Night Before Christmas (storey 30 of 40)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the houses, not a creature was stirring not even the mouses. (Nee lemmings) All of the people of Coppermine were dressed in their finest with care, Itigi’s (parkas) and Kamiks (home made skin and leather shoes) and clean underwear. Round-faced babies sing Jingle Bells with gaps in their teeth, Old James the Shaman snores in a warm corner, his dog tucked underneath. A roar of engines signals that Santa is near, this special delivery requires more than just reindeer.

The moon on the crest of hard packed snow illuminates his landing path so far below. Twin props swirl up snow crystals and with a roar and a rush, Santa’s silver rocket quiets down to a hush. A side door pops open with a click of some gears and what to our wondering eyes should appear, but Santa the pilot and his co-pilot, Rudolph the Red- Nosed -Rein -Deer. “Hey Johnny K, you and your crew, pull up the sleighs and rev that skidoo. Get this crate unloaded for I have far to go, and I am seriously looking forward to heading south; WHERE THERE IS NO SNOW and they have never once experienced 40 below!