Elf’s Terrific Toboggan Hits Bumpy Start!

Greetings, dear readers! Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Toomer, a simple elf trusted by Santa with the not-so-simple job of recording the terrific tasks kids do. I’m the ‘GOOD LIST’ guy. It’s a special job that needs sharp eyes, great toboggan-driving skills, and, of course, some snacks for the road! But this year, my travels have taken a twisty turn. 

This morning, with snowflakes twirling like confused dancers, my Terrific Toboggan was ready to go. I turned on the GPS, excited for my first stop – the sunny islands of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. I’d even packed my sunglasses and sunblock!

But just as I hit the button to zoom off, the TT made a strange sound – like popcorn that’s not sure if it’s ready to pop! The engine wheezed like a whoopee cushion. And then, whoosh! I found myself zooming not to Vanutatu, but somewhere completely different! I was heading straight for Phoenix! 

My Terrific Toboggan, which was supposed to glide through the sky like a reindeer on a mission, was wobbling all over the place like a llama on ice skates. As I tried to steer it back on track, I spotted a terrific task in action that deserves a special mention here. Jamie from Phoenix washed up and dried the dishes after a family meal. Jamie - you impressed me so much I actually wrote your name in my All-Time Terrific Tasks. Only a handful of children make it. And, believe me, Santa will be impressed when he sees, too! High five, Jamie!!

I tried to snap a picture of Jamie with my sled camera, but the toboggan was still acting wild. Instead, I got a photo of the top of Jamie’s head! So I pulled out my notebook and sketched the scene instead.

Suddenly the radio started playing music – but it was all mixed up! Jamie if you’re reading this and you heard a crazy mix of Christmas songs recently - that was me. Sorry! 

“IIIIIIII’MMM DREEEEEAAAAMING OF… [Ssssshhh... kkkrrrk...] …rockin’ around… [pop... sssskkrr…] …a very shiny nose!”

I stared at my toboggan, wondering what in the world had gone wrong. It was acting more like a sneaky prankster than a good, trusty sled. 

Then suddenly everything stopped. JUST. LIKE. THAT. If my Terrific Toboggan could speak, it would’ve said, "What? I didn’t do anything!"

This hasn’t exactly been the smooth start to the season I had hoped for. I’ve got a funny feeling it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Until next week,
Toomer