Lunch time Christmas Eve in the showroom of The Warehouse was still busy, but mainly with customers rushing in to buy the last few items of food and drink. Left quietly on our display shelf we all began to feel a deep depression descending upon us. The noise and fun of people shopping for Christmas was nearly over, and we the remaining bears, had clearly been passed by.

Early afternoon it started to snow, which quickly turned into a blizzard. The staff were allowed to leave early for home, the showroom and warehouse finally closed down for the holiday, leaving on duty a rather disgruntled security Guard.

The whole showroom seemed to echo with quietness, after weeks of so many things happening, it was really exceptionally odd. For a while we all remained still and quiet, listening to the wind whistling against the sides of the building, wondering what would become of us next.

My Old English Sheepdog friend Woof, stirred from the back of the shelf and managed to manoeuvre her way to my side.

It’s Christmas, she said, we should make some effort to be a little more cheerful, even just for the Little Bears. With that she had gone before I could utter a word. The seconds seems to tick by, the wind got louder and the very grumpy Guard regularly walked around the building.

Finally, knowing The Guard had made his last check for some while I decided to go and find Woof, and quickly slipped soundlessly from the shelf and went to look for her. In the far corner of the showroom, I could see a mass of twinkling lights and a wonderful smell of mulled wine waffled through the air. Woof saw me, signalling that I should fetch the others.

Everyone’s spirits seemed to raise when they saw the wonderful grotto with its Christmas lights and decorations, together with a table of treats and games. We all sat down in front of the big decorative log fire, a large Christmas Tree stood next to it on which tiny white lights shimmered and a huge pile of parcels lay beneath its branches.

Woof explained this had been set up for the children of customers, she had seen it on one of her nightly excursions around the showroom and warehouse. The guard will not come for hours now, and if he does, we will just have to stay very, very still and he will think we are part of the display!

Everyone found somewhere to sit, the remaining Little Bears had a wonderful time playing games and enjoying the food, the Big Bears sipping the mulled wine. The blizzard seemed to get worse and we all drew closer to the fire, an older Bear started to sing carols he had learnt from listening to a small radio Woof had found. Gradually everyone began to join in, and there was truly a Christmas spirit in the air. Slowly the Little Bears drifted off to sleep, the rest of us slowly became quiet and snoozed.

Woof woke me, there is something outside, she said pointing to one of the fire exits . Maybe we had better hide in case The Guard comes along, and she swiftly ushered the Little Bears into a heap next to the tree. Then I realised that apart from the clattering and banging coming from outside the door, the wind had stopped, in fact it was very, very still.

Minutes later the heavy footsteps of The Guard marched along the floor, from our hiding place we could clearly seem him. Muttering something we could not understand, he turned off all the lights, adding something about the wind doing strange things.

Just as The Guard was about to walk towards the door, it opened, making us all jump, especially the guard and someone in a bright red suit with a long white beard walked in.

At long last he said, shaking snow off himself, which landed and started to melt on the floor. I have been stuck out there for ages, couldn’t you hear me? Woof tried to suppress a snigger thinking of the extra tot of brandy she had poured into The Guard’s tea earlier, which meant he was probably was anything but awake.

Bet you don’t know who I am, said the red clad man.

Well, errrrr, yes I do, you are Santa Claus …… said The Guard stumbling over his word with disbelief.

Got a problem replied Santa Claus. Lost some of the presents in the blizzard, fell off the sleigh, so thought I could pick up some from here, I don’t to be responsible for a lot of disappointed children in the morning.

Ummmm, I don’t know about that said the Guard. How do I really know you are Santa Claus and not someone doing  some late night shopping that they do not intend to pay for?

You have a point there I suppose, but take a look outside, you will see my sleigh and the reindeers.

Very hesitantly The Guard approached the door, a great deal of snow had blown in side so he had to clamber over it. Outside stood a fantastic sleigh compete with eight spectacular reindeer.

Still doesn’t mean you are Santa Clause he said. Can you name the reindeer?

Yes of course I can  ….. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzer.

Ummmmm. Do they fly?

Certainly do, I can show you. Santa Claus went outside, jumped on the sleigh and took off into the now clear starlit sky, to do a circuit around the adjacent building, landing again straight in front of an amazed security guard.

Well, I never …. said The Guard …….

By this time the Little Bears were all wide awake and very excited, wanting to know what was happening. Santa Claus landed the sleigh and returned to the showroom. As he came back in he must have noticed one of the Little Bears move, he hid his surprise, winked and nodded.

Turning to the guard he said, this is most important, let me have some toys, I will leave a note explaining everything, you will not be in trouble. Look there is a writing paper over there, fetch it for me please.

Whilst The Guard turned his back Santa Claus looked at us and asked quietly if we would like to help! Oh yes whispered back the Little Bears all at once!

Come quickly then he said, and very carefully Santa Claus loaded us onto his sleigh and we set off into the still and silent night.

Not sure if I am going to find homes for you all he said as we flew along, looking down onto lights of all colours that shimmered and played on the snow, a magical fairy land at Christmas time.

Let’s see if we can find good homes for the Little Bears said Santa Claus, afraid you Big Bears might be unlucky this year, but enjoy the ride! It is a gorgeous night! Indeed it was, the moon was now big and bright, stars seemed to wink as we soared by.

We skimmed over tree tops coated in heavy snow, hovered over chimney pots of all shapes and sizes, pausing momentarily before continuing our journey. Circled towns, large and small, visited remote villages and even stopped at a castle, where one of the Big Bears said his farewells, promising that he would somehow keep in touch. He vanished down a very large chimney with Santa Claus, who told us Big Bear was in exceptionally good hands and had a fantastic young mistress who would look after him.

Finally Santa Claus looked at his list, checking it one last time and announced that his job was complete for the year. Had better take you all back to The Warehouse he said.

To our surprise the door was open, just as we had left it …….

Here you are, said a familiar voice, holding out a sheet of paper and pen for Santa Claus, on which he wrote "Happy Christmas" which shimmered a lovely silver colour, smiled, waved and went outside.

Well, what the heck was all that about, muttered The Guard as he pulled hard on the door to close it.

Quickly and silently we went to the grotto, wondering if what we had experienced was simply a dream, then realising that the Little Bears were no longer around, so it must have really happened.

As dawn approached on Christmas Day we returned to our shelf, just in case we should be missed. In the evening we returned to the grotto, feeling a little heavy hearted because the Little Bears were not with us.

I am certain they will all have gone to good homes, at least they will not have to go back into The Warehouse said Woof, picking up a big white envelope that was on the shelf above the fire.

This was not here before said Woof, opening it very carefully, she removed a Christmas Card from all the Bears. A rather special magical card, photographs of every Bear with their new owner, all promising to take great care of the bears and finally singing a carol together. Then the Big Bear who had left us, called out ...... you are all invited to a big party at the Castle to celebrate New Year .....

As we looked an image of Santa Claus and his sleigh flew across the centre of the card, smiling and waving …….. I will arrange for someone to fetch you he shouted, Happy Christmas everyone!