SANTA and the MAGIC MONKEYS !

Against a wonderful backdrop of twinkling stars glistening in a jet black sky Santa's sleigh soared impressively over the North Pole. It was Christmas Eve and Santa had taken his reindeers on a last trial run before the grand take off. Happily everything was in perfect working order and Santa Claus was indeed a very merry old soul. All looked set for a happy Christmas to one and all when suddenly from out of the darkness their appeared four mysterious winged shapes.
Sensing danger Santa decided to return back to the grotto, but then in a frightening moment these strange creatures landed on the sleigh causing it to rock. As the reindeers watched in horror Santa lost his balance and fell to earth. Laughing manically Shiver, rotten, squirt and dirt flew off in Santa's direction. But not before their leader shiver hissed a last few words to the terrified reindeers. 'Seasons greetings to one and all' he mocked...................... The magic monkeys had returned.
____________________________

Two days, five hours and fifty five minutes to go. It was Christmas time again in the grotto and all was madness! Thousands of elves scuttled around at full speed, some looking where they were going but most not. Resulting in many painful and head on elf collisions.
Chief elf Button nose was busy ticking off the million and one things to do on his clip board. Never the type of elf to panic Button nose instead kept repeating under his breath:
'All will be fine.
All will be fine.
All will be fine'.
When secretly Button nose looked around at the scenes of manic, last minute elf chaos
and feared Christmas melt down.
He dreaded the ultimate nightmare scenario of the magical chimes striking twelve on the stroke of midnight and Santa's sleigh not being ready for take off.
For then he would be forever known in elf history as the biggest dimwit of all.
However Button nose had no intention of being remembered in the annals of time as such. The past two Christmas's had seen enough trouble and strife for many an elf's lifetime. He was determined this one would go smooth.
No lost magical measuring tapes or drunken reindeers.
Just one-big-happy-merry Christmas!
Santa's tool box had been inspected every hour on the hour, whilst Button nose's most trusted lieutenants elves Meta, Mi and Mo were assigned to guard the reindeers. Santa's wings, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph had been given nothing stronger than milk to fuel their reindeer energy.
There would be no nasty surprise on this Christmas eve.
Not on Button noses's watch.
Then why,
oh why did he suddenly get that old, familiar sinking feeling when in the distant sky he sighted Santa's sleigh returning from its final test run. Something was definitely wrong, for it was almost blind panic in the way the reindeers were hurtling towards the grotto at such break neck speed.
Followed by an army of concerned elves Button nose raced over to the landing site. There as the sleigh came to earth the horrible truth dawned that something terribly had occurred.
Button Nose had Rudolph draw in the snow with his hooves exactly what had occurred and a huge gasp went up from all present.
'Here we go once more' said Meta.
'Its that time again' agreed Mi.
'So much for a merry Christmas' sighed Mo.
Button Nose blew his emergency whistle and the entire grotto ground to an instant screeching lull.
He straightened his prized orange bobbly hat that signified his position as chief elf before handing a stunned vast crowd of worried grotto helpers the most awful dramatic news.
'Fellow elves it is with great sadness I have to announce that Santa Claus has been kidnapped'!

Meanwhile,
far away.

In a dark, cold, horrid cave at the world's end the magic monkeys dance crazily around their new guest. Their appearance was like nothing you could imagine or dream up, except maybe in a terrible nightmare. Horned, winged monkey-like creatures with black slits for eyes, pointed beaks and clawed-black teeth.
Since Father Time was a little boy the monkeys have made it their eternal ambition to ruin Christmas and bring misery to all. They simply hated the most wonderful time of the year and all it's values.
It's meanings and it's joys.
For the miserable, bad spirited monkeys Christmas was an unspeakable word. Three times they tried and failed to destroy it:

1412 - The Monkeys fired a huge catapult armed with huge rocks from a secret hide out in the North pole that came so close to bring down Santa and his sleigh. Only the swift reactions of the reindeers saw Christmas saved.

1902 - The great elf flu which swept through the grotto in that year was found to have been caused by the monkeys sneaking into the kitchen and sneezing all over the mince pies. If not for Mrs Claus, who cooked up huge delicious bowls of get better soup then the elves would not have recovered in time to help Santa make and deliver the Christmas presents.

