RAYMOND REINDEER: WHERE'S RAYMOND?

Santa was calling roll. All the elves were present. He had just about finished with the reindeer when he called, "Raymond!" There was no answer. Santa asked, "Has anyone seen Raymond?"

Santa was worried. It had been snowing heavily for hours and a little reindeer could easily become lost in the snow-covered forest.

It was Christmas Eve and Santa felt he couldn't leave until he knew all in his care were safe and accounted for. He sounded an alarm.

"We must all go and search for Raymond!" he shouted to all that had gathered to help. "Bonnie, go and check with Mrs. Claus in the Kitchen and see if Raymond's there,"

Then he sent Burt to Santa's Workshop. Bif volunteered to check Santa's Den. All the reindeer including Raymond's mother set out to comb the forest and the Festival of Trees in search of Raymond.

Bonnie ran as fast as her little legs could carry her to Mrs. Claus' Kitchen. She burst through the door shouting, "Mrs. Claus, I'm so worried. One of our little reindeer is missing. It's little Raymond," she told her in despair. "I saw him earlier today," said Mrs. Claus, "but let's search the kitchen just in case he might be hiding somewhere."

Bonnie hurried back to Santa. "We looked everywhere but there was no sign of Raymond," she panted.

Santa thanked Bonnie for her help and waited for the next report.

Burt's job was a little harder than Bonnie's. There were bags of toys stacked all over Santa's workshop ready to be loaded on the sleigh. He had to open each bag and peek inside. A little reindeer might hide easily among the toys. "Silly reindeer," he muttered. "He has to go and get lost on Christmas Eve. Doesn't Santa have enough to worry about tonight?" he grumbled as he searched through piles of dolls, cars, sports equipment and games.

Burt had no good news for Santa. Raymond was not in Santa's Workshop.

Bif's search didn't take very long. There weren't many places to hide in Santa's Den. He looked under the chair, behind the bookcase and glanced under the end table. Raymond was nowhere to be found. Bif reported back to Santa. "There's no sign of Raymond anywhere in the village," Santa said worriedly after Bif's report. "I just hope the other reindeer return soon with good news."

Dozens of reindeer searched the forest. They called Raymond's name as they peeked under the huge snow-covered branches of the giant fir trees. Raymond's mother began to cry. It was getting late and she was afraid that Santa would call off the search so he would not be late for his Christmas Eve rounds. She led the team as they returned to the village.

"Santa," cried Raymond's mother, "I'm so worried about Raymond. He's never wandered far from home. He knows how important a job you have tonight. He would never do anything to jeopardize your trip."

Santa comforted Raymond's mother. "I'm sure Raymond will turn up. I promise not to leave until Raymond is safely home."

But his promise concerned Santa. All the boys and girls of the world counted on him to deliver their gifts on Christmas Eve. "We'll continue our search," he said. "Everyone, let's check the village and forest again."

All the elves and reindeer returned to the search.

In all his years Santa had never been late for a delivery. With a heavy heart, he headed toward the barn. He had decided to check on his sleigh to be sure it was ready. However, he would not leave tonight if Raymond was not found. He walked behind the barn. The sound of jingling bells startled him. As he went into the barn and approached the sleigh, he noticed something moving.

"What could it be?" He thought.

"So here you are little one." Santa said as he pulled Raymond to his feet. "You had us all so very worried. Now tell me just what it is you're doing out here with my sleigh."

Raymond struggled to his feet as Santa removed the heavy harness. "My mother said I'm a big boy now," he explained. "I want to go with you this year. I want to be part of the team," he explained to Santa.

Santa patted Raymond's head. "Yes, you are, aren't you, but not quite big enough yet. Your time will come, Raymond. Sooner than you think. Now let's get back to the village. Everyone will be pleased to know you are safe and sound."

Raymond followed Santa back to the village. Everyone cheered at his return. Santa gathered his team together. If they hurried they would not be late. "Raymond, I could use your help. Go and get my list from the den."

Raymond trotted off in flash. He was happy to help out.

THE END!