Levi and Wyatt stood frozen in place as the reindeer wandered off. Wyatt leaned over to Levi and said, “is that who I think it is?”

Levi glanced at Wyatt and shrugged. Then, they both continued to stare.

“Not very talkative, are they?” said Santa to their grandfather.

“Give them a moment. Usually, I can’t get a word in edgewise.”

Santa let out one of his world-famous laughs, then bent down on one knee. “I understand you boys have a mystery to solve.”

Wyatt hid behind his brother, peeking out as he hugged him tightly.

“Ah, yeah, ah, Santa?” Levi said.

“Indeed I am, Levi. Ever seen anyone else dressed like this and surrounded by elves?”

“No, can’t say that I have. You know my name?” Levi said.

“I know everyone’s name.” Santa peered around Levi. “And how about you Wyatt, come on over here. I won’t bite,” he laughed. “Unless you’re a cookie. I love cookies. But you don’t look like a cookie.”

Wyatt came around and then put out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Santa.”

“Well, well, quite the little gentleman, aren’t we? So why don’t you tell me about this mystery of yours.”

Once they got started, any idea they were shy vanished. They filled Santa in on everything.

Santa stayed silent for a long time, stroking his beard and staring off into the distance. “You know, boys, you’ve discovered a problem that has bothered me for centuries. I have no idea what happens to people’s favorite gifts. Truth is, we’re so busy getting ready for Christmas I’ve never been able to go look for them.”

“When we were talking to the people at the nursing home, they all remembered a favorite gift but couldn’t remember what happened to them,” Levi said. “We found that sad.”

“And so, you decided to do something about it?” Santa said.

“Yup,” they both answered.

“I will tell you this,” Santa looked around, then bent down again. “I’m not sure about this—the truth is I don’t know everything—but I suspect someone, or something, is behind this. A thief who steals things that are important to people.”

Santa looked around, then leaned in closer. “Now I’m not sure about this, but this could be dangerous. I will send Velanna and the reindeer with you to help. First place to look is Spooky Mountain and the Land of Gnomes. They may know something helpful. But be careful where they send you. Sometimes they like to play tricks.”

“You mean like a bad guy?” Wyatt said.

“You’re right, Wyatt. Like a bad guy.”

“We’ll find the truth and the presents!” Levi said. “I know we can do it.”

“And one more thing,” Santa said. “I received a mysterious message the other day. Right after your grandfather told me about you. It was the strangest thing. Mrs. Claus and I were inspecting the new toys when an elf arrived with an envelope. It was addressed to me, but there was nothing else on it. Inside were just one sentence.

“Give this to the ones who seek the truth” and tbe letters ITMTAI.”

“What’s that?” Levi said. “It’s not a word.”

“I know,” said Santa. “But I bet it has something to do with the mystery. I hope you can figure it out. I know you two are the ones to solve it.” Santa stood, winked at their grandfather, nodded to Vel, and was gone.

Tomorrow: Beware of Gnomes Who Smile

(Author’s note, Christmas is about sharing. Please share this with everyone you know!)

In case you missed it, here’s the link to the beginning of the story https://atomic-temporary-37778625.wpcomstaging.com/2024/12/12/rescuing-christmas-memories-the-land-of-forgotten-toys/