The Real Story of Claus

The fairies watched in secret as the humans began moving farther and farther north into the frozen climates that they alone had lived in for centuries. They grew more and more anxious as these newcomers showed no signs of leaving. Indeed, the humans seemed to thrive in the cold arctic climate and their population grew larger every year. They were strong and robust and worked hard to tame the wild northland.

It was two hundred years before the fairies decided to speak to the first human. His name was Kris Kringle and he seemed different than the others. They saw he was friendly to everyone and had even made friends with the woodland elves. The fairies often saw him walking through the deep snow and into the teeth of the freezing wind to visit his neighbors. He was always laughing and helping anyone in need. The fairies also noted he did not harm the land but lived with it, giving as much as he took.

As the fairies began to realize that the humans were not going away they saw Kringle as a kindred spirit, someone to meet with. And so, it was one fine early spring morning that Kringle stepped out of his cabin to find a fine white mist a few yards in front of his cabin. Inside the fog he could dimly make out a dozen shapes standing completely still, their bright eyes watching him. He had heard stories of fairies, creatures of rumor only seen at dusk or on the edge of a campfire. Some said they were evil and had killed many travelers, but most stories spoke of their generosity and fondness of cheer and merriment. And, all tales of the fairies ended with, and then they disappeared. He was sure that fairies stood before him, but he was not sure why they were at his cabin.

Kringle bowed low and said to all before him, “Good morning fair folk. I am glad to see that fairies are not wisps of smoke in the wind or a weary traveler’s imagination. Welcome to my home.” Still, it was not until one of the fairies stepped from the mist, stuck his golden spear in the snow, and approached him alone that Kringle relaxed.

As the fairie drew closer Kringle wondered how old he was for he did not look young or old. He simply looked as if he belonged to the northland. His skin was pale, and his clothing and cape seemed white but shimmered at times with a frosty blue. His white hair was long and braided and Kringle noted he left no marks in the snow as he walked. In his hair was the freshly picked yellow flower of a winter snowdrop. 

The fairie smiled and also bowed as he replied, “And I am glad to see that the kindness of Kringle has not been exaggerated. My name is Yusepnee, and I would like to speak with you about many things.”

Kringle opened the door to his cabin and asked, “Yusepnee, will you come in? It is not a palace as I hear the fairies live in though it is comfortable and warm enough. And please, my friends call me Kris.”

Yusepnee smiled as he walked into the cabin and said, “We do not live in what you call a palace, unless you mean under a dome of ice and snow. I am not familiar with a…cabin, but it seems very useful.”

Kris turned toward the other fairies and asked, “Do they wish to come in also?”

“Not yet,” Yusepnee said. “Not until we speak.”

Kris nodded his head and said, “I understand. Sit, and let us talk.”

As Yusepnee sat down he noted that Kris had long dark hair and a shaggy dark beard. His shoulders were broad, and there was a hidden strength about him. He was wearing the usual human clothing, a dark brown shirt and pants and heavy black boots. It was his eyes though that caught Yusepnee’s attention. They were sky blue and seemed to twinkle at times as Kris listened intently to him.

"We have watched humans for many years, biding our time,” Yusepnee began. “We did not think we would ever want to meet any of you. But, we have talked with the wood elves and they tell us that though some humans are not to be trusted, you can be. They say you are different. 

“We have seen you cut down trees to build your...cabin, and then replace them with new saplings. We have never seen you kill an animal for sport, only to meet your needs. You treat everyone fairly and you have helped others in many different ways. But most of all, we have known of you for over one hundred years, yet you do not appear to have aged. Why are you different than other humans?”

Kris smiled and replied, “First, I am half human. My father, Nicholas, married an elf maiden, Anna. Due to their union I possess the elven trait of long life and my father’s human desire to help others. There are many humans who do not have my carpentry skill or understand that a long winter needs to be prepared for with autumn food stores. I help my many friends by making sure their cabins don’t have cold winter drafts and that there will be food on their table when winter begins, and when it ends. 

“I believe if you treat others fairly that they will treat you the same. And, if you help friends in need, they will be there for your hour of need. All of us, human, elf, and possibly fairies, all need help at one time or another.”

“You are always smiling and cheerful,” Yusepnee pointed out.

“I am,” Kris agreed. “What does feeling sad or mad all of the time get you? I understand anger and the need for sadness, but not all of the time. They will destroy you from the inside.”

Yusepnee smiled and said, “Kris, I am glad we spoke. I now understand a great deal about you. I would like to learn more and perhaps speak with you about fairies becoming friends with humans.”

“I would like that also,” Kris told Yusepnee.

“In two days, we are having an end of winter evening feast and I would like you to be our guest. There will be food and wine and merriment, and we could talk more about many things.”

Kris stood up and bowed as he said, “I would be honored to attend your feast.”

