The communique came in from the South. The bustle of activity caused by the message resembled a beehive. Elves scrambled to every station to get ready. The North American Santa would be limping into the North Pole with half his team, and there was a short time to prepare for the Christmas trip.

Saint Nicholas and Bartholemew knew this was a pivotal Christmas, crucial for the world and not just the individuals. With the promise of peace on Earth and goodwill to men under threat of extinction, they began to make the necessary diplomatic feelers out. Saint Nicholas reached out first to the President of the United States. Bartholomew set up the zoom meeting, and in seconds President Sanborn and Saint Nicholas were face to face, virtually.

“Mister President,” Saint Nicholas began, “I understan...

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