and getting into trouble, Timmy tried his best to be a great kid and be liked by all.

Finally, it was Christmas Eve. Mrs Arnold had a little dinner party in which Timmy's aunt, uncle and grandparents came. Everyone brought presents, which were placed under the decorated green Christmas tree to be opened on the morning of Christmas. Timmy had a great time, however, he secretly wished his dad could be with them as well, to celebrate. He missed him as this was his first Christmas without his dad.

Timmy was very excited as he looked at all the presents under the beautifully lit Christmas tree. After the party was over, it was bedtime for Timmy but before he got into his pyjamas, he decided to leave a little note for Santa! He wrote

“Dear Santa,

Thank you for being so nice and bringing us presents every Christmas. I love you a lot and hope that you got my wish list. My mum had mailed it to the North Pole. Okay, I have to go to bed now. Goodbye.

P.S. I have been a very good boy all this time so I hope you get me that remote-controlled car I want, for Christmas! Thank you.”

The next morning when Timmy woke up, he went straight down to the living room and sat beside the decorated Christmas tree. His still-drowsy eyes caught sight of his stocking hanging from the hook and to his sheer happiness, it was loaded with candies. Soon, his mum and grandparents came down and began opening up the whole pile of presents under the Christmas tree. One by one Timmy opened all the presents but to his disappointment, there was no remote-controlled car! Next, Timmy emptied out the contents of his Christmas stocking. Among all the candies, there was a small paper that said, “Go at the door and you'll find what you've been wishing for. — Santa”

Reading that, Timmy was thrilled and sprinted to the door that very second and opened it. His dad was standing in front of him, with a wrapped box in his hand. He was astonished at the sight and couldn't believe his eyes. But when Mr Arnold lifted him up in his arms and hugged Timmy, he realised his dad was really there!

“Dad! You're here!” Timmy cried, overjoyed! “Yes, son and guess what? Here's something I got you for Christmas. Let's go in and open it up,” Timmy's dad told him as he handed him the wrapped box. They went in and as Timmy unwrapped is present, guess what was in there? The remote controlled car he had been wishing for, all along! Timmy was elated and hugged his dad immediately! That was, by far, Timmy's best Christmas, as he not only got his car but also got a surprise visit from his dad!