“I will send an escort for you,” Yusepnee said. At the door he paused and added, “I look forward to seeing you again.” Then he walked toward the strange mist and when it suddenly disappeared all of the fairies were gone.­­

Kris told no one about his encounter as he began to excitedly count down the hours. On the second day, just before dusk, two fairies appeared before his door and bowed low. They were both dressed in light blue and one of them said, “I am Hemel and this is Throst. We will take you to the feast.”

“I am honored,” Kris replied. As they entered the mist he started to ask, “Is it far? Will it take -,” and then they walked out of the mist and he knew they had traveled far. The mountains around his cabin were now so close he could touch their rocky sides. The fairies continued to walk toward the mountain and then they simply disappeared. Kris followed cautiously and found himself inside a great hall filled with fairies and beautiful music.

Kris was friends with wood elves and knew of their magic, but this was beyond his wildest expectations. He was now inside the mountain, the entrance to the great hall hidden by something he could not understand. The hall was enormous, and the ceiling reached upward until it was hidden in dark purple shadows high above his head. There were bright twinkling lights everywhere that were in constant motion keeping the great hall lit as if it were daylight.

Hanging down from the shadows were long brightly colored tapestries and along the walls of the hall were flags that waved in some unfelt wind. Near the walls were tables and chairs and in one section a platform where musicians played music that filled his heart in a way he could not explain.

Fairies were spinning as they danced so that the colors of their gowns and robes created a rainbow tapestry of blurred colors that mesmerized him. He wanted to dance, to become the music somehow as he stood enchanted by everything he saw. Then he realized the music and dancing had stopped and the fairies were looking at him. He smiled and took off his red stocking cap and said with a bow, “What a wondrous night.” The fairies laughed and immediately the music and dancing began again.

Yusepnee appeared form the crowd and said, “Welcome my friend, we are glad you have come to the feast.”

“Is this your home?” Kris asked.

“No, this is the Hall of Joy where we celebrate holidays and other happy events.”

“It is beautiful. If I see or do nothing else this night I will feel blessed just to have been here.”

“We would not be very good hosts if we only brought you here to admire the Hall of Joy,” a woman said as she walked up to them. She was tall and her long light brown hair draped over her flowing purple gown. When she smiled Kris felt he had known her all of his life and sensed the warmth of true friendship.

Yusepnee smiled as he kissed the woman and told Kris, “This is my wife, Eolande.”

As he took her extended hand Kris bowed low and said, “It is indeed an honor to meet you.”

Eolande laughed and replied, “Please, we are all friends here, or so I hope we will be.” The she turned and added, “And this is Juniper, our daughter.”

As Kris stood up he was stunned. Standing before him was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was as tall as he was with long blond and white hair that curled down past her shoulders. Her pale skin seemed to glow, and her bright blue eyes sparkled, as he felt he wanted to fall into them. Her smile went through his heart and as she took his hand he was sure his heart had stopped beating. It felt like a year before he was able to stammer, “It…it is an honor to meet you.”

Juniper laughed and said, “I thought we were going to be friends. Is it only an honor to meet me or are you happy also?”

Realizing she was teasing him made him laugh and he replied, “I am sorry. You…your…I am very happy to meet you.”

She laughed again and said, “And I am happy to meet you. Perhaps you will dance with me before the night is through?”

“I would be honored…” then he laughed and finished, “I would be happy to dance with you.”

Kris could not take his eyes off of her as she walked away and was surprised and pleased when she looked back and smiled. As he turned back to Yusepnee and Eolande he saw that Eolande was biting her lip as she smiled, and he felt himself blush. Yusepnee didn’t seem to notice as he said, “Let us talk some more, Kris, before we begin the feast and you are lost on the dance floor.”

Kris was led down a hallway and to a room where several fairies and wood elves were seated at a large wooden table. As he sat down he ran his hand along the tabletop and took a deep breath. It seemed like an eternity that he answered their questions about humans. What were they like? Why were some cruel? Why did some work hard and others were lazy? Why did they die so young? Why should they be trusted?

Then the questions focused on Kris himself. Why was he so old? What magic did he possess? What did he do with his magic? What did he think of wood elves and fairies? And finally, what were his hopes and dreams?

He pondered the last question the longest before answering, “I hope that all people of the world can put aside all of their differences and live peacefully. I hope that all people of the world will one day accept all magical folk and the two groups will live in harmony with the land. My dream is that one day I will be able to make that happen. That I will be able to visit every part of the world bringing peace and goodwill to all, making the world a better place to live.”

Those at the table were silent until the wood elf, Veethneer, stood up. He was easily distinguishable from the fairies by his wood hued skin, large green eyes and his clothing of subdued forest colors. He began speaking calmly, “I have lived among humans for many years and for over one hundred I have known Kris. Humans on the whole are kind, trustworthy and hard working. As with any people though, there are those who have the vices that you have questioned Kris about. If you decide to interact with them each of you will have to decide what type of person you are about to meet and act according to your own hearts.”

