As usual, it was a cold Christmas Eve at the North Pole with snowflakes dancing through the air as they gently settled on the ground. In the Workshop, the Elves were putting the finishing touches on the toys and Santa was getting ready for his Christmas Eve deliveries. But, there was one thing that Santa had overlooked — his dog, Jasmine.

Jasmine is a fun-loving terrier who has spent most of her life by Santa’s side – always waiting for Santa with a wagging tail and loyal eyes. She has many important duties at Santa’s Village –  she is responsible for knowing where the reindeer are at all times and for keeping a watchful eye on the Main Gate at the entrance to Santa’s Village.    

But, there was one duty she always wished for. Every year, Jasmine watched Santa load up his sleigh, and every year, she’d dream of flying across the world with him. But each year when she ran out to the sleigh hoping to go around the world, Santa