That Christmas eve, Stella sat on her black couch, watching the snow fall from the misty window.

Christmas was that time of year where everything was ‘warm.’ Well on the inside of course.

She and her mom had already made cookies for Santa Clause, of course, leaving some for his reindeer.

“Honey.” Her mother whispered behind her. “It’s time for bed. And tomorrow it’s Christmas." Stella was startled by her mothers sudden appearance. Quickly getting over the shock she nodded.

That night, Stella laid in her warm bed, staring at the ceiling. It was always hard to fall asleep on Christmas eve. Pictures forming in her mind, reindeer flying through the sky. Stanta eating a cookie somewhere.

She wasn’t even sure she was asleep when a glow erupted in her room. It was bright red, shimmering across the walls. Quickly changing to green.

Slowly she got out of bed, nervously she walked to the glowing light that had just changed to white. Her heart beat fast. But curiosity won.

The light glowed even more brightly as she stepped closer. She didn’t even have to worry about stepping on something, with so much light forming in the room.

Suddenly, the room's walls twisted–spinning. This made her stomach flip. The walls disappeared, glows of red, white and green. Swirling around her.

The next thing she knew she was soaring through the night sky, stars gleaming. She looked around. Stanta’s Sleigh was carrying her through the night sky. The reindeer pulled it. All of them just as she imagined.

The wind brushed her face as the reindeer pulled. She was in Stantas Sliegh…the Stanta.

“Ho, ho ho!” Stanta said Stella had just noticed the big guy with a long white beard and red hat was sitting next to her. “Hello Stella.” He smiled, his smile warm, like hot cocoa on a winter day.

Stella shivered from the cold. “Y-you… Know my name?” Her voice was small. She had always hoped to meet Santa.

“Oh course I know your name!” Then he added, “I'm Santa Claus!” He said smacking the reins.

Stella watched the world pass by underneath her. The city lights, small cars parked. It was all like a toy set a young boy would have.

“First stop!” Stanta called over the wind. His reindeer started going down smoothly, until their soundless hooves hit the titles of a small house just off of the city.

Stanta easily jumped out of the sleigh, barely making a sound. Stella was impressed by a guy who ate so many cookies. She just sat there, not moving, not sure what to do.

Stanta chuckled, “Come on Stella, don't you want to deliver the first present?” Stella’s eyes widened. First she somehow appeared in his sleigh now he was asking for her help? How could she say no!

Inside the house, their Christmas tree gleamed, with ornaments hanging. The fresh smell of cookies sat in the kitchen. Stella carefully set down the present on the floor under the tree. Taking in the sense of happiness.

She smiled, it felt good to be able to help people, making others happy made her happy.

She watched as Stanta bit out of the chocolate chip cookie with a snap! The reindeer pranced on the ceiling, softly. This made Santa look at the time.

“Time for you to go Stella.” He smiled, Stella didn’t say anything, but she felt the same uneasy feeling as the world around her twisted. With bright colors. The last thing she heard was. “Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas!”

The world simmered, the walls disappearing in golden light. She felt her feet leave the ground.

“Stella wake up.” Her mother called from the doorway. “It’s Christmas!” Stella bounced awake. She was back in her warm bed, her mother had thrown the sheets off to the side.

She looked around, it seemed unbelievable that she was back in bed. Was that just a dream? Had she never been flying through the sky?

She smiled at her mother flopping down from her bed. Her red and white shocks hit the floor. “Yay!” SHe said, though she was still curious whether that was a dream or not.

Mother led them into the living room. The Christmas tree is packed with presents. As Stella looked through them. One said: TO STELLA. In big bold hand writing. She tore it open and it said:

Dear Stella, Merry Christmas. Thank you for your help. Have an amazing day!

-Santa.

This warmed her heart. She had been with Stanta. What wonderful Christmas magic. She looked at her mom and smiled, tugging the note in her pocket.

Maybe next year they’ll meet again. Until then she’ll be good. “Merry Christmas mom.” She whispered. “Merry Christmas.” Her mother said back, pulling her into a tight hug.