Nana Land
by Diana O’Connell

(Note: When my daughter, Meghan, was six or seven years old, Santa came, but as he was stepping into the chimney, a big kerfuffle unfolded. This is the letter that Santa Claus wrote to Meghan saying how sorry he was for the big mess.)

Dear Meghan:

Thank you for my milk and cookies, and for the reindeer refreshments. 

With the lovely starlight to show us the way, the reindeer and I landed safely on your roof. Just so you know, it really did start out as a regular visit to your little house in the country.

I hauled my bag onto my back, but just as I had one foot in your chimney, there was a clatter and a crash. 

The reindeer had spied the lovely meal that you set out for them, and that’s when the trouble started.

I turned around just in time to see those foolish reindeer making a dash for your driveway. Then, sleigh and all, the silly things scrambled up on to your doorstep. You see, that’s where you had set out the lovely big bowls of water and the reindeer food.

Thankfully, my magic sound-proofing machine was turned on, so you and your parents couldn't hear a sound.

Well, I had to lay my sack of toys down on your roof and rush down to stop the ruckus. There was no help for it; I had to unhitch those naughty reindeer from the sleigh and let them loose on your doorstep. 

All eight of them stampeded up onto your deck for their midnight snack.

Of course, Dasher was the first one to rush to the bowl. 

At first, everyone got a nibble and a sip, but they were so excited that they completely forgot their manners.

In their haste, Donner and Blitzen tripped and fell into the bowl of food while trying to avoid crashing into Dasher.

Vixen, being our prankster, thought it would be fun to poke Dancer in her rear-end with her antlers, and well, that’s when it really got weird.

Dancer shot up on her hind legs and danced a surprised jig.

Comet let out a loud snorting giggle, and Prancer and Blitzen laughed the jingle bells right off their bridles.

Cupid watched as the food pellets flew into the air and landed all over the dooryard.

Well, bless my whiskers, what a kerfuffle!

Cupid gobbled up as much as possible before the others could get to it.

In her haste to get past Comet, Prancer pranced right into the water bowl, where Comet was munching on a delightful pile of food.

The water spilled everywhere and of course, it froze pretty much instantly, which then caused a very slippery scene.

Those unruly reindeer skidded and slipped themselves into a tangle of antlers and hooves. 

Just then, Rudolph arrived.

Before the big flight, I had sent her on an errand and told her to catch up to us.

Thank goodness Rudolph arrived just when she did. She turned on her nose-so-bright and helped me to get the others untangled and back up on their legs.

I hitched them back up to the sleigh, and we flew up to the house-top. 

The reindeer finally settled down and stood quietly, being a bit ashamed of themselves.

After all that, I was able to get back to visiting your cozy living room and to leave your gifts.

I am writing this now to tell you how sorry I am that my reindeer made such a shambles of your deck and yard. 

Normally, I clean up after myself, but as you know, Christmas Eve is my busiest night of the year.

Please do forgive old Santa for the mess, and thank you for being such a good little girl this year.

Love,

Santa Claus

P.S. Carrots and apples would be easier for next time.

(Diana O’Connell writes for pleasure and still believes in Santa Claus. Contact her at visit her website: www.nana.land)