Chapter 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

        It’s the most wonderful time of year, especially in the city of Christmas Town, where the holiday cheer is here all year round! The sound of silver bells and children playing is the soundtrack to every day life here in CT. Everywhere you look people are smiling and laughing as they carry out their every day routines. 

Tinsel and tassels are strung across street lights, wreaths are hung over the doors of every shop in town. Bakeries and candle stores fill every nook and cranny of the town with the smells of Christmas past and Christmases yet to come. Just down the street, in the middle of Town Square, sits the biggest tree anyone has ever seen, with lights and ornaments draped across like medallions of the strongest and most resilient soldier. 

As the old clock tower rings throughout the town, the Elves make their way to the large facilities at Amazing Co., the largest supplier of Christmas goods. Ever since their inception many years ago, Amazing Co. has built a reputation for fast and productive building and shipping of all of your Christmas needs. The Elves are the backbone of the industry, for without them, the machine doesn’t run. 

No one appreciates Christmas more than the Elves, who make up more than two-thirds of the population in Christmas Town. They stand roughly three feet tall, sporting pointy ears and cherry red cheeks that make them look like little children. Their often cheerful disposition and dedication to their work is a direct reflection of the love and admiration for their hero, Santa Claus, the most legendary Elf of them all. The tales of The Large Elf resonate across generations of Elves, many of whom worked for the man and passed on those legacies to their children. 

     After many magical years, the Jolly Red Giant had decided to move on and let someone else take on the responsibility, and only one company could handle that workload: Amazing Co. Santa is still the largest shareholder of Amazing Co., however, having supplied them with all of his resources, including the Elves. He’ll make an appearance every now and then, mostly for the children who still believe he is the one who brings them their gifts. Because, after all, Santa Claus is not necessarily a person; he’s a title. Soon, he will be a myth. 

*****************

Kris Kringle — the man formerly known as Santa Claus — now lives alone in his house at the North Pole, a massive property on Candy Cane Lane, right next to his old workshop. It’s a beautiful house surrounded by trees and mountains, with just enough snow to not be too much of a problem. It used to illuminate the area when Santa was running the show. Now it sits quietly in the snow. An old relic, like the man who inhabits it. 

Nothing has been the same since his wife died. Once a warm and inviting place, the inside now has the feel of the chilly air outside of the windows. Remnants of Santa’s lore are scattered throughout, as are memories of the woman who put them there. Always the beacon of hope for so many, Santa Claus made it easy for people accept the loss of Mrs. Claus. However, for Kringle, the facade proved much too hard to keep up himself. 

       Today marks the tenth anniversary of Mary Kringle’s death. Her husband sits in his big chair with a cup of coffee, glancing over at the light red hat that sits untouched in her old chair. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, he grovels in a baritone voice. She used to sing that song around this time every year. She had a calming voice that Kringle would trade anything to hear one last time... even being Santa Claus. 

The television finishes up a story on an ongoing health crisis among the Elf community. Recently, Elves have been hospitalized for what is being described as “an overdose of holiday cheer”. Many Elves have been reported to faint and convulse while working the lines at Amazing Co., which some believe is just a side effect of working and not getting enough rest. Others think the popular new supplement “Christmas Spirit” is partially to blame, which is so popular that the first commercial during the break shows several Elves praising it’s effectiveness. 

The doorbell rings to the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas”. It’s Donner, one of The Reindeer, the most trusted confidants of Santa Claus. The Reindeer also made the move to Amazing Co. at the request of Kringle, to make sure the operation stayed intact. Donner has some questionable news to report regarding a shareholder’s meeting. Apparently, it’s enough to make Kringle put on his old suit and head into Town. 

******************

Amazing Co.’s headquarters are located in the middle of the city, just next to the Great Big Tree in Town Square. Twice the size of the massive tree that sits outside, the top floor  boardroom is buzzing with anticipation of a new strategy that is soon to be implemented. At the end of the table, standing tall and ominous in front of a giant screen is the newly appointed CEO of Amazing CO., Jack Frost.  

Much like Santa Claus, Jack Frost stands a little taller than most of the other elves in Christmas Town, especially in the room he’s currently standing in. Decked out in a sleek three-piece Christmas suit, Frost lays out his plan for the future of the company. This year, instead of receiving their regular Christmas bonus, the Elves’ will receive a bigger bonus that will be contingent on their production. If they work enough hours and make enough product, it will lead to an even bigger and better Christmas all around, especially for the elves. 

