His vehicle slowly came to a stop. Klaas carefully rose up, got out of his vehicle and stretched. Every year, the journey seemed to be longer and longer. And this year, something was definitely different.
"Oh, my, Klaas!" Marta, his wife came fussing through the door. "You look like you're ready for a good rest!" She came over with a warm shall to drape over his shoulders and escort him into their small cottage.
"Marta, there was something different this year, something I've never felt before," Klaas pondered to his wife.
"Not now, dear. First, let's get some food into you. Something hot and healthy and that will stick to your ribs. I'm sure what you've been eating on this last trip wasn't the best for you!" she smiled and opened the door. "Jimmy and Timmy will take care of your vehicle and the rest of things for you."
Klaas always did like his wife's cooking. She made the best stew and biscuits around, and he even had third helpings this time! And then her apple pie ... heaven! she really outdid herself this year!
He sat in his favourite chair, quite content, taking in the moment.
"Now, what did you mean, dear, that something was different this year?" she opened the subject
"Marta, I think my days are over. I don't think they need me anymore," Klaas sighed.
"What do you mean?" Marta got a concerned look on her face. " There will always be a need for you. What is Christmas without you?"
"Marta, that's it. See, they have so many things that they have lost what giving is all about. It's lost the meaning - it's all about getting. I can't compete with the technology, the gizmos and gadgets, the iPods and iPads and iPuddles and whatever other "I" thing they want this year," Klaas paused.
"Why don't you sleep on it, dear. You'll think differently in the morning. Besides, it's another year before you have to go out again," she consoled.
"Another year to get worse," he breathed.
Klaas lay in bed, covered with the warmest of feather blankets, wondering what to do now. He knew things were in a very bad state; not only for himself and his future, but for the future of much more than that. He may have just come to the end of a journey, the end of his part in Christmas.
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