Chapter One: Nothing to Do

The snow had stopped falling and the sun had come out. The field behind Gregory Geiser’s house shone bright white. Sitting on the steps on the back porch, Gregory poked holes in the snow at his feet with a stick. His sister Elizabeth picked at a loose piece of yarn on her stocking cap. It was the day before Christmas, but both kids were unhappy. “It’s mean of Dad not to let us see “Death Vart, Horror Martian of the Universe,” Greg complained. “Yeah,” agreed Elizabeth. “ Bobby Marble’s parents let him go. Everybody but us is going to see it.” “Not everybody,” said their Dad from behind them. Both the kids jumped. “You scared us,” said Elizabeth. “Not as much as that movie would,” laughed Dad. “Most parents we know won’t let their kids see it. Sorry.” “But we don’t have anything to do, “ whined Elizabeth. “I’ll tell you what,” said Dad. “you guys build a snowman out in the field. If it’s a good enough one, I’ll find a present you can open.” “One snowman coming up,” yelled Gregory

Chapter Two: Be Careful What You Wish For

The snowman was good, so Dad did let the kids open a present. A pair of walkie-talkies! “Calling Elizabeth. This is your brother Gregory, over.” “This is Elizabeth, and I still want to go to the movie! I wish a real Martian would land and get rid of grownups! I’m tired of them bossing us!” Suddenly, a whining sound came over the walkie-talkies. “Distress call received,” said a strange voice. “This is Togok, Commander of the Stealth Ship Whisper. Landing now!” A flickering light appeared in the sky, then fell to the field. The children beheld a three-sided pyramid barely six feet tall. Weird patterns glowed on it’s sides. “Nice one, “said Gregory. “It’s probably Death Vart.” “Maybe it’s just the tooth fairy,” giggled Elizabeth nervously. A door slid open and out stepped a boy about Gregory’s age. “ I told you,” he said, “ I am Togok. I was looking for the one who flies around bringing presents to your race, when I heard your call. If you help me, I’ll help you.” The kids stared in amazement. “You mean Santa?” they said. ” Where are you from?” “Mars,” answered Togok. “We’ve been monitoring your TV broadcasts for years. Now we want Santa to bring presents to us, too. And don’t worry about those bossy giants.” “You mean the grownups?” asked Elizabeth. “Yes, those. I’ve been ordered to disintegrate them. And I’ll start with the two who made you their slaves.” “But those are our parents!” cried Gregory. “Whatever,” said Togok. “They all look the same to me. And we don’t want them coming to Mars to tell us what to do.

Chapter Three: The Martian Who Stayed For Dinner

There Really is a Santa ClausIt took a while for Gregory to convince Togok that grownups were bigger and older versions of kids. “On Mars,” Togok explained,we look the same all our lives. We thought you were like us, and the Giants were a different species.” But it didn’t take long for Togok to convince Mom and Dad that he was a Martian. When they laughed at his story, Togok pointed his finger at the turkey and it was cooked in seconds. “Want to see me make this house radioactive?” he asked. “Umm,no,Mom said. “Why don’t you just point your finger at the yams, potatoes, and stuffing. I’ll make some gravy and we’ll have dinner early.” After dinner, which Togok loved, everyone sat in the living room admiring the Christmas tree, drinking hot punch and eating mince pies. Finally, Togok said: “It’s time for me to find Santa. I’ve got a deadline, you know”. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. “We sure hope you find him,” Dad said. “Me, too,” said Togok. “Then Santa will have no choice but to deliver presents to Mars. It’ll be the only place to go.” Elizabeth whispered to Gregory. “Do you still believe in Santa?” Gregory hung his head. Then Mom said to Togok, “The best way to meet Santa is to stay here tonight.” “Why?” “Because he visits every house where children have been good. It’ll save you time and a lot of travel.” The kids were scared, but Mom and Dad gave them hugs, put them to bed and said, “Don’t worry. Tomorrow there will be lots of presents under the tree, and everything will be OK.” Chapter Four: Santa’s Helpers When Gregory woke up, he was the happiest boy alive. His digital clock said “6:30 AM.” Togok hadn’t disintegrated the Earth! Or at least not yet. He leapt out of bed, ran out of his bedroom, and bumped right into Elizabeth. “We’re still here, “ she said. “I thought for sure Togok would toast us!” “The day is still young,” Gregory said, and they rushed into the living room. “Oh, my, “ said Elizabeth. Underneath the Christmas tree, Togok sat drinking a mug of hot chocolate,surrounded by a big pile of presents. “Where’s Mom and Dad? she asked. Togok pointed. Mom and Dad walked in with a tray of muffins and more hot chocolate. The kids jumped with joy. “There is a Santa, there is a Santa! they yelled. “Did he bring you anything, Togok?” Elizabeth asked. “Is he going to visit Mars?” Togok smiled and looked at Mom and Dad. They smiled back at him. “Actually, “ Togok said, “I didn’t realize how much Santa relies on his helpers. We didn’t get a chance to see them on TV.” “Oh, yes,said Elizabeth. “Everyone knows how important helpers are. Did Santa tell you that ?” No,” said Togok. “I had a long talk with two of his Helpers last night. They’re the ones who brought all the presents - and even gave me a midnight snack!” “So you’re not mad about not meeting Santa?” Gregory asked nervously. “No,” Togok laughed. “In fact, I’m thinking of inviting his Helpers to Mars next year-to teach us about decorating and present-giving. Say, would you guys want to come along?” Gregory and Elizabeth looked at their parents. “Can we?” Mom and Dad smiled. ”I think so," Dad said. “After all, at Christmas, Santa needs all the help he can get.” THE END