One Strange Christmas by Nicola Palmer

Author:Nicola Palmer
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Kallisto
Published: 2012-11-08T00:00:00+00:00

6

Hidden over the Hedge

‘I can’t believe they’re missing this!’ grinned Jake as he followed the elf further down the garden.

‘It would make no difference if they were awake,’ replied Eric bluntly. ‘They wouldn’t see anything because they don’t believe. Well, perhaps that’s a bit harsh. Your family are more open-minded than most. I think your mum would like to believe again. And your dad ... well, he seems to be half-way.’

‘How do you mean?’

‘Well, for example, he’s usually first in the living room on Christmas morning. Like today, before he went to work. He saw the empty plate from Santa’s snack, and smiled. But then he convinced himself that you crept downstairs during the night and ate it!’

‘So why on earth did they stop believing, if they wanted to continue?’ asked Jake, baffled.

‘Peer pressure, as I explained before. Humans are a funny breed. They put all kinds of restrictions on themselves. Some are necessary, others completely pointless.’

‘I agree,’ said Jake.

‘You’re a smart kid,’ admitted Eric. ‘I can see why you caught Santa’s attention. So, I’m going to show you what’s in the field on the other side of the hedge. I think you’ll be impressed.’

‘I’ve already seen it from my bedroom window,’ replied Jake. ‘It’s just white snow – not that impressive, really.’

‘Nooo! Not that, silly! Do you think I’d come all this way to show you some normal snow? Look up, really high up. Higher than the tallest trees. What do you see?’

Jake looked up at the sky, a blank expression on his face. ‘Not a lot.’

‘Oh,’ said Eric, disappointed. ‘The fact that you can’t see it means that it’s just beyond your imagination. A step too far, perhaps. We’ll soon fix that. Now, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that Santa’s traditional sleigh isn’t very practical. These days he needs to transport thousands of presents all over the world, so it’s just not big enough. Or fast enough.’

‘Of course it isn’t. I’ve often wondered how he manages to get it all done in one night,’ replied Jake sensibly.

‘Excellent. Close your eyes, and try to imagine the kind of vehicle that would enable Santa to do his job. I’ll give you a hint; think BIG!’

Jake grinned and closed his eyes. He screwed up his face in concentration for a moment. ‘OK, got something in mind.’

‘Now,’ said Eric. ‘Open your eyes and see how the real thing compares!’

Jake hardly dared to look, so great was the anticipation of what he might see. With a gasp, he staggered backwards and landed flat on his back in the snow; conveniently, for from there he had the perfect view. As he gazed up at the sky, towering above him was an enormous Christmas tree. Or, to be exact, a space shuttle in the shape of a Christmas tree. At least five times higher than the Millers’ house, it was the most incredible sight Jake had ever beheld. The spectacular green metallic ‘branches’ that covered the shuttle appeared to be individual rooms or workstations.

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