Twas the Night Before Christmas

"Aaahhh mmm...oo - oh my, did that hurt... I think I stretched too much with that one. At least I feel well rested for the Big Night. Plenty of sleep, oh yes... Really?! Sweetie, is that clock right?"

"Hmm? What's that? My, I think I made that eggnog a bit too strong this time. Hmm, let me see. Oh yes, dear, I believe it is."

"It's already Christmas morning in the far east! Oh my, oh my, oh my. Where are my pants?"

"Right here, dear. Now where did I put your shirt...?"

"Forget the shirt, just find my coat!"

"No need to yell, dear. You'll lose that jolly sparkle in your eye."

"I'm sorry, sweetie, but...Sleven! Sleven! Is the sleigh all set? Is the team hitched up?"

"No, sir. We were waiting to hear you stir."

"Go get the others to work! I should have been out of the workshop hours ago!"

"Yes, sir. We will be ready before you are."

"Sweetie, where is my coat?"

"I must check the laundry, but have some food. You'll need the energy."

"I have no time to eat. There's too much to do. My coat, I need my-"

"Here, I found it. All nice and clean."

"This can't be my coat. It's much too small; it could fit one of the elves. I have no time for jokes. I-"

"Well, when you put it on yesterday, you dripped a bit of tea on it, remember?"

"Yes, yes, but-"

"So, I put it in the wash. But...Hmm...It must have shrunk, dear."

"You shrunk my coat?! For givings' sake, my sweet, I can't go out in just my long johns and red pants. I guess I must wear my bathrobe; it's close enough."

"I'll fetch that right away then, dear. No need to be upset."

"Yes, thank you, sweetie. And I'm not mad, just in a rush. We'll have one of the tailors whip me up a new coat after their vacation."

"Sir-"

"Everything is set, yes? Yes? Oh givings' grace, you all have my thanks. I would be lost without you."

"That's kind of you to say."

"Sleven, I must ask one more thing of you. Urmph Maybe I didn't stretch as much as I needed too. When did I have this much trouble getting into the sleigh? Anyways, Sleven! I must ask you to find two accountants willing to come along. I will need helpers tonight if I am to deliver all these gifts before all of the children are awake."

"Accountants, sir? Are you sure? You know they have difficulty with interacting with others. They're a bit off, if you know what I mean."

"Yes, I am sure! And I'm well aware, but accountants know the lists the best! Now be quick as you can. As I've said, I should have been off hours ago."

"Right away, sir."

"Calm now, Blitzen. Easy, Comet. We will be off shortly."

"Sir, you asked for us?"

"Ah, Melvin and Cornelious, thank you both for joining me. Up now, make haste. Settled? Secure?"

"Yes, sir. We are."

"Most wonderful! Now on, Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. On Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Up into the sky and fly through the night. We must make it to each house and drop each present off right."