He then walked the length of the table and stood behind Kris and continued, “But Kris Kringle is different than all other men. First, though he looks human only, he has many favorable wood elf traits. Indeed, I would go as far as to say he has all of our good qualities and none of our bad. When he came in none of you probably noticed that he spoke with the wood of your table in a way that even I do not understand. He believes he can make a much better table than this one and has already started planning to build it for you. Such is this man.

“He speaks from the heart when he says that his dream is to unite the people of the world and to have the magic folk be part of a world community. There is more magic in him than he knows, and I would venture to say that with our combined help Kris could make the world a better place.”

As Veethneer finished the fairies stood and bowed to Kris. He stood up and as he bowed back Yusepnee said, “Kris, we have much to think about and to discuss here. Please join our other guests for food, drink and music, and enjoy our holiday. We will talk again soon.”

Kris bowed again and as he walked down the hallway toward the Hall of Joy he hoped he would see Juniper again. He paused at the entrance to the hall and as he searched the dancers he suddenly felt an arm wrap around his. He was surprised and happy to see it was Juniper and that she seemed glad to see him. “Are you ready to dance?” she asked.

He looked at the whirling figures and wondered out loud, “Could we start with a slow dance?”

Juniper laughed and suggested, “What if we get something to eat first?” She held his hand and led him to an empty table where they were quickly served venison and dark, leafy vegetables. “Would you like some wine?” Juniper asked.

“Actually, I don’t drink spirits,” Kris told her. “I just drink water.”

They were served again, and Kris noticed that she was drinking water also. “Juniper, please don’t think you have to drink water just because I am.”

She smiled and answered, “Most fairies don’t drink spirits either. Now the wood elves, we’ll probably have to carry most of them out of the Hall and stack them like cord wood in the morning.”

Kris laughed loudly and said, “That is funny and something to remember.”

Juniper laughed along with Kris and asked, “Are you sure you like to dance or were you just trying to be nice?”

Kris paused for a moment then admitted, “I have been accused of having two left feet, meaning I probably dance as well as a drunken wood elf. So, I…well, I was trying to be nice but also…well…”

“What?”

“Do you embarrass easily?”

“Maybe when I was younger,” Juniper told him, “but not anymore.”

“I see,” Kris began but paused as he tried to decide what he should say.

Juniper smiled and told him, “But if you embarrass easily you don’t have to say anything.”

“No, I don’t, well, yes I do…but,” then he decided to say what his heart wanted him to, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was hoping I could get up the courage to dance with you…just to be near you. With slow dancing all I would have to do is not step on your feet. Dancing fast, I would also have to add in not tripping over my own big feet and falling down.” He paused then continued, “That’s crazy, I know. But, you are you and I am me and, well…”.

As Kris trailed off Juniper said, “I heard about you many years ago, Kris Kringle. Though you haven’t seen me I have seen you many times. You care about many things and you are kind and considerate and the most handsome man I have ever seen. I asked you to dance because I was hoping to be near you tonight. When I hold your hand, I feel an energy like I have never felt before. So I don’t care what song is being played, hold me in your arms and let’s slow dance and see what our hearts tell us.”

They stood up quickly and began to dance around their table. Juniper put her lips close to his ear and whispered, “By the way, you are wrong about wood elves, they dance very well when they are drunk.” Kris laughed and spun her around with one arm and then pulled her back to him.

They did not see the sign from Eolande to the orchestra but soon everyone was dancing slowly. As the song ended they continued to hold hands and sat down on the same side of the table facing each other. Suddenly a voice cut into their thoughts as Eolande sat down across from them and said, “Kris, I see you like music.”

“I do,” he said slowly as he became aware that Juniper was still holding his hand.

“Do you play an instrument?” Eolande asked.

Kris nodded and replied, “I play the fiddle, the uncouth version of the fine violins that are in your orchestra.”

Eolande seemed very interested and leaned in and asked, “How long have you played?”

“Most of my life,” Kris replied.

“You must be very good,” Eolande said. “Please, play something for us.”

Kris opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He looked at Juniper who was smiling at him and then finally said, “I would hate to turn this into the Hall of Sorrow and besides, I play a fiddle -.”

“I will play with you,” Eolande told him. “No matter what you play I can follow you on my harp. We love all types of music so you cannot play anything that will offend us.”

“I don’t have my -.”

“We have one.”

“I will probably make some mistakes.”

“Those make for the most interesting songs,” Juniper told him as she squeezed his hand.

Eolande took him by the arm and the next thing Kris knew he was standing on the stage with a beautiful violin in his hands. He nodded to Eolande who was sitting with her harp next to him and he began playing. As he finished a few minutes later he wondered if there had been some magic in the air or if it was his intense concentration that helped him play without making a mistake. As his last note died he looked out at the fairies and they smiled at him and then began looking at each other. Kris was taken aback by the lack of response until Juniper said, “They loved it. You both played beautifully.”

