A WAYWARD ELF
Now you must remember that the North Pole is very, very cold and there is not much outside of Santa’s house and workshops. The rest of the land is flat and there are miles and miles of snow. It wasn’t going to be long before Albert was cold. He had nothing to eat or drink. Donner was even getting tired.
All of a sudden a dome looking object came before them. Albert knew it was an igloo; one that the Eskimos use. Perhaps he could stay there. He got off Donner and carefully went into the igloo but no one was there. He couldn’t see anything: it was dark. He did feel something that was thick and furry. “What a nice blanket to sleep on,” he thought. Since he needed some place to get out of the cold, this would be fine. Donner was used to staying out in the cold. Albert hitched Donner to the igloo and went inside, nestled down in the soft, furry blanket to sleep.
Some time in the early morning, he noticed that his blanket was moving up and down. Then he heard someone snoring. By now the sun was up and he could see inside the igloo. He sat up and looked at the blanket. It wasn’t a blanket! It was a polar bear! Albert was frightened to death. He could hardly breathe. He stayed real quiet while he figured out what to do.
Just then, the polar bear woke up. He felt something lying on him and thought, “Who’s sleeping on me?” in a loud voice he bellowed, “Who’s sleeping on me?” Albert was panic-stricken. Meekly he said in a trembling voice, ” I…t’s, m…eet Albert. One of Santa’s elves.” “What are you doing in my igloo and sleeping on me?” said the bear. “I… needed a place to stay out of the cold and me and Donner decided to stop here,” he stuttered. “He’s one of Santa’s reindeer,” replied Albert. “Well, doesn’t Santa need all his reindeer for Christmas eve?” asked the polar bear. “I suppose he does,” answered Albert.
Albert was feeling better since the polar bear was so friendly. “My name is Siegfried,” said the polar bear with a smile.” “But they call me Grandpa” since I’m so old.” “I can’t get around much anymore. That’s why I stay in this igloo the Eskimos gave me,” he stated. I bet you’re hungry, you and your reindeer.” Albert had forgotten all about Donner and ran outside to check on him. Sure enough Donner was there and very hungry. Grandpa got something together for them to eat. It looked like uncooked fish, ugh!
After they ate, Albert told Siegfried how he ran away and why. Siegfried asked Albert why he didn’t finish his toy work or check it over for mistakes. Albert had never thought of that before. He didn’t realize that it made his parents very sad and that Santa must be furious that he ran away and took one of his reindeer. Christmas Eve was coming in a few days. What would Santa do without one of his reindeer?
They had a long talk and Siegfried explained to Albert that in order to do a good job every detail must be double-checked thoroughly for mistakes. Mistakes made Albert look bad. No one wanted to trust him. Albert was getting the idea. He needed to try harder and stay with each job he had to do until it was perfect.
Siegfried said, “I think you had better return as quickly as possible and start all over again.” Albert thought that was best but he didn’t know the way back. Siegfried told him that he knew the way and would take him as far as he could. Donner was fed and was already saddled. The three of them took off. By now the weather had cleared and the sun was out. Siegfried took them as far as he could and pointed the direction to Albert and Donner. Siegfried had been so kind and really had saved them from the cold. Albert gave Siegfried a big hug. It was hard to get his arms around the big polar bear. His fur felt so soft and light. He loved Siegfried so much. A tear rolled down his cheek as he said goodbye. …to be continued in the next issue of The Waynedale News.
Enjoy this story? Let us know! E-mail your comments to news@waynedalenews.com, or send a letter to 2700 Lower Huntington Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46809.
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Local Film Maker’s Second Feature Now Streaming - October 24, 2025
- Concerning Connections Of Domestic & Animal Abuse - October 24, 2025
- Experience Miami Living History Nov. 1 & 2 - October 24, 2025