Outside of Amazing Co., a large gathering of Elves come together, whispering and murmuring to each other about the reported changes. 

    “What will this mean about our work,” wonders one Elf. 

    “I barely have enough to get my own children gifts, now I have to work for mine,” exclaims another angry elf. 

    “Santa would never let this happen! Santa always had our back!” As complaints grow low louder, it is drowned out by jingle of bells and the whooshing sound of a plane. “Look who it is!” 

    The elves in the boardroom shift their attention to the windows and begin to chatter to themselves, as Santa Claus waves to his legion of fans cheering his arrival in the big red sleigh. Frost becomes visibly annoyed, however the smirk permanently tattooed across his face suggests that he had been anticipating a visit from the Big Guy. 

“Ho! Ho! HO!” 

The doors swing open, as The Reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen — tall in stature and athletically toned, lead the way for Kris Kringle. Dressed head to toe in his Santa Suit — velvety red jacket and pants, with the hat to match, and a big belt holding it all together — Kringle stands at the back of the room in a hushed silence. 

“Jack Frost”, he says with an inquisitive look. “Is there a reason why you’re in my boardroom?” The other elves shoot their glances toward Frost, grinning with confidence. “Or have one of these good Elves mistaken you for a good person and given you a job?” 

“Looks like someone didn’t get the latest company newsletter”, sneers Frost with a devilish grin . “You’re looking at the new CEO of Amazing Co., Claus. I’m the new you.” 

“You couldn’t fill this suit if you tried!” 

“True. I’m not really a milk and cookies guy. That’s more your thing, right?  Isn’t that what you like? What am I talking about, look at you! You’re a walking ad for that shit! In fact, if you need a job—“ 

“What is this about a Christmas Incentive Program,” interrupts Kringle, growing tired of Jack Frost’s slick talk. “How can you, in good faith, hang that over their heads?” 

“Well, I appreciate your concerns, Claus, and as it turns out, I was just explaining it to the others.” Frost sways around in front as Kringle gets a better look. “As we know, the population of Christmas Town has grown to an all time high. That means more presents, but with less production. However, we have an opportunity to change that with the Christmas Incentive.

“Every employee will pool their points together and the more points they receive, the more opportunities they have to bring home gifts to their families, because after all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?” 

“Is that a rhetorical question”, asks Kringle. 

“It’s a well known fact that you have built a living and reputation off gift giving. And we want to keep that standard going.” 

“By making all of the Elves work twice as much for the bare minimum? How is that fair?” 

“They love working! It’s in their blood!” 

“Yeah, so is Christmas Spirit,” quips Comet, always quick with a response. “That’s why they’re all dropping like flies.”

“Oh, that’s fake news,” says Frost, waving it off. “There’s no link to Christmas Spirit and the layoffs. Those are just lazy Elves who couldn’t cut it.”

“Is that what you’re calling them? Layoffs?” Kringle steps up to Frost, still towering over him despite the tall and slender frame of his rival. “These people are sick! They didn’t lose their jobs, they did their jobs! And now you’re putting those jobs in jeopardy!” Several of the elves in the room whisper to themselves. 

“Last time I checked, you walked away from them years ago,” says Frost, with some bite. “If you were really so concerned with their well being, you think you would’ve done something sooner.” 

“I’m not the one killing my employees,” yells Kringle, while the other Elves tremble in their seats. “They are the lifeblood of Christmas, and you are draining them. They are the most giving, and here you are, taking from them. For all of the hard work they put in, they should be given so much more.” The other Elves in the room stand up and begin to clap, soon those claps turn into full on cheers. 

“If you can’t appreciate the sacrifices they make, then you don’t deserve to have a Christmas, Frost.” 

Kringle fixes his hat as he turns to leave, bringing with him all of the elves and leaving Jack Frost by himself in the room where it all happened. Frost walks over to the window as Santa and his Reindeer fly away to cheers of a now impending strike. 

    Bailey, Frost’s nervous wreck of an executive assistant, shuffles in the room with a worried glance, unsure of how to approach the situation. 

