The Spirit of Christmas

“This is ruddy itchy”, he thought, and tried to scratch with his hoof. "I can’t think how I can stand this for another day.”

The Grotto curtains parted and Santa Claus came in, belching loudly and emitting a blast of beery breath. “Not a bad lunch”, he said and, with a sigh, dropped into his chair. This made the snow flurry about, causing the reindeer to sneeze, his antlers shaking violently.

There was a commotion outside and then a small boy was propelled into the Grotto by his mother. “Go on!”, she said, “you’ll get a present.”. The child grimaced and held out his hand. Santa gave him a small parcel, whilst mumbling in his beard. “I could kill him for thinking of this idea. Five whole days of torture and nothing has come of it.” He listened to Santa, who was snoring loudly. 
 

Then he heard a shrill cry and, looking up, saw a small face peeping between the curtains. The little girl’s face was alight with wonderment, “Oh, how lovely!”, she cried, “Santa and a reindeer.”. She entered the Grotto, hands clasped together - a, picture of joy. Reaching out her hand, she stroked the reindeer. His antlers slipped down one side of his head as he tried to focus on her face. He pressed the button and the Camcorder whirred into life. “Well”, he thought, “it was worth it after all. I have captured the perfect shot for the club film, THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”!

When the chairman thinks up another daft idea
next year, I’ll be on a cruise.

Happy Christmas!

John Woolmer