Photo by: Dale Rogerson
The view over the Alaskan lake from the snow-covered gazebo was amazing, but not as amazing as the little fellow sitting a few feet from Hal.
“I never figured you took breaks,” said Hal.
“I take lots of ’em,” said Santa.
“Like this?” said Hal, pouring more brandy in the jolly old elf’s hot chocolate.
“Pause for the Claus.” He took a long pull. “Besides even grownups need to believe.”
Hal gave Santa a skosh more chocolate, the rest, strong brandy. “I believe. Didn’t expect you wanted brandy.”
“I do it for the kids.” Santa winked. “They expect rosy cheeks.”
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Written for the Friday Fictioneers: https://rochellewisoff.com/2019/12/18/20-december-2019/
EagleAye
Momus News 
This was absolutely wonderful, Eric! Love it!
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Glad you liked it. Thanks!
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A lovely story for Christmas! Hey, wait a mo, I hope he’s not too sloshed to bring me my presents…
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Thanks! And don’t worry. He’s built an impressive tolerance over the past few thousand years. 😉
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All those kids, no wonder he needs a break and some brandy!
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No kidding. And some of those cookies he has to eat were stale. 😉
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Dear Eric,
I love the face you gave Jolly Old St. Nick. Now we know why those cheeks are so rosy. 😉 Good one.
Happy Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s an explanation for everything. 😉 Thanks Rochelle!
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I never pegged Santa for a lush! What a fun story. Cheers!
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I always figured he had to be. How could he be so jolly all the time. 😉 Thanks so much! 🙂
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lol. You’re very welcome.
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My goodness Santa. I expect every alcoholic has a plausible excuse that they firmly believe. But then again he needs the burning fuel to get to every single house in one night.
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Let’s hear it for the Claus! Santa needs something to keep him warm flying around the world overnight and half of it in freezing conditions 😀
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Exactly! Santa needs a touch of Christmas cheer too, you know. 😉 Thanks Lyn!
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Well done, Eric. People never stop to appreciate the sacrifices Santa makes to keep up appearances and meet the expectations of the children. I raise my cup. “Here’s to Santa.”
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I raise my cup to him too, almost every day of the year. Yeah, I make that sacrifice for Santa’s sake. 😉 Thanks Russell!
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Very cute, made me smile at the end.
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And smiles are the goal of the whole exercise. Love it. Thanks so much! 🙂
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I guess you have to be drunk to ride reindeer and try to get into strangers’ houses through the chimney.
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Well, I would have to be anyway. 😉 Merry Christmas!
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Great post. I love the idea of the rosy cheeks. I needed a laugh this morning, and you provided it. Thanks.
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Awesome. Thank you. Laughs are what I’m hoping to share. Glad you got one.
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