“Uh, boss” stammers Bailey, holding several stacks of papers. “I know we’ve got a problem with the other Elves, but the shareholders gifts are ready to be sent out. Are you sure you wanna—“ 

“Yes, Bailey. We’re still sending gifts,” shoots back Frost. “After all, it’s the first day of Christmas, isn’t it? That calls for a celebration.” Frost looks out the window with a menacing grin. 

*****************

Later that evening at the house on Candy Cane Lane, Kringle and the Reindeer hang around the living room for The First Knight party. Cupid and Vixen snuggle up by the fire place, as they do every year. Dancer and Prancer are working out their moves on the dance floor, while Dasher and Comet argue over who is the fastest. Donner rolls his eyes because he knows that it’s actually him who is the fastest. Meanwhile, Blitzen has had a little too much egg nog and is stumbling around the house, knocking over a gingerbread house. 

“Oh, come on, Blitzen!” A smaller looking “Reindeer” with a bright red nose  runs out from the kitchen and frantically attempts to grab the pieces of his shattered edible fortress. “You ruined it!” 

“Relax, Headlights,” laughs Blitzen as he takes a bite out of what was the door to the house. “You’re supposed to eat it, dummy!” 

“Maybe lay off the egg nog for now,” laughs Kringle. “I’m sorry, Rudy. I really liked it.” 

“Rudy? Is that what we’re calling him now” asks Comet. “I liked Headlights.” 

“It’s better than Rudolph,” laughs Vixen. “What kind of name is Rudolph?”

“You’re right,” says Rudy. “It’s not as obvious as Vixen.” 

“Oh really,.” says Cupid, grabbing a hold of Rudy’s shirt. “You talkin’ shit about my girl, bro?”  

“No, no, no,” stutters Rudy, his red nose blinking frantically with his heart rate. “I was just, you know, I was saying—“

“Look at his nose,” Cupid laughs. He lets go of Rudy and sits back down with Vixen, who’s ready to resume her make out session from earlier. Rudy picks up what was left of his house and scampers out of the room. Kringle shakes his head with embarrassment. 

“You guys need to be nicer to the kid,” says Kringle with a hint of authority in his voice. “He’s been through a lot.” 

“He’s fine,” assures Donner. “He knows we’re just giving him a hard time.” 

“Well, you could maybe try a little harder is all I’m saying.” 

“He’s so weird, though!” 

“Yeah, he creeps me out, man.” 

“He’s got a drinking problem, too.”

“No, Blitzen, that’s you.” 

“Oh yeah, true. Hey, so are we gonna get any pizza or something, I’m starving, y’all.” 

    The back door slams. The other Reindeer watch as Rudy walks towards the old abandoned workshop in the snow. Kringle takes off his glasses and rubs the corners of his eyes. He gets up from his Big Chair. 

“Alright, this constant bashing and ridicule of Rudy ends tonight,” declares Kringle. “If there’s one thing I want for Christmas, it’s for all of my friends to get along. You’re all Reindeer. Learn to live with each other. Now... I’m gonna go bring him back to the party and I expect all of you to get your shit together, got it?” The Reindeer reluctantly nod their heads as the doorbell rings.

        “Somebody answer that for me,” he says on his way out the back door. Dasher is the first one there, opening the door to find a package dropped off from an Amazing Co. drone: a pear tree, with an animatronic partridge sitting on one of the branches. 

******************

Kringle walks towards the entrance of the workshop, the giant wooden door propped open just a little. Magically bigger on the inside, there are rows and rows of machines that were once used to churn out toys for the children of Christmas Town. Now they just gather cobwebs. 

Rudy fires up one of the woodworking machines and begins shaping out some wood. He has a few toys built of his own: some model cars, a doll house, a wooden rocking chair. Kringle chuckles under his breath as he watches his young friend hard at work. 

“You never take a break, do you?” 

“I learned from the best,” says Rudy. “There’s no time to waste when Christmas is right around the corner.” 

“What’s wrong, Rudy?” Kringle leans up against the woodworking machine. 

“It’s nothing. They always pick on me.” 

“It’s not the bullying,” says Kringle calmly. “Something else is bothering you. I can see it in your face.” 

“Well, that’s just a birth defect.” 

“You can talk about it with me,” says Kringle, turning off the power saw. Rudy hangs his head and wipes his eyes. “I’m always here for you, buddy.”

