"Naughty or nice" is what came to mind, when I first read this week's Sunday Scribblings prompt, "Punishment and Reward."
If you've been nice, you're rewarded with lots of goodies in your stocking, hung by the chimney with care (or, in our case, from the piano when I was growing up, since we didn't have a mantel).
If Santa knows you've been naughty, you're punished with either an empty stocking, or if really naughty - the dreaded lump of coal!
Or maybe, in at least one case - it's just that you got up a little too early. Way too early, for Santa. And even though part of you knows what the other kids say is true, part of you still really, really wants to believe. So when you find your stocking empty, for the first time in your short life, you find yourself wracking your conscience, for which of your small, petty naughty deeds, must have been the straw to break the reindeer's back. And you tear up a little, because - really? You didn't think anything you might have done, could have been that bad. Plus, you never really thought this would ever happen...That this dreaded punishment would ever happen to you. You didn't even know anyone who admitted to this ever happening to them. Not even the worst boy in the world, or at least in your world - your elementary school. This was possibly the worst punishment you could think of...and the worst thing you could remember doing, was trying to pour the hated oatmeal down the sink (instead of eating it - ick!), and stopping up the sink. Come to think of it, they weren't very happy with you about that one...
Then your mother walks in to see you crying by your empty stocking and tells you to go back to bed for a litle while. Remembering to be Nice! and not Naughty, you obey...
To be rewarded just a little later, when your mother calls you for breakfast, and you pass a stocking that is now plump, stuffed with goodies - drying up your sniffles instantly. Whew - That was a close call!
Coincidence? Hmm...
I know I never took a chance after that - well, at least not for quite awhile (the teen years are a different story! Probably best not gone into here...). This incident served as punishment enough to last me for awhile.
Now, enough about punishment - bring on the rewards! I've been very, very good this year...
Really! OK, well there was that one time - er, let's not go into that either - but it wasn't that bad - I can explain...
Really cute! So what happens if you *think* you are being good, but your parents don't agree??? I like your take on this one!
bonnie
Posted by: khambagirl | December 09, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Oh I love this story. I bought a T-shirt that says "Santa I can explain" HeHe
Posted by: Ninnie | December 09, 2006 at 09:02 PM
You have been VERY good - please send me your address so I can make sure the Royal Mail gets to you!
Posted by: Caroline | December 10, 2006 at 01:22 AM
What a heartbreakingly cute little story!
Your reward is this smiley: :-)
Posted by: Pacian | December 10, 2006 at 03:05 AM
My first husband remembered getting a lump of coal in his stocking. I think it scarred him for life! Glad your Santa was just running a bit late for you. Great story.
Posted by: tammy vitale | December 10, 2006 at 05:15 AM
Such a sweet story and photo for the prompt. I'm sure Santa will reward you for all your good deeds and ignore that one little incident. :) xo
Posted by: Paris Parfait | December 10, 2006 at 05:27 AM
Most children are incredibly hard on themselves, aren't they? This was fun to read. Thanks!
Posted by: ren.kat | December 10, 2006 at 07:05 AM
I love your picture- you know, I don't think I ever got to sit on Santa's lap... maybe I was being punished- my whole childhood! Anyway, it's adorable and I loved your story!
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | December 10, 2006 at 07:25 AM
Isn't it awful to make kids worry like that???heh heh...THat pic is os great! I don't have any pics of me with Santa:..(
Posted by: Pam Aries | December 10, 2006 at 07:25 AM
Wonderful, wonderful story, Tink. And I loved the picture. Thanks so much for posting it.
Posted by: jerri | December 10, 2006 at 07:59 AM
Now I know there's a good reason to sleep really, really late on Christmas morning. I know someone has to get up to switch the oven on, but i don't want to take a chance!
Posted by: Greenishlady | December 10, 2006 at 08:47 AM
Absolutely charming post. First one I saw on the Christmas naughty/nice theme. Well done that!
Much peace, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | December 10, 2006 at 11:37 AM
Hmmm. You've redecorated. Nice! I am sure Santa will overlook your one little, teeny, eeensy weensy discretion. Growing up, I was ALWAYS good. Because my mother had a "little bird that told her" if I was not good. I hated that bird! I never saw it, but I hated it. I BELIEVED!!!
Posted by: artzyjudie | December 10, 2006 at 02:24 PM
You are so clever - my brain couldn't wrap around the topic reward and punishment and here you give us a holiday story about it - thanks!
Posted by: Kara | December 10, 2006 at 06:35 PM
I like your Blog's Holiday spirit! Very Cute story!
Posted by: Melba | December 11, 2006 at 05:34 AM
I know you made the nice list....just a little naughty for fun.
Posted by: Gemma | December 11, 2006 at 06:22 AM
I think many parents are going to be alight with inspiration at this story! An empty stocking is enough to whip any child into good behavior-just the thought of it happening again could leave quite an impression. Glad to see yours though was filled afterall!!!
Posted by: Alexandra | December 11, 2006 at 07:26 AM
Tag, you're it.
http://allamericangirlsroadtrip.blogspot.com/2006/12/because-its-all-about-meme.html
Posted by: Roadchick | December 11, 2006 at 10:33 AM
You were so cute! Great story Tink! HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | December 12, 2006 at 12:27 PM