“I can’t tell if they liked it or not,” Kris told her.

“That’s because we do things differently,” Eolande said. “We speak with our minds and I can hear them praising the song and your playing. The next time you visit us I am sure you will be asked to play again.”

Kris smiled and replied, “I’m glad it went well and thank you for playing with me.”

“You are welcome, Kris. By the way, what is the name of that song?”

“I call it My Life and it reflects the highs and lows of my life until now with hopefully much more to add to it.”

Eolande smiled and turned away and as Kris turned to Juniper she took his arm and asked, “It was beautiful but did the slower parts reflect where you had sorrow?”

“Yes.”

She shook her head and said, “Then you have had too much sorrow in your life. Perhaps I can change that.”

“Perhaps you can,” Kris agreed and then he noticed the Hall of Joy was emptying. “I didn’t scare everyone away did I?”

Juniper laughed and replied, “No. This feast lasts one night. Our spring feast will last for several days and there will be many more of us gathered together.”

“And hopefully you will be there as well,” Yusepnee said with a smile as he joined them. Then he added, “I believe I have good news for you. Our council has decided that any fairie who wishes to have contact with a human may do so. We will see what happens.”

“I will let my people know,” Kris told him. “I will tell them that fairies are real and hope we can be friends. I will tell them we can live together and that your friendship can only lead to better times for all of us.”

Yusepnee smiled and bowed and then walked over to Eolande who smiled at Kris and they left the Hall.

Kris looked around and told Juniper, “I don’t see Hemel and Throst. They said they would meet me after the feast and take me home.”

Juniper laughed and asked, “Would you rather spend time with them or me?”

As they walked toward the cave entrance Kris replied, “I think you know the answer to that.”

When they stepped from the mist in front of the cabin Juniper asked, “May I come in for a few moments?”

“Of course,” Kris told her. As she stepped inside Kris turned up his oil lights and said, “It’s not much, not what you are you used to I’m sure, but -.”

“It’s lovely,” Juniper interrupted. “The cabinets and polished wooden floor are amazing. And this table and chairs are so well crafted, did you build all of this?”

“Yes, I showed an interest in working with wood when I was young, so the wood elves taught me many carpentry techniques.”

Juniper slowly walked around the front room of the cabin then asked, “I wish to say a few words to you, is that okay? I do not know your customs.”

This time Kris took both her hands and told her, “You can say as many words to me as you like.”

She gazed into his eyes and asked, “What did you mean when you said, ‘you are you and I am me’?”

Kris thought for a moment then started, “I meant, and mean, I feel like I have known you all of my life and want to know you the rest of my life. I can’t really explain it; I’m not smart enough. But you are you, a beautiful fairie from a world of beautiful halls and feasts. And I…I’m just an uncouth carpenter and herdsman who lives in a cabin in the woods.”

Juniper smiled and said, “Your cabin is surrounded by the beauty of nature. Your cabin is filled with your love of creating things with your own hands. Who, fairie or no, would not want to love you and live here with you?”

“Are you saying you love me?”

“If I am going to live for a thousand years why wouldn’t I want to be happy for as many of them as I could? My heart soars like it never has when we are together. I know this is sudden, and I’m sure you think impetuous, but my heart says it isn’t. I am saying I love you, and I believe you love me.”

Kris drew her close and kissed her as he said, “I feel like I’m in a dream.”

The dream continued as Yusepnee and Eolande blessed the union. Soon, all of the humans that Kris had ever helped were surprised to learn that he was going to wed a fairie and that they were invited to the wedding. So, it was one month later that fairies, humans and wood elves gathered on a warm spring day in a field with flowers just beginning to bloom. The fairies nodded to each other when the bride and groom kissed, and the humans and elves applauded and cheered.

As Kris and Juniper turned to face the crowd Kris saw the fairies, humans and elves begin to mingle together. Kris smiled and drew Juniper close to him and knew it was the happiest day of his life.

A week later Yusepnee and Eolande visited Kris and Juniper and filled their cabin with spring flowers. They also brought a chest and when they opened it Kris saw it was filled with what appeared to be fine grain sand. Eolande smiled and said, “This is some of the most potent magic we have ever made. Kris, you told Yusepnee that you wanted to bring goodwill to all. With the help of a strong wind even the smallest amount of this fairie dust will bring happiness to those in the area where it lands.”

“But magic has its limits,” Yusepnee added. “This magic will not make anyone happy for the rest of their lives. We deem that three months will be its limit though it may affect some more or less. Use it wisely my son and may it help you fulfill your dream.”