“I was just thinking about today,” he says. “You know, with Mrs. Claus. Everything that happened that night.”

“I know,” says Kringle, trying to remain strong. “Christmas hasn’t been the same without her.” 

“And now there won’t even be a Christmas this year because of Jack Frost,” cries Rudy, pounding his fist on the table. “He’s such an asshole!”

“It’ll all be fine—“

“How do you know that? What if this is the last Christmas we get? What if Jack Frost becomes the new Santa Claus... then what?” 

“That will never happen,” laughs Kringle. “I promise you, he cannot — and will not — take Christmas away from you. Because Christmas isn’t something you can take; It’s something you feel.”

“Well, it feels pretty shitty right now, if I’m being honest.”

“And that’s why I love you,” snaps Kringle with a smile. “Your honesty, yes, but your passion and joy for Christmas. No matter what, that will always be with you wherever you go. You will always have Christmas, only this year it might be a little different. Either way, we will always have each other.”

Meanwhile, back in the house, the party continues to rage on. The Reindeer don’t seem to mind the absence of Kringle, much less of Rudy. They’re too busy jamming out to some modern re-imagining of classic Christmas carols. Everyone except Blitzen, who’s on the verge of a blackout on the couch. He can’t stop staring at the chirping bird in the pear tree. 

“Guys,” he slurs. “The bird thing wants to sing with us. Listen...” The others wave him off and laugh as he sits up to get a better look. He listens closely to the bird as it chirps faster and faster. “Guys, seriously, I think he has something to say—“ 

The chirping becomes a high pierced shrill that sends waves throughout the room, followed by a massive explosion. It’s so loud that it interrupts the heart to heart in the workshop. A terrified Rudy hides under the table while Kringle rushes out to find his house engulfed in flames. 

“Oh no,” he screams as he runs down Candy Cane Lane. “Dasher! Dancer! Prance—“ he stops in his tracks as he picks up the charred remains of a decal that reads “Prancer”. 

Kringle runs into the house and finds other pieces of the reindeer around room. He covers his eyes from the smoke as he tries to find a sign of life. He turns and sees Donner, pinned to the wall, pointing to the pear tree. A falling piece of paper lands on Kringle’s foot. It reads: “Merry Christmas, from Amazing Co.”. The bird begins to chirp as Kringle’s eyes dart toward the bird. 

Rudy slowly comes out from the workshop, covering his eyes in sheer horror. His frail body shivers in fear as he moves closer to the house. 

    “Santa,” He asks nervously. “Santa, are you in there?” 

    He tries to take a step further but another bang pushes him back into the snow. His nose blinks at light speed as his eyes search around Candy Cane Lane. 

     “SANTA!! SANTA WHERE ARE YOU!” 

    A velvety red hat lies in the snow only a few feet away, sprinkled with blood. Rudy picks it up and holds it in his hands, crying his little eyes out at as he cries out for his friend. 

**************

It took hours for someone to come respond to the incident, but it only took a few minutes for the authorities to declare there were no survivors — including Santa Claus, who’s body was not found, even after the house burnt to a crisp. 

Word quickly began to spread across Christmas Town about the death of their beloved icon, at a time of Christmas unrest. Every citizen gathered in town square to pay respect to Santa Claus, who died a martyr in what some have called “The War On Christmas”. At least that’s the message that Amazing Co. has put out in wake of this terrible tragedy. 

Jack Frost, always a fan of speaking to a camera, promises to keep Santa’s legacy alive with his Christmas Incentive Plan. 

    "Now more than ever, everyone in Christmas Town should band together to make this the biggest and best Christmas of all time, as a way to honor Santa." 

    He is met with a surprising amount of support this time around, and one year later, he basks in his new power atop the entire city from his office. 

As the snow falls on this dark and dreary Christmas, a newspaper with the headline SANTA CLAUS IS DEAD hits the damp pavement in the city. A man stops to pick it up, his hands charred and battered and his figure shrouded in a cloud of mystery. He looks up at the large Amazing Co. building and clenches the newspaper in his fist. He turns his back to the city and walks towards the outskirts, but he’ll be back. He’s got unfinished business and one message for Amazing Co. CEO Jack Frost: 

    You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why.... Kris Kringle is coming to town... and this time, it’s personal... 

TO BE CONTINUED...