1998 - The monkeys stole the naughty and nice book thus throwing Santa's preparation into chaos. Luckily, Frosty the snowman whilst walking in the air happened to spot them tearing past him and he immediately headed to inform Santa Claus. Fuming Santa raced to confront the magic monkeys and put and end to their nonsense, once and for all. Armed only with a spell from the great book of Christmas he banished the monkeys to the end of the world.
And now:
In 2009 -.......................They were back.

Striding with great purpose Button Nose, followed closely by Meta Mi and Mo made his way to Claus Cottage. He dreaded telling Mrs Claus her husband was missing, presumed kidnapped, but he was chief elf and with that came great responsibility.
In times of crisis he would be the one to whom the whole grotto would look for leadership.
For one second Button Nose wished he was but a mere cleaning elf in the kitchens. But it was only for a second! Immediately he snapped back to reality.
Before the elves could even knock Mrs Claus opened her door and by the terrible worried expressions on the elf's faces knew immediately something terribly was amiss.
Button Nose explained and she quickly ushered the four upset elves into her lounge.
'Please sit down',
She beckoned them towards the couch.
'I will make us some nice mince pies and steaming hot milk. I find it helps in times of trouble and strife'.
In world-record grotto time the elves devoured the food and drink. Once finished Mrs Claus stood up and declared:
'Now my little friends it is off to Santa's study where we will consult the great book of Christmas. For in there , as ever lies the solution to our problem.
Come elves'.
Thinking it ridiculously huge Mrs Claus dusted down the magical book and said out loud:
Now my dusty but loveably old thing, tell me how do I get my husband back'?
Suddenly without any warning the book opened on itself and thumbed to page 43,290.
There smiling up on the elves and Mrs Claus was a picture of a little boy smiling and holding Santa's magical measuring tape.
Underneath him was written the words:
Dear Mrs Claus,
In order to find Santa you must find the above little boy who is called Matthew and ask him to repeat three times:
'I believe in the magic of Christmas.'
'Not that old chestnut again', groaned Meta, Mi and Mo in unison
'Sssshush'! replied Button Nose who was totally astonished at the wizardry hidden in the vast great book of Christmas pages.
'Quiet elves, this is really important'.
The book went on:
Once this has been done you will immediately know where Santa has been taken. Matthew has touched the magical measuring tape, this means he has extra special Christmas spirit and unlike other humans will be able to see you'.
'Well what are waiting for elves'?
Roared Button Nose.
'Its back to Oldham'!
Professor Boffin Baggit was the most clever of elves and as our heroes got ready the sleigh for their mission he rushed across and tapped Button Nose on the shoulder.
'You will need this', said the Professor.
Before handing the chief elf a time button.
'This must only be used in the most extraordinary of emergencies and as this clearly is one.
'When you wake Matthew press this button and it will halt time whilst he says his words. This way he will not wake his Mummy and Daddy'.
'Thank you', replied Button Nose.
'We will not let you down.'
In the blink of a reindeers eye and the entire grotto wishing them God speed,
the sleigh loaded down with four determined elves shot high into the north pole sky.
'Set course for Oldham lads', ordered the chief elf.
'We have unfinished business with Matthew Ludden'.

MATTHEW'S MAGICAL MOMENT:

It was three o'clock in the morning and all was hushed and quiet at 31 Kingston Avenue, Oldham.
In a funny little village called Chadderton.
Above the house hovered the elf sleigh. Invisible to all except one little boy who was fast asleep just below. Ever so slowly our four intrepid little heroes slithered down the chimney before heading upstairs to Matthew's bedroom.
'First things first' whispered Button Nose.
'I must press Professor Boffin Baggit's time button. No need for Mummy and Daddy to get involved. Grown ups only complicate elves problems.
Best leave it to the kids'.
At first Matthew thought he was dreaming. Then as he rubbed his eyes and saw four elves all stood by the bed looking very serous with bobbly hats in hand he knew something very strange was going on.
'Please don't be afraid Matthew',
said Button Nose
'We are here because we desperately need your help'.
Button Nose explained all to the wide awake little boy who was in no way scared and thoroughly determined to help find Santa and save Christmas.
He thought quickly of Mummy and Daddy fast asleep in the next room totally unaware of impending events. Of his four new fascinating little friends.
'Right then', Matthew exclaimed, as he jumped out of bed.
'No time to waste'. He closed his eyes and repeated three times:
'I believe in the magic of Christmas:
I believe in the magic of Christmas:
I believe in the magic of Christmas'.
'Well', asked Meta.
Anything to report little fellow'?
'Not really' said Matthew.
'I couldn't tell you but I could show you'.
The elves appeared puzzled?
'Right then', spoke up Button Nose
Fancy a ride on the elf sleigh Matty luds'?
Who's Matty luds'? Asked a quizzical Mi.
'It's the boy you daft dumb bell'! Yelled the other elves in unison.
Y'know iam easily confused', apologised Mi as his friends glared at him in bewilderment.
'Honestly Mi', snapped Mo.
If snowflakes were brains you would not have enough to cover the end of your nose.
Then,
From downstairs came the sound of distant raised voices. Shouting even.
'Toys' said Button Nose.
'I would recognise that din anywhere'.
Matthews magic chanting had brought his many toys, mostly action figures to life.
'I best go and have a word', sighed the chief elf.
'I am coming with you', answered an excited Matthew as he raced past Button Nose down the stairs and into his living room.
What he saw was almost beyond words as the entire contents of his toybox immediately stopped their shenanigans and answered as one,
'Good evening boss'!
Matthew watched on open mouthed. Was he imaging all this?
Did his batman really just salute him?
Did superman really just whiz past his ear?
Did poison ivy really just wink at him?
'Looks like we have found our army', said Button Nose.
'Okay toys now listen up', he ordered in his best, stern chief elf voice.
Santa Claus has been kidnapped by the magic monkeys and we are off to rescue him. Matthew is coming with us as only he knows where they are hiding him.
ARE YOU WITH US'? shouted Button Nose.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS' replied every toy.
'Right then, all jump back into your toybox and we will put you on our elf sleigh'.
In a great rush they ran back and lined themselves ready for take off.
'Okays elves, Load them up'.
On Button Nose's command Meta, Mi and Mo lifted the toybox and headed off up to the roof.
'Are you ready to take a ride young man'? Asked the chief elf.
'Absolutely,' replied Matthew.
Across snow peaked mountains, over black seas. Past rainbows and falling stars our brave rescuers hurtled onwards at full speed through the sky.
'Anything yet Matty Luds'? inquired Button Nose.
'Who's Matty Luds'? asked Mi again. Only to be instantly told to 'shut up' by the other three elves.
'Only trying to lighten the atmosphere here guys', said Mi, before winking at Matthew!
Suddenly the little boy shouted:
'Santa is down there'. Matthew pointed to a cave right beneath them.
The elves brought the sleigh to earth.
'Okay everybody', ordered Button Nose.' Its action time'.
'LETS BRING SANTA CLAUS HOME'!
Out of the toy box poured the toys, all primed and ready for action. Captain America, Flash, the Fantastic Four, Aquaman, Spiderman, Wonder woman, Wolverine and so many more. 'Hulk wants to kick some monkey butt', raged the strange little green toy. Obviously looking forward to beating the Christmas living daylights out of the naughty magic monkeys!
Button nose ushered everybody together and gave a speech that was to become one of the most famous in elf history.
'Listen everybody':
What we do tonight will echo forever in grotto eternity. Inside that dark horrible cave over there is Santa Claus. When I blow my whistle in just a short minute we will charge and with us in spirit will be everybody in the world who loves Christmas. We will be heroes, not just for this year but forever more. And so I say finally. To my fellow elves brave toys and of course the courageous Matthew. Ask never what your Santa can do for you, but what you can do for Santa.
Now CHARRRRRRRRGE'!
And so the great Christmas charge of 2009 got underway. E, toys and a little boy raced towards the cave entrance. All shouting out 'save Santa' at the top of their voices.
'What's that noise'? Sneered Rotten as he busied himself flicking peanuts at Santa who remained tied to a chair.
'I will go take a look' replied Shiver who disappeared round a corner to find out what all the commotion was about.
'Oh no' he suddenly shrieked on seeing the mass throng of heroes roaring towards him.
'They have found us'!
Into the magic monkeys hideout poured the good guys who in their mad haste to rescue Santa never bothered to knock! Utterly shocked at their sudden predicament the monkeys swiftly found themselves surrounded. The unbelievable sight of Matthew's mini but marvellous superhero army finally made them realise their rotten plan to spoil Christmas was in ruins.
Meta, Mi and Mo untied Santa Claus and the grand old man wriggled himself free of the ropes to break clear of his shackles. He joyfully bellowed out:
'THANK YOU MY FRIENDS! THANK YOU'!
Santa glared angrily at the now not so cocky but clearly fed up magic monkeys.
' Listen to me you four, listen very clearly because this is your last chance to do the right thing'.
This nonsense of attempting to ruin Christmas must end now and forever more. There will be no punishment this time because it is obvious you never learn.
...........But I will just say.
Santa now stared closely into the faces of the silent monkeys.
'Look at this little boy here', as Santa placed an arm around Matthews shoulders.
Imagine this wonderful child and millions like him waking up Christmas morning and there is no presents around awaiting them. All because you four have been extremely naughty.
Astonishingly the magic monkeys finally appeared sad and full of remorse.
Only then for Shiver to scoff how 'hilarious' this would be to watch ! On hearing this his three partners in crime fell about laughing.
SO BE IT', roared an infuriated Santa Claus.
'So be it.
You leave me no choice'
Santa began the naughty spell to punish the magic monkeys once and for all.