Since it was spring most people were already happy to be finished with the harsh winter and looking forward to warmer weather. So, Juniper stored the chest in a special place and Kris decided to begin building a table for Yusepnee and Eolande. All of their human, elven, and fairie friends helped Kris raise a large building near the cabin that he named The Workshop.

At first Juniper just watched as he worked on the table and then she grew interested in learning how to help. Kris was surprised at how quickly she picked things up and she became quite adept at woodworking.

But as they worked, the summer and autumn flew by, and soon December approached. They began thinking about the fairie dust and how to best use it to make people happy. Kris suggested they take two containers of the dust to the top of the highest mountain in their region and let the swirling wind take the dust wherever it would. With the help of the fairies they stepped out of a mist on the fourth night of winter onto the rocks just below the mountain peak. Though it was freezing Kris and Juniper climbed the last few feet to the top of the mountain and stayed until the last grain of dust had been offered up to the wind.

They were pleased with their work. Though the winter was harsh all their neighbors remained joyful and merry.

On the first day of spring Kris sat up in bed and announced, “I have an idea.” Immediately Kris and Juniper began building a sleigh and when it was finished they showed it to Yusepnee and Eolande. As they admired the bright red sleigh Kris asked, “Do you have magic that can make objects fly?”

“Some fairies possess the magic to make living things fly,” Yusepnee answered. “Why do you ask?”

Kris placed his hand on the sleigh and explained, “I want to use this sleigh to fly above all of our country to spread the fairie dust this winter.”

Eolande clasped her hands together as she said, “That is a wonderful plan you have made. What do you think, Yusepnee?”

“The flying magic only works on living things,” he repeated.

“I understand,” Kris told him. “I use reindeer to pull the sleigh in the snow so I -.”

“So, you would use them to pull it through the sky,” Eolande finished.

“It is a brilliant idea,” Juniper added. “We could fly far and fast spreading goodwill over a larger area. More humans, fairies, and elves would feel the effects of the dust and their happiness would make others happy.”

Yusepnee smiled and said, “I do not know if this will work but I will consult with those whose magic might aid you.”

Kris soon had an answer; it could be done and there were many who wanted to help him in his ambitious endeavor. Yusepnee and Eolande arrived at the cabin one day near the end of summer with a small wooden box and when it was opened Kris and Julep found it contained a fine powder that glittered in the light of their fire. “This is pixie dust,” Yusepnee told them, “and is extremely potent. You should test the smallest amount possible on your reindeer to make sure it can make them fly, pull your sleigh, and you can control it.”

Juniper ran for the door as she said, “I will get Dancer.”

“Dancer?” Yusepnee asked?

“He pulls the sled all of the time. He is the easiest to guide and is also the largest reindeer in our herd,” Kris told him.

Juniper returned in just a few minutes and Kris quickly attached the sleigh to the reindeer’s rigging. As he sat in the sleigh Yusepnee pointed out, “You have four reins.”

“Yes,” Kris agreed. Side to side control should be easy, but I will need to have Dancer go up and down also.”

“Of course, you will,” Eolande agreed. “How very smart of you to think of that.”

“We’ll see how smart I am in just a moment,” Kris laughed as Dancer started forward. But, it turned out it was quite simple. Through either the magic or Kris’ skill, he was soon flying all around the cabin. He took Juniper, Eolande, and Yusepnee for rides and Dancer followed the lightest touch of the reins.

When Yusepnee climbed out of the sleigh he bowed and said, “I did not see your vision when at first you told me what you wanted to do. Now I understand and wish you all the best with your plan.”

With constant practice Kris and Juniper learned how much of the pixie dust to use to last for however long they wanted to fly. When the night of the fourth day of December arrived they confidently took to the air and spread the fairie dust over hundreds of miles of land. Thousands of people felt happy until well after spring.

So, Kris formed a new plan.

“Next December,” Kris began, “I want to fly around the world.”

“That’s impossible,” Yusepnee replied.

Juniper’s eyes shone as she shook her and said, “No, it isn’t. We can do it.”

“How?” Eolande asked.

“I have been using different teams of reindeer and the more there are the faster I can go. I have flown around the world once already and I think I can make several passes in a single night. Think of the people that I can touch, the tremendous amount of joy that will envelope the world. For a few months maybe there will be no war and neighbors will help each other as well as strangers. What could the world become?”

“What indeed?” Eolande asked.

The flight took place on the fourth day of winter as always and it succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. The winters of the world were changed for many years before men began recording such things.

One warm June morning a hundred years later Juniper told Kris, “I won’t be able to go with you in December.”

Surprised, he asked, “What? Why?”

“Because we are about to start our family.”

Kris was overjoyed, as were Yusepnee, Eolande and all of their friends. The elves helped him build a new room on to his cabin and the humans stocked his winter pantry with all types of food. The fairies surrounded the cabin with magic and the months passed quickly as everyone was filled with anticipation. When the day finally arrived, all were overjoyed to learn that Juniper had given birth to twin boys.

