Who doesn't like to get lost in a story? 

Dear friends, this story takes place in the enchanted woods of Wisconsin with characters I imagine you've met earlier in your life. 

Image ofSanta's sleigh on a foggy night.

            The damp warm night air signaled a fog would soon roll in, just like that first night Santa tapped him to lead the team. Rudolph smiled to himself, recalling how proud he felt, how fast he flew, and how the icy cold seeped through him.

Dawn broke, coloring the sky a purplish pink like he’d never seen before, as he guided the team home. That magical night gave Rudolph purpose. He’d always love Santa for believing in him.

Tonight, he felt exhilarated about the night’s work ahead. But he also felt exhausted — the small price of being a new parent; he didn’t get enough sleep these days.

He heard the elves chorus singing off key as he passed by their barracks. Slowly, he strode through the towering pines where the forest elves lived. He smelled the wood burning fires from the forest dwellers. The Clause family had recruited elves from around the world whose craftmanship was revered. Rudolph respected the elves work ethic. 

As he neared the party barn, he heard laughter and jingling bells. A hardy Ho Ho Ho rang out loud and clear. Rudolph recognized the baritone voice belonging to Vixen, not Santa. Vixen had mastered his boss man’s laugh and his impersonation had fooled Mrs. Clause once or twice.

Tonight, Rudolph would need Vixen’s help to herd the team of young bucks away from Santa’s shindig early, to navigate the foggy skies. The two reindeer bonded like brothers despite any actual blood relations.

Rudolph butted the barn door open with his head and stepped inside with no one noticing him. Strings of blinking red and green lights dangled from the ceiling, creating a festive feeling.  

He smelled the scent of sawdust mingled with hay. He sniffed the air taking in the goodness of vegetable stew. Each year, the food offerings had grown with the guest list. All of Santa's helpers and their extended families were invited. 

Rudolph surveyed the feast featuring tempting treats on every table. Trays of colorful red, orange, and purple carrots, cubes of imported cheeses, and red and green apples made up the appetizers. Loaves of fresh bread guarded the crockpots of soup on the center table.

A gingerbread sleigh filled with gingerbread cookies served as the centerpiece at the dessert station. Gorgeous yuletide sponge cakes, sugar cookies, and sugar plum candy surrounded the handsome sleigh.   

“Isn’t it magnificent, Rudy? We will not eat this masterpiece. The sleigh took more than 100 hours to design, bake and decorate,” Mrs. Clause said to Rudolph.

“It’s a beauty. The detail is amazing,” Rudolph said.

“It took 25 elves to carry the sculpture. It weighs about 75 pounds. I was going to add a dash of magic, ” Mrs. Claus said.

“It is magical enough,” Rudolph said.

Mrs. Clause beamed.

“Do you remember our first parties? I baked batches and batches of sugar cookies, which the crew of elves decorated. We had eggnog and sherbet punch,” Mrs. Clause said.

“I remember you used to play the piano too,” Rudolph said, making Mrs. Clause blush.

Before she could answer, a jam tart the size of a saucer whizzed by.

“Sorry, Mrs. Clause. Our game got out of hand,” said an elf.

Rudolph spied the elves playing a game of Jenga around the jam tart tree and shook his head. Mrs. Clause didn’t seem to mind and her eyes twinkled as if she were an elf herself. So Rudolph left to mingle. 

Dasher, Dancer, and Prancer were dressed in gold holiday bells and red velvet finery. They cornered Mrs. Clause. Rudolph hoped the trio would not embarrass themselves, or worse, embarrass him by asking her for a raise.

Cupid frolicked around the mistletoe, trying to lure every cute doe to kiss him. He wasn’t having much luck because most does are shy.

 “We need to fix that frisky fellow up with a nice doe,” Blitzen said. He spoke too loud and too close to Rudolph’s face.

Blitzen looked like he’d hit the punch bowl early. Rudolph turned away at Blitzen’s sour candy cane punch breath.

Where was Comet? He was making his way to the stage with a saxophone around his neck. 

Vixen approached Rudolph. “I thought you were skipping the party to rest up before our midnight run.”

“Weather changed my plans,” Rudolph said. His nose started blinking bright red as it did when he was anxious. 

Vixen closed his eyes and sighed. 

“No, don’t tell me. Let Comet play one song, then break up the party. I’ll help you,” Vixen said.

“One song. I’m putting my hoof down,” Rudolph said.

“Let’s get this party started,” Dancer yelled across the room.

Moments later, Comet’s saxophone wailed out the familiar funky version of “ ’Zat you Santa Claus?” That one song lasted 15 minutes. Dancer was swing dancing, tap dancing, and doing a funky move that looked like he was playing Twister. 

After Comet bowed, Rudolph whispered something into Santa’s ear.

“Ho Ho Ho. May I have your attention?” Santa bellowed.

A few elves giggled. Rudolph cleared his throat.

“Listen up. Santa’s speaking,” Donner’s booming voice silenced the rowdy crowd.

Santa gave Donner an appreciative look and gestured to Rudolph.

“There’s a fog advisory tonight. Team, we need to harness up. Be ready to fly in 30 minutes,” Rudolph said, stepping away.

Groans sounded. 

Vixen gave a steely look to Cupid. “Come on. You have all next year to find the love of your life,” Vixen said.

One by one, the reindeer filed outside. Magic awaited this foggy night.