Horrid monkeys from head to tail
I have tried to be fair but sadly failed.
So therefore you leave me with little choice.
If in only the bad things you rejoice.
With great regret let justice bring
The magic monkeys to lose their wings.

And then,
In a puff of white smoke the four magic monkeys became wingless and forever grounded. Fated to spend eternity in the dark gloomy cave in which they stood. Never again able to take flight and cause misery.
Shiver, Rotten Squirt and Dirt screamed out in unison:
'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO'!
'Serves you right', said Button Nose.
'Trouble causers'
'Now' sighed Santa. 'Lets go home. However beforehand, can I have a quiet word Matthew?
Many thanks for your help my dear little boy. You will find a very special and extra Christmas present waiting for you under the tree this year. Now close your eyes and count to three.
Before Matthew could complete his little task he found himself back home in the nice warm comfort of his bed. Santa had sent Button Nose with him to flick back on the time button, so that everything was back to normal in the Ludden's house. After making sure the toys were all safely tucked back into the living room. Happily resting in their special blue and yellow box, Button Nose whispered a last goodbye to his new friend.
'We will meet again Matthew. One day, if things stay normal probably this time next year'! The two shared a chuckle and quick embrace and then whoosh!
Button Nose vanished.
Matthew smiled.
'What a night',
he thought.
Mummy and Daddy are never going to believe this'!
With great haste Santa Claus and his heroic elves headed back to the grotto. Awaiting for them was a truly wonderful reception, but Santa was in no mood for too much joviality as time was short. Mrs Claus was treated to a lovely bear hug, in which he urged Button Nose, Meta mi and Mo to join in. One big happy Christmas family!
Now you lot, he said with great seriousness. Time for work !
Because there is so many chimneys, and.............
Even before Santa could finish the line, everybody in the grotto roared joyfully
'SO LITTLE TIME'!
'Welcome home husband', smiled Mrs Claus as thousands upon thousand of elves cheered their hearts out.
'Welcome home'.
But our story is not yet over!
For On Christmas morning Matthew ran down excitedly to his living room to see just what the special present was that Santa had promised him. Alongside the mass array of toys and games his Mummy and Daddy had bought him was a shiny white box with a red bow tide upon it.
Did you get him that' asked his Daddy to his Mummy.
No, I thought you did', she answered. Both shrugged their shoulders.
Matthew sat upon the sofa and quickly opened it.
There was a card with the words: 'Merry Christmas Matthew, from all your friends in the grotto. It was signed Santa, Mrs Santa, Meta, Mi, Mo and Button Nose.
............ And placed gently inside was a prized, orange bobbly hat.
Suddenly a bell on the Christmas tree ever so quietly began to ring.

MERRY CHRISTMAS CHIEF ELF MATTY LUDS !

THE END
(Until next year!)