John Bohm

It was Christmas Eve. All the little children were in bed. Mister Kris Kringle, alias Santa Claus, had his sleigh ready for the annual run. His elves helped him carry out his large, well‑worn sack of promised toys. It was a beautiful night.

All went smoothly for Mr. Kringle until he came to the home of Billy Papakiverouski. He landed on the roof of the boys house in fine style, lifted his half‑empty sack out of his sleigh, and walked over to the chimney which was located on the far left side of the house. Santa stepped in and began to descend ...suddenly he felt himself stop... his belly of jelly had caught in the chimney of the house of Billy Papakiverouski!

Mrs. Papakiverouski was the first to rise in her household. She threw a log into the fire­ place and went into the kitchen to start breakfast. Billy came downstairs. He noticed a pair of large black boots hanging down into the hearth. He heard a groan. Obviously mother was attempting to fry Santa. Immediately the lad realized Santa's plight, He was too large to fit through their chimney. With a jerk he freed Santa and doused him with a pitcher of water. Santa delivered his toys a day late.

P.S. Santa signed up at Vic Tanny's the next day.