Preparing for the Journey

There comes a point on Christmas Eve when all the bustling activity at the North Pole begins to slow. The reindeer are in harness, the runners waxed, the sleigh is filled to bursting with gifts. Dusk conquers day and the elves take their place on the sleigh. When all is in readiness, the Old Fellow takes his moment of pause. No one asks why, for they know he is consumed with the enormous job at hand. Suddenly his face breaks with a rosy grin and he deftly swings up onto his sleigh. With a crack of the reins, Christmas begins anew . . ..