The first boy looked human and as he was handed to Juniper she said, “His name will be Claus." The second boy took after the elven side of Kris’s family, with pointed ears and small horns. As Juniper held him close he grabbed her thumb and she laughed and said, “We will call you Krama since you want to hug already.” 

If Kris had thought his life was good he soon learned it could be better. The boys grew strong and tall and followed in their father’s footsteps by helping all who needed it. They were different though and where Claus liked woodworking and tending to their reindeer, Krama loved to roam and learn the way of the woods and mountains.

As they grew older they would beg Kris to let them come with him on his winter flights and he would always tell them, “Soon.”

One day Krama asked Kris, “Why do you help everyone?”

Kris smiled and said, “Because it is the right thing to do.”

“But people are so petty, always fighting, and forgetting to be nice as soon as the magic wears off. Why bother?”

“Perhaps one day they will decide to be nice all of the time.”

But Krama grew mad as he continued, “But Father, they think you are a fat, silly elf who drops into their homes through the chimney.”

“I have heard that too.”

“But why do you allow these tales?”

“Because they are harmless. I have never been seen; I am only an idea to them, a hope or dream. They can think of me as they will as long as they remember what I stand for." As Krama frowned Kris asked, "What else have you heard?”

“You know who is good and bad and you bring toys to those who are good and coal to those who are not.”

“That just encourages people to be nice.”

“I have heard your sleigh is pulled by goats instead of reindeer.”

Kris laughed and replied, “Goats? I might have to try that.”

Krama clasped his hands together and said, “They must think you are an oaf.”

“I believe they think I am fun.”

“They think mother’s name is Jennifer.”

Kris thought for a moment and then said, “Jennifer, Juniper, I can understand that.” Then he looked at Krama and asked, “Why does this bother you so much?”

“Because you are a great man and should be treated with great respect.”

Kris put his hand on his son’s shoulder and replied, “Every country in the world thinks of me differently and they each have their own legends and myths. But they all know peace and happiness for a few short months out of the year. I believe it is a start to something bigger. Do you understand?”

“I do,” Krama told him. “I do now.”

Almost 100 years later Kris called Claus and Krama together and said, “My sons, I am getting too old for the winter sleigh ride. The next two years you will ride with me and learn how to spread the pixie dust to all of the world.” 

Claus and Krama rejoiced as Kris took them on practice runs and they were ready for the fourth evening of winter. With all of them tossing the pixie dust it went faster than ever and the family celebrated the event for several days afterwards.

But the pixie dust did not have the same effect as in years before. Though many people were happy their good feelings did not last as long. Additionally, there were many people who did not enter winter with any happiness and joy. The wood elves felt they were being blamed for the problem, there was a rumor the pixie dust magic was not as potent as usual. But Kris was able to smooth things over with the wood elves and managed to hide his own private sadness that his plan had not worked.

So, he worked harder through the next year and he and his sons made plans for it to be the best flight ever. On the fourth evening of winter they sprang into the air and began their high-speed flight. Each of them was busy distributing dust when suddenly Kris stopped the sleigh. As they floated high above the world below them Kris turned around and angrily shouted, “Krama, what are you doing?”

Krama hastily tried to stuff a wooden box under his coat but Claus grabbed it from him. He handed the box to Kris who opened it and then looked sharply up at Krama. “What is this?” he asked.

“Just a joke, Father. That’s all.”

“Was it a joke last year too?”

“Yes, yes, I swear it.  I ran out of pixie dust and threw some of this instead. I won’t do it again.”

“What is this dust?” Kris asked. Krama sat down and didn’t say anything so Kris started the sleigh moving again as Claus helped him finish the pixie dust delivery. Then they returned to the cabin and Kris marched Krama inside and asked again, “What is this dust?”

It was a full minute before Krama answered, “Jinx powder.”

Juniper had been in the kitchen waiting for their return and she gasped, “But that means you have had dealings with a Gremlin.”

“No, no, no it doesn’t,” Krama said. “I got it from a friend who got it from someone, and they got it from someone, I don’t know where it came from. It was just a joke.”

“That won’t do,” Kris told him. “Why would you have this dust last year and after all the problems bring it again this year? This is not a joke.” 

Krama nodded his head finally and replied, “You’re right, it wasn’t. I was just mad, and I made a mistake.”

“Mad?” Juniper asked.

“He thinks that I have not been treated well by the world. All the myths about good girls and boys, and presents, and chimneys have led him to believe I should not keep doing my winter flight.”

Juniper smiled and told him, “Krama, your father is an important person and the reason for so many good things that have happened. We do not care if others don’t quite understand what he has done. It is world wide joy and happiness that counts.”

