And there were in the same country children keeping watch over their stockings by the fireplace.

And Lo! Father Christmas came upon them; and they were sore afraid.

And Father Christmas said unto them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people who can afford them.  For unto you will be given great feasts of turkey, pudding and cake; and many presents, wrapped in bright paper, lying beneath a tree adorned with tinsel, coloured balls and lights.

And suddenly, there will be with you a multitude of friends and relatives, praising you and saying: “Thankyou very much, it was just what I always wanted.”

And it shall come to pass as the relatives and friends have gone away into their own homes, the parents shall say one to another, “Oh bother! What a mess to clean up! I’m tired, lets to to bed and clear up in the morning.  Thank goodness Christmas comes just once a year!”

And they go with haste to bed, wondering what Christmas is really all about.

(Green, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, slightly adapted)