Rumpets For Reindeer
Story by: Sue Kochan
Illustration by: Lissa Mathis
Animation by: Cool:i:mania Productions, Inc.

Little Zachary had waited three hundred some days,
To climb up on this lap where he now stood—amazed!

For this fellow, he noticed, looked just as they said,
So abundantly big, very round, and quite red.

On his lap, Zachary stood and leaned close to his ear.
Where he whispered the words that no one could hear.

"I have something to say, I am here for a reason.
I’ve questions to ask, all about this good season.

"It’s Secrets and Magic that I want to know—
How it happens each year, come the rain or the snow."

Zachary said, "First I’ll check, and be sure he’s no fake."
So he pulled out his list, and he gave it a shake.

Yet, before he could ask, he was greeted with glee.
"Merry Christmas young Zachary, so small on my knee!

"I am happy to see you, so glad that you came!
What can Santa Claus bring you? Some toys? A new game?"

Zachary gazed at his list, while he pulled out a pen.
He reviewed every item, then checked it again.

The red nose he could find. Rosy cheeks he could see.
A round belly he nudged from upon Santa’s knee.

"He’s so chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf!
I must get him to laugh just to see for myself."

A sly tickle or two, darting ’round his big belly,
Enough to reveal that old bowl full of jelly.

"I’m sure that it’s Santa!" Zach’s grin it did grow.
Santa’s beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

He had one final test—only one great big question—
One thing on his list, he’d forgotten to mention:

He asked Santa how his fine reindeer did fly,
All night long Christmas Eve, and so high in the sky.

Santa chuckled then chimed, "It’s the food that we feed,
Our good team of eight reindeer—it’s all that they need.

"We grow Rumpets for reindeer upon our plantation—
Our own recipe, a true Christmas creation!"

Zach crinkled his nose, and he crumpled his hair,
He puzzled one moment, then jumped in the air.

He yelled loudly to Santa, "This detail’s so small!
Is it true? Without Rumpets they can’t fly at all?"

"Yes, that’s right," Santa beamed, "and on Christmas Eve night,
Elves feed Rumpets to reindeer before their long flight.

"But this year," pleaded Santa, "your help is required.
If you do this one thing, my team won’t get too tired.

"My sled’s heavy, you know, with more tinkers and toys.
It would seem every year we count more girls and boys!"

With a whisper and wave, Santa said, "My young friend,
You must take all these Rumpets, and hope that they send

"The true magic of Christmas, to each of my team.
At your house filled with love, they can’t run out of steam."

"Is this magic?" thought Zachary. (He wanted to know.)
Santa saw this and winked, with a great big "HO! HO!"

Then he lay a plump finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, from his bundle it rose—

A most magical box, clearly made by the elves,
For the purpose of storing the Rumpets themselves.

"In this box you must put," Santa said with a grin,
"All these Rumpets for reindeer, then give it a spin."

"I will send you my elves with the magic they make.
They will ready those Rumpets for Christmas Eve’s sake.

"On that night that we fly, you must shake them about.
Put them all in your yard. (Pour each small Rumpet out.)"

"For my reindeer will eat them," he smiled with great glee.
"Little Zach will save Christmas, we’ll all come to see!"

"Every year before Christmas," said Santa himself.
"Don’t forget ‘bout this box, son, in spite of yourself.

"Leave it out in your room, and then soon you will see.
My elves will come fill it, with Magic from me.

"It’s your job every year, Zach. We need you, you know!
Make our trip safe and sound please, despite all the snow."

With a "HO!" and a "HO!" and a hug and a kiss,
Zachary left Santa’s lap, not one word did he miss.

Every year it comes true, just as Santa Claus said,
For the elves fill the box, at the foot of Zach’s bed.

Reindeer come, they eat Rumpets, and Christmas is made.
With the help of young Zachary, the Magic has stayed.

Now that Zachary is grown, Santa's counting on you!
In this site you will find what it is you must do.

A short note’s been included from Santa himself,
‘Bout the box you must make and place out for an elf.

Add the Rumpets you make, and then have no fear,
For the elves will add Magic as Christmas draws near.

Thanks to you Santa’s reindeer will make their long flight.
There’ll be toys for all children on Christmas Eve night!

© 1996 Susan Kochan, © 2000 Coolimania Productions, Inc.
Rumpets is a Registered Trademark of Susan Kochan and Coolimania Productions Inc.