Krama hugged Juniper and then told everyone, “I understand. I have been wrong in what I have tried to do, and I promise, if Claus will have me, next year will be different. It will be the best year ever.”

Claus shook his hand and told him, “Of course I will have you my brother.” Then everyone hugged and all was forgiven.

Krama had been as good as his word all year. He worked hard and helped Kris and Claus build a bigger, better sleigh. The delivery system for the fairie dust was enhanced and for more speed and distance eight reindeer would pull the sleigh. 

On the fourth night of winter Kris put his arms around both of his sons and told them, “I know you will do a better job than I ever did. Together you will create your own history and myths and bring the world closer to peace and harmony. You can tell me all about it when you get back. Good luck.”

They were high above the world just a few moments later and Krama laughed and cheered as he released the pixie dust on his side of the sleigh. Claus laughed too and had turned to release his when he saw a shadowy movement out of the corner of his eye. He instinctively raised a shoulder and ducked but he was still struck in the head and lost consciousness. Fortunately, his shoulder took most of the impact and he was only out for a few minutes. 

When he woke up he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Krama was spreading jinx powder over the side of the sleigh and laughing uncontrollably. Claus jumped onto Krama and threw him onto the floor of the sleigh as he shouted angrily, “What are you doing?”

Krama stood up shouted back, “What father should have done years ago, made everyone pay for their stupidity.”

He leaped at Claus but found he was no match for his strength. Every time he attacked; Claus was able to beat him back until Krama knew he could not win. Then Krama jumped up on the back of the sleigh and Claus begged him, “Come back into the sleigh before you fall. Let Father sort this out for you.”

Krama snarled, “Father has sorted it out for me. He asked me once if I understood and I told him I did. What I didn’t tell him was that I understood he was weak. Good will never triumph over bad with people. You should stop this charade now, brother, you are doomed to fail.”

“No, I’m not,” Kris answered. Then he held out his hand and said, “Please, come back with me.”

Krama just smiled and said, “I am stronger than you know.” Then he fell back and disappeared into the cold dark night. Claus couldn’t believe what had just happened, but he also could not let his father down. He kept delivering the pixie dust until finally he was finished. 

Kris and Juniper had waited and worried all night and were glad to see the sleigh landing. They couldn’t understand why Claus was alone until he explained what had happened. As Juniper cried out Claus collapsed and did not wake for several days. When he did, he wished he had not as he kept seeing the vision of Krama jumping from the sleigh into the cold night. Juniper nursed him back to health, but she kept walking to the cabin door waiting for Krama to suddenly appear and everything would be good again. 

As the year passed she kept more and more to herself until one day Kris told Claus, “Your mother and I are moving back with the fairies. Perhaps she will find peace there. The cabin is yours now. I hope you will continue the winter flights.”

“I will,” Claus promised. He hugged his parents and wished them luck, and then they were gone.

For the next 100 years Claus continued spreading the pixie dust with better results each year. It seemed that his hard work was paying off as more and more happiness spread across the world and lasted for a longer time each year.

Then came a year that started off well but quickly plummeted into darkness. Wars, famine, plague, cruelty, and fear seemed to blot out any concept of happiness for humans, fairies, and elves. Rumors began to spread of a new terror that was slowing spreading north, toward the land where Claus had lived all of his life. Humans, fairies and elves began making plans to leave until Claus called them all together.

They met in the field where Kris and Juniper had been married and Claus wasted no time in getting to the point. “My friends, we have all heard the rumors. Hate and misery are coming toward us on the feet and wings of a terrible enemy. Many of you are preparing to run, but you will not be able to hide from it no matter where you go. If this evil force is not checked now, it will eventually cover the world and consume us all.”

“What would you have us do?” Veethneer asked.

“We stand and fight,” Claus answered defiantly.

“With what?” a human asked. “With kindness and love? Those have failed.”

“No,” Claus shook his head. “This is not the time for emotional responses, the fear that moves swiftly toward our homes does not want to blunt our senses. If I hear right, this new enemy uses force and intimidation and at times, murder. This is not the time for pixie dust, it is time for steel.” With that he pulled a sword from under his long winter coat and held it over his head as the crowd called out his name.

So, it was a few weeks later two large armies faced each other across a snow-covered tundra that was surrounded by tall wooded and rocky hills. Claus stood in front of a group of humans and magical folk of all types. And in the other group were also humans and magical beings that had been influenced by evil. Their hate for all that was good could be felt as a sting against the face of those who stood behind Claus.

No one on either side moved for a minute and then the evil force parted, and Claus looked in horror at the loathsome creature that walked out to lead them. Two large horns curled up and back over its disfigured head. It had eyes that burned red above a hideous fang filled mouth that revealed a forked blood red tongue. The creature wore a knee length coat made from the light brown skin of some unknown animal and it had a large chain around its neck. Its lower legs were covered with dark brown fur and they ended in cloven hooves. From the coat sleeves protruded two clawed hands that kept flexing. Clause thought it was the devil himself.

