Happy Birthday!!!!

Sydney tried to visit at least once a year. Sometimes he gave a warning of his upcoming arrival, like a weatherman’s prediction of precipitation: 85% chance on Friday. Other times, he just appeared, waiting for them in the yard until they got home. He liked to time his visit for the birthday celebrations that took place around the last week of January. This year it was already January 20th and there had been no trace of him.

The family in the red brick house were beginning to be a bit concerned. Comments could be heard such as, “I hope Sydney didn’t spend Christmas in Hawaii and succumb to heat stroke.” And others would counter with, “I hope he’s not hibernating the winter away in a Polar Bear Den. If he set an alarm clock, his snooze button pounding is sure to make those bears crotchety. “ The list of reasons for Sydney’s late arrival and perhaps eventual no-show were getting the family worked up into a frenzied state of alarm.

Finally, the Mr. had to chime in with, “Now don’t start getting hysterical. You know Sydney likes to be unpredictable and keep us toe-tapping. He’ll be here by the end of the month, don’t you worry.” This was said with such authority that the family knew better than to continue with worrying scenarios, at least out loud.

On the eve of January 25th, after everyone had gone to sleep, snow began falling softly outside. The peaceful cold and muffled quiet that comes when large flakes hit the ground woke up the Smallest Miss. She knew at once what the stillness meant and jumped out of bed to open the window. Sure enough, Sydney had arrived; the fluffy white man was floating down from the sky unassembled. He saw the Smallest Miss in the window and beckoned her to bring out his carrot nose and put him together.

The Smallest Miss hurried to put on her boots and mittens. She did not want to keep Sydney waiting, and rushed outside grabbing the special carrot nose and bag of Oreos. It seemed like Sydney was bigger this year and the Smallest Miss had never before put him together by herself. It was delightful work and the two friends both enjoyed the moonlight frolic in the snowy backyard. When they had finished, Sydney was taller than the Smallest Miss and had a grin from ear to ear. “Happy Birthday,” said Sydney as he pulled a cupcake from his secret pocket. And so the Birthday Girl and the Snowman shared a midnight cupcake picnic, lighted by the cheery glow of one candle.

The family was astonished the next morning to see that Sydney had arrived; and not just arrived, but was also assembled. The Smallest Miss and Sydney just smiled and shared a wink as the others speculated on possible explanations. If they had looked closely, they may have found the only clue to the night's celebration; a drop of candle wax and a cupcake crumb.