'Twas A Few Months Before Christmas

“How are you at guiding a sleigh? Have you had any experience?” Santa queried.

“Some. Deliveries in one night can be a challenge and I’ve had to use alternative modes of transportation on occasion. But tell me, why is this position open?”

Mrs. Claus smiled at her husband and back at their guest, “We’ve decided to take a winter vacation this year; Christmas in Florida. We’ve never been away for the holiday season and thought it was about time. However, we need someone to deliver the gifts. Santa’s brother can do the personal appearances; the parades and the mall thing, no one will know the difference. But the gifts need someone who can get it all done in one night. The route is programmed into the GPS and the reindeer know the ropes, they’ve been at it forever. You know the itinerary fairly well yourself so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

“You’re a little scrawny,” Santa observed. “What can you do to fatten yourself up? We can’t have a skinny Santa. And you may need to work on your HoHoHo.”

“My diet is a little different from yours but I’m willing to work on plumping myself up. And I can chuckle with the best of them.”

Mrs. Claus added, “There is a training period required; you would need to be here for at least four months before the holiday to ensure you understand all the expectations and are comfortable with the sleigh controls. And my good cooking will put some meat on those bones.”

“That’s not a problem for me at all, I’ll be available then.”

“Well then, that’s settled,” Santa smiled at the Easter Bunny. “As soon as you get the eggs delivered in April we’ll set up an orientation plan and introduce you as our back-up Santa.”