Then the hideous creature laughed and asked in a rasping voice, “Well brother, aren't you going to ask me to come back with you and throw some more pixie dust?”

Claus gasped and took a step backward as he asked incredulously, “Krama?”

“Krama?” the creature shouted with disdain. “I am no longer Krama. I do not hug anymore. I kill. I have changed my name to better describe myself,” he said as he held up his hands. “I have claws to rip and tear. I am now Krampus. Isn't it funny brother? Claus and claws.”

“No, no,” Claus shouted. “It can’t be you.”

Krampus laughed again and replied mockingly, “It can’t be you; it can’t be you. Where is father? I heard he is a saint now, I’m sure he could tell.”

“No, it cannot be,” Claus said again. “It just cannot.”

Krampus crouched menacingly and said, “You will find out soon enough who I am.” A horn was blown and the evil force started forward, running as fast as they could. Claus recovered and shouted and his group started running toward the other. Weapon grips were tightened and steel thrust before them. 

But an instant before the two groups met there was a loud shout of, “No,” and all but Claus and Krampus disappeared as if they had been snowflakes caught in a sudden gust of wind and swept away.

Krampus skidded to a stop and as he looked around wildly he shouted, “What has happened?”

A figure floated down from the top of one of the hills and as it got closer they could see it was their father, Kris. He was very angry and told them, “There will be no fighting. Neither one of you will die today.”

“I have tried to find you many times,” Claus told Kris. “But I could not.”

“I did not want you to find me, I wanted you to find your own way.”

Krampus laughed and sneered, “I did not want to find you, but here you are anyway. I suppose Mother will be along soon.”

Kris shook his head slowly and replied, “No, she won’t. She waited for you to return, watched for you every day.  She was going to live for a thousand years but too soon she died of a broken heart.”

“You lie,” Krampus hissed.

Suddenly Krampus was bent backward slowly and then forced to kneel on the ground by an unseen force as Kris told him, “Liars always think that others lie. Do you not feel my sorrow?  Do you not feel sorrow for the loss of your mother?”

Claus thought he saw a look of sadness flash across his brother's face for an instant then Krampus sneered again as he fought his way to his feet and said, “Yes, I feel sorrow. I am sorry that you have interfered, and I have not won this battle as I should have.”

Kris shook his head again and told Krampus, “You would not have won today, and I did not want to see you hurt or killed. You see, Krama, you are still my son and I hope one day you will return. Not to me, for I will be gone soon, but hopefully to your brother, Claus.” He raised his hand as Krampus started to speak and then continued, “You saw me use magic today that you have no understanding of. And though you are strong, Claus has this magic, though he doesn’t know it yet. But, had I let your attack continue you would have been utterly destroyed.”

Kris stepped forward and placed a hand on each of his son's shoulders and told them, “There is both good and evil in the world. But, there has always been more, good, than evil, and there always will be. I can do nothing to change your mind Krama; I can only hope the foolish hope of a father. Return to the darkness from which you came today and do what you must. But remember, the way home is always before you.” There was a moment when it appeared Krampus was going to speak then he turned away and disappeared with the wind. 

Kris turned to Claus and said, “Let us walk a few more miles together.” Kris talked until they arrived at the cabin and then he finished with, “Remember all I have told you Claus and continue the winter flights, they will be more important than ever. Now it will be you who is surrounded by myths and legends. One day Krama will return and you must be ready to accept him. He is your brother and I believe he still has a part to play with peace on earth. But, now it is time for me to be with Juniper again, because no one should ever be all alone.” As Kris walked away he vanished forever with one last wink and wave.

The elves, fairies, and humans were not sure what had happened that day. One moment they had been about to fight evil, the next they were standing in front of their homes and the evil seemed far away. The world grew happy again and soon parts of every season, winter, spring, summer, and fall, were filled with joy. There was sadness too, but it always became a distant memory.

Years later on the fourth day of winter Kris was ready to start his long journey when he heard a shout, “Santa, can I come with you? I can help.”

He turned and saw an elvish woman standing by the sleigh and he smiled and said, “My name is Claus, not Santa.”

“Really? I heard your name was Santa Claus and that you -.”

Claus smiled and said, “I am surrounded by myth and legend. Perhaps Santa is a translation of sorts of the word Sami, the region of Lapland I am from. ”

She stepped back from the sleigh and said, “Okay. But are you sure you don't want some help? No one should ever be all alone.”

Claus paused and looked closely at her. It was only then that he realized she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was dressed in green and her eyes shown bright above her rosy cheeks and friendly smile. He held out his hand and as she took it they both froze, as it seemed there hearts had stopped beating. Then he pulled her into the sleigh as he said, “Yes, I do want you to come with me. And as we fly, I will tell you the real story of Claus."