“Mummy... does Santa get presents at Christmas?”

“I don’t know sweetheart. I imagine Mrs Claus gives him something.”

Lily thought briefly, a perplexed look upon her face.

“Well I’m going to give him something this year too.”

She picked up her colouring books and pencils and headed off to her bedroom wondering what she could give Santa. Sitting on her bed she thinked and she thought. Then she thought and she thunk. Until, finally, she had an idea. With her tongue poking from the corner of her mouth in concentration, she carefully drew what she wanted. Mummy had recently taught her to knit and now she would use that to help Santa. When she went downstairs Mummy said she would help and together they worked all day until Santa’s gift was finished. Then they wrapped it and left it by the fireplace with the mince pies and carrots, before Lily went excitedly to bed. In the morning the present was gone. Lily was thrilled she had given a gift to Santa.

Now, whenever you see Santa on Christmas Eve he will be even more cheerful than usual with his warm and cosy, snug and toastie, brand new bright red socks!

This story was entered in the 2009 BBC One Show Christmas Short story competition.