I Woke Up on Christmas Night to Find My 9-Year-Old Daughter and My Car Keys Missing

The house was cloaked in an unsettling silence as I awoke in the middle of Christmas night. Expecting to find Mya peacefully asleep, I peeked into her room, only to discover her bed empty. That’s when I noticed my car keys were missing.

I have always believed that I had the ideal small family. You are aware of the type that is depicted in Hallmark Christmas movies.

After twelve years of marriage, my spouse, Hayden, continues to leave me humorous love notes in my coffee mug. “And the curiosity and kindness of our daughter Mya make my heart swell on a daily basis.”

However, nothing could have adequately prepared me for the events that transpired on Christmas Eve.
Since Mya was born, I’ve always strived to make Christmas a magical experience for her. When she turned five, I turned our living room into a winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights and a blanket of artificial snow to capture the holiday spirit.

Her eyes shone as brightly as our Christmas tree.

Last year, I arranged a neighborhood caroling event, giving Mya the chance to lead her favorite song, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. She was overjoyed after the performance and threw her arms around me in the warmest hug.

“Mommy,” she said, looking up at me with shining eyes, “this is the best Christmas ever! Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

“I love you, my baby,” I replied, wrapping my arms around her.

I yearn to ensure that my daughter comprehends that she is the focal point of my existence and that I would go to great lengths to ensure that she feels extraordinary.

Mya’s intelligence is exceptional; however, her incessant inquiries regarding Christmas are what truly captivate me.

She gazed at me with those large, brown eyes just last week as we were adorning our tree.

“Mom, how do Santa’s reindeer remain unabated for such an extended period of time?” she inquired, meticulously suspending a sparkling ornament.

“Well, sweetheart, they are magical reindeer,” I clarified, assisting her in ascending to a higher branch. “They’re specially trained for their big night.”

“However, are they not in need of rest?” She insisted, her forehead furrowing in apprehension, “Even magical reindeer must become fatigued.”

“I suppose they could become somewhat fatigued,” I remarked, as I adjusted a candy cane that was crooked. “But Santa takes good care of them.”
“Does he give them special food?” Mya asked curiously, pausing to examine another ornament in her hand. “Like some kind of superpower snacks or something?”

Her imagination caused me to beam. “I am confident that he provides them with a nutritious diet.” If you were able to provide it, what would you give them?

“Hmm…” She contemplatively tapped her jaw. “Perhaps sandwiches?” Yes, carrots are nutritious; however, they require additional energy to traverse the globe. Additionally, they ought to have alternatives, similar to the manner in which your father favors turkey sandwiches while you prefer poultry.

“That’s very thoughtful of you to consider what each reindeer might like,” I asserted. “Now, should we put the star on top?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, her attention immediately diverted by the prospect of her preferred tree-decorating custom.

We conducted our Christmas shopping at the mall just a few days ago. Mya was captivated by the vast array of décor. I observed as she extended her neck to observe the dazzling lights and garlands.

“Mom! Mom! Can we take a picture with Santa?” she exclaimed, bouncing with excitement as she pointed to the elaborate Santa’s workshop display.

“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, quickly pulling out my phone.

“Santa, do your reindeer like carrots?” After taking their photograph, she inquired with the mall Santa. “Because I was considering whether you could provide them with sandwiches to increase their energy.” My mother prepares delectable poultry sandwiches.

I smiled at her thoughtfulness, unaware of the significance of the query.

I had devised an exceptionally unique event for this year. I purchased three tickets for us in anticipation that Mya would enjoy watching the Nutcracker ballet.

I had secured them beneath the tree by wrapping them in gilded paper. On Christmas morning, I eagerly anticipated witnessing her radiant expression as she unwrapped them.

The commencement of Christmas Eve was flawless.

The houses in our neighborhood were adorned with twinkling lights, creating the appearance of a greeting card. Ours was particularly festive, with icicle lights cascading from the gutters and our enormous inflatable snowman gesturing to onlookers.

“Why do we put up so many lights, Mom?” As we stood in our driveway, admiring our accomplishment, Mya inquired.

“Well, honey,” I began, “it is to assist Santa in his journey to all of the residences.” Additionally, does it not create a sense of enchantment?

“It’s as though the stars have descended to reside in our neighborhood!” she exclaimed, swaying in her red Christmas dress.

Additionally, dinner was flawless. Our meal consisted of Hayden’s renowned green bean casserole, buttery mashed potatoes, and honey-glazed ham.

Mya was unable to remain seated, as she eagerly consumed her sustenance.

She pleaded, offering us her most adorable puppy dog eyes, “May we open just one present tonight?”

Hayden smiled and said, “You are aware of the regulations, sweetheart.” “All presents wait until Christmas morning.”

“Nevertheless, I am not experiencing any signs of drowsiness.” She protested, “I want to open the gifts!” despite her yawn revealing her intentions.

I reminded her of the same refrain my mother used on me: “The earlier you retire to bed, the earlier morning will arrive.”

After she had brushed her teeth and donned her preferred Rudolph pajamas, we settled her in at approximately eight o’clock. She embraced me with an extra-tight embrace.

She murmured, “Mom, I love you.” “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”

At that time, I was unaware of the extent to which she would be correct; however, it was not in the manner I had anticipated.

I retired to bed shortly after she retired, but I abruptly awoke in the middle of the night. I examined the timepiece that was situated on my bedside table. It was 2 a.m.

What is the cause of the parched sensation in my mouth? I entertained the notion. It appears that I did not consume an adequate amount of water today.

I arose from my bed and began to walk toward the kitchen, as I was experiencing dehydration. During my journey, I observed that the door to Mya’s chamber was slightly ajar.

This was peculiar because I had left it closed, and she had never awoken in the middle of the night. My attention was drawn to Mya’s bed as I reached for the doorknob to close the door. It was devoid of any contents.

My heart began to beat rapidly.

“Mya?” As I approached her restroom, I shouted. “Mya, are you in there?”

However, the bathroom lighting were not functioning. I continued to open the container and inspect the contents, but my daughter was not present.

I hurried from one room to the other, but I was unable to locate her.

I hastily returned to our bedroom, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Hayden!” I yelled. “Hayden, please wake up!” Mya has vanished! She is not currently inhabiting her bed.

He awoke, massaging his eyes, and asked, “What?” “Are you certain that you have examined every possible location?” I am confident that she is present in this area.

I said, “Hayden, she is not present,” as tears streamed down my face. “I’ve checked every room!”

He promptly arose from the bed and conducted a search of the residence in quest of her.

I discovered that my car keys were missing from their usual location when I reached the front door while we were searching for her. At that time, I was on the brink of contacting the authorities when Hayden discovered something.

He shouted, “Mother, look!” “There’s a note under the tree.”

I approached and began to read Mya’s meticulously composed letter to Santa, which brought tears to my eyes.

Dear Santa,

On the night of Christmas, I am aware that you and your reindeer experience significant difficulties. It must be so challenging to visit every child in the world and present them with a gift. I believe your reindeer must be extremely fatigued, which is why I offered to assist.

Upon your arrival at my residence with the games I requested, please proceed to the abandoned home across the street to allow your reindeer to rest. For the purpose of allowing them to sleep, I provided them with blankets and warm clothing.

Additionally, I supplied them with refreshments. My mother prepared these for me and stored them in the refrigerator. In the event that your reindeer do not enjoy the chicken sandwiches, I have also prepared vegetable sandwiches.

Additionally, you will locate Mom’s automobile keys in that location. In the event that the reindeer become fatigued and you are required to deliver additional gifts, you may utilize the vehicle.

Kindly return the keys before dawn.

Upon reading the missive, tears streamed down my face. Additionally, I experienced a sense of relief upon discovering that my car keys were in her possession.

I quickly grabbed my coat and dashed across the street to the abandoned home, without a word to Hayden. Wrapped in a winter coat and holding a container of sandwiches, my young daughter was concealed behind a few bushes.

My voice was gentle as I kneeled beside her. “Mya, sweetheart, what are you doing here?”

“Mom, I am anticipating Santa!” she exclaimed. “I wanted his reindeer to rest before they went to other houses.”

I was unable to suppress a smile, as my heart was filled with affection and pride. I embraced her tightly and murmured, “My little helper, let’s return home.”

I assisted her in discreetly gathering her belongings and transported her home, feigning ignorance regarding her note. Some Christmas enchantment deserves to remain magical, doesn’t it?

As is customary, we convened around the tree the following morning. Mya’s eyes widened as she observed a new note that was propped against her gift.

“Look!” she exclaimed, meticulously unfolding it.

Hayden and I exchanged a knowing gaze. We were pleased that she discovered the note we had left for her.

“It read,” Greetings, Mya! Your note was considerate and appreciated. The comforters and sandwiches are indeed appreciated by my reindeer, particularly Vixen. In accordance with your request, I returned your mother’s vehicle. You are an exceptional young woman who has contributed to the enchantment of this Christmas. – Santa Claus

Mya’s expression was radiant with happiness as she clasped the note to her bosom.

“Mom! Dad! The comforters were utilized by Santa Claus. “And Vixen consumed my sandwiches!”

I clasped her in my arms, inhaling her delightful, childlike fragrance.

At times, the most exceptional Christmas gifts are not those that are presented in a visually appealing manner. These are the moments that serve as a reminder of the pure and innocent love that resides within the souls of our children.

As I observed Mya eagerly unwrap her Nutcracker tickets on Christmas morning, I came to the realization that, despite my best efforts to create a memorable Christmas for her, she had succeeded in making it even more so for us.