A Post-Christmas Surprise

"Shall we do something different for wind-down? I fancy the Caribbean," Chris said.

His wife looked startled initially but this was soon replaced by excitement.

"Usually you're too exhausted to do anything! What's brought this about?"

"Well, I rather like those Hawaiian shirts with their vibrant designs and I do have good legs for shorts," Chris commented.

"I think it's a great idea. Maybe you can shave off the beard?" his wife said, giving it a playful tug.

"Ho ho ho! I don't know if I'd recognise myself if I got rid of this! And wouldn't I have to get a new passport photo?" Chris stroked his beard, like a classical philosopher.

"Passport? What are you talking about? We'd just get the elves to drop us off in the sleigh under cover of night!"

Chris looked bemused. "Unfortunately, it's powered by Christmas magic and as it's Boxing Day, I think we're going to struggle."

His wife looked thoughtful. "So where does that leave us?"

"Well, I think we'll have to do what everyone else does. Catch a plane, my dear."

But Santa had miscalculated the amount of people craving winter sun and was unable to get them a flight.

However, the elves were able to offer a solution.

"We have a deal with freight carriers, in case of emergencies," Frank, Head Elf, said. "We've never had to use it, sir. We've always been supremely well-organised." At this, the small man puffed out his chest with pride.

"Great!" Chris said.

"Yes," Frank agreed. "There's just one thing..."

*

Chris wished that he did yoga. It had been a long time since his bottom had had to sit on anything other than a grand chair, the most uncomfortable thing to endure an overweight child on his knee or some heartburn from too many cookies.

He hoped Mrs Kringle was doing okay.

Not too much longer. He was looking forward to cocktails on the beach, moonlight dancing on water...

And he hoped Frank was right. He'd assured Santa a safe arrival, signed for on delivery.

But as he tried to get comfortable, he decided more planning was needed next year as this really was taking Boxing Day too far.

***

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