Have you ever wondered what Santa’s staff does during the year, when they aren’t on duty at the North Pole? Sure, the elves are busy building toys all year. And Santa is keeping his eye on the world’s children, checking who is being naughty and nice. But what about the four-legged creatures? What is there for them to do all year as they await another Christmas Eve whirlwind delivery?
I can’t tell you for certain about Dasher or Dancer, Prancer or Blitzen or any of the others for that matter. That is, except for Rudolph. When he finished his 2019 rounds with Santa and his co-workers, Rudy decided to pass his 2020 vacation days with Ellee right here in Southern Spain.
It all started when he got stuck in a toy bin at Lidl on Christmas Eve during a routine quality inspection. With his irresistible red nose and smiling eyes, he caught Ellee's attention immediately. She was heartbroken at the thought of leaving him behind and sobbed as I tried to distract her with something else. I had to set my mother pride aside and secretly request that he stay at our house after he had delivered all the rest of the world’s toys that night. He quietly promised, stating that he’d always wanted a holiday in a warm climate!
Christmas morning he was here resting on the couch. Exhausted from the previous night’s escapades, he slept a lot the first few days he spent with us. Ellee made him comfortable and assured him she’d be ready to play as soon as he had recovered from his overtime.
Before long, we were all on our way to Austria! Of course, we all know that the magic of reindeer flying only applies on Christmas Eve. Thus, even Rudolph had to strap into a plane as we journeyed from Spain to London and then on to Austria the next day.
Barely over the jet lag of Christmas 2019 himself, Rudolph struggled to stay awake on our first long day of travel. We journeyed from Spain to London by air. Once in London, we caught a train, then the underground, another train and then the shuttle to a guest house before settling in for the night. You can see him and Ellee here, curled up on the last train, ready for a good rest that chilly London night. And he thought guiding a sled around the world in a single night was hard!
Because it was a special treat for all of us to play in the snow, Rudolph humored us and tagged along on a few sleigh rides himself. I think I heard him murmuring under his breath about thinking he was getting away from the snow by parking with a little girl near the Spanish coast. How wrong he was! Rosie, having only just turned one, needed a bit of help steering her sled. Rudolph stepped right up for the job and kept her straight on course!
He really enjoyed our cozy little apartment nestled on the side of a spectacular mountain. He passed his free time gazing at the awe-inspiring views and keeping a watchful eye on our drying laundry. He nestled in with Ellee while the kids watched Sound of Music endlessly. And he even got to join Kyle and Ellee to see the cockpit on our journey home!
(The view from our balcony)
There’s always a seat at the table for Rudy....
Now that the sun shines endlessly and the heat drives us all to take a dip in the neighborhood pool daily, Rudolph is enjoying his ideal Spanish vacation. His days are spent sipping chilled drinks by the pool, relaxing with Ellee in the hammock on the rooftop, and dreading the day Santa calls him back to the frigid North Pole for another holiday trek.
Since his birthday is today, we had cake and celebrated all the fun we’ve had together so far this year! Ellee informed me on Monday that his birthday was just around the corner. I don't know how I forgot. Yesterday I whipped up a little quilt to warm him on blistery nights in the snow. And for fun, we found him a sleigh so he doesn't lose his touch by next Christmas. Happy birthday, Rudolph!
(Thanks for his "R" shirt, Lollee!)
~Abby
