Page 31 of The Mountain that Saved Christmas

It's then I realize there's just one thing missing, and it makes me sad to think that we didn't think of it earlier.

“We're missin' an elf to help Santa,” I say.

“Oh no, sweet George. We didn't forget nothin',” Dee explains. “We talked about it and there's only one person who could ever be Santa's helper today, and that's the man who started the ball rollin', so to speak…”

My mouth drops open. I point to my chest. “Me?”

“Ofcourse, George. And don't worry, we've got theperfectoutfit for you too. Star made it herself.” Landry walks across the shed and returns with a clothes hanger, the elf suit draped over it.

I stare at the festive outfit in front of me, memories flooding back of Christmas past.

Back when my granddaddy was the mayor, my father was the sheriff, and my uncle was the fire chief and I was a little kid without the weight of the town on his shoulders.

When you'd step into town and think you'd been teleported to the North Pole.

When Santa held court in the town square and there was a buzzing farmers' market with Christmas wares and food, a bandplaying music as the church choir sang carols, and every inch of town was lit up with festive lights.

There was a sense of community and warmth that filled the air, the same as what has been growing this week the closer we got to today's Christmas festival.

“I–I don't know what to say,” I manage to stammer out, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

“You don't have to say anything, George. Just put on the suit and get ready to spread some Christmas cheer,” Toby says with a grin before kissing Dee. Then we all launch into action.

The elf suit is a perfect fit, and as I step out of the shed clad in red and green, a jingle bell hat atop my head, I can't help but feel like a child again. Especially when I bob up and down and make the most joyous sound.

The snow crunches beneath my boots as I climb into the beautifully crafted sleigh, feeling the excitement and anticipation build inside me when Toby plops down beside me.

“Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas,” he cheers in his deepest, jolliest voice. “How was that?”

I nod, my hat bell ringing again, making me almost giddy. “Sounded pretty good to me.”

“That's what I wanted to hear. Now, are you ready to throw out that candy while we go down Main Street?” he asks, placing a bucket filled to the brim with sweets in my lap.

“Sure am–wait… we're goin' down Main Street?”

Dee leans over the side of the sleigh to answer me. “Surprise number two for the day Mr. George Rainbow, this sleigh isn'tjust for the festival. Y'all are goin' down Main Street in aparade!”

It's then Iknowthat this all must be a dream. “A parade,” I whisper.

“Yup! And you and Tob–”

“Ahem.”

She grins at her husband. “Sorry, Tobes. You andSantaare goin' to be pulled down Main Street by Rhett and Colt on two of Harry's snowmobiles. We had a good amount of snow come down last night and there ain't nothin' and no one that can stop Santa and his favorite elf from getting to his grotto today. Ain't that right, Santa?”

“Sure is,” Toby says, checking his watch. “I think it's about time we get this sleigh rockin' and the bells a jinglin'. What do you say, Georgie? Ready to spread some festive cheer?”

“I am, Santa. Let's go.”

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and his jolly Santa laugh filling the crisp winter air, Toby and I and the sleigh are pulled behind Landry's truck until we get to the end of Main Street, where Rhett and Colt take over with their dressed-up snowmobiles—complete with felt reindeer antlers.

The engines of the snowmobiles hum as we slowly move our way down toward the town square and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.

To my delight, the sidewalks are lined with townsfolk and visitors from far and wide, at least two or three people thick, the front reserved for children of all ages. It's the sight of their faces filled with wonder and joy that causes a surge of happiness through me.

The twinkling lights strung across the street and snaking their way toward the festival create a magical tunnel that casts a soft glow on the snow-covered ground.

I smile as the sweet sound of Christmas carols filters down the street, blending in with the laughter and cheers of all the townsfolk who line each side of the road.

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