By Mz. Goose
(Summary: Santa Claus feels tired and struggles to embrace the Christmas spirit. Despite Mrs. Claus’ efforts, he remains downcast until the children surprise him with heartfelt drawings expressing gratitude. Touched by their kindness, Santa finds joy and happiness, making it his best Christmas yet as he sets out with his reindeer.)
Santa Claus awoke, but didn’t get out of bed. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me,” he said. “I am very tired this Christmas. I can’t quite get into the Christmas spirit.”
The reindeer were worried. “Santa Claus is tired,” they said.
The sleighs were worried. “Santa Claus is tired,” they said.
Mrs. Claus was worried. She fed Santa vitamins, SuperDuper-Get-um-up-Go Breakfast Crunchies and rubbed his fat little toes to make him feel better.
But it didn’t work!
“I’m tired,” said Santa. “Tired of giving presents to others and not even seeing their happy faces on Christmas morn!
Mrs. Claus had a bright idea. “Hurry,” she told the snowflakes. “I’ve got a job for you.”
“We’ll do it,” the snowflakes answered.
The day before Christmas, there was a tremendous snowstorm, and the children played in the snow all day.
“Bzz Bzz,” whispered the snowflakes in the children’s ears.
“We’ll do it,” the children answered.
Lo and behold, on Christmas Eve, when Santa came down the chimney, he was greeted by a surprise package.
“Dear Santa. Thank you for all the wonderful Christmases you have given us. Here is something for YOU.”
Inside the box were pictures each child had drawn of Santa and reindeer and anything beautiful they could think of
“Ho, ho, ho,” said Santa. “This is truly my happiest Christmas,” as he dashed off on his reindeer.
Copyright l985. Mz. Goose(tm) Elyse Aronson, USA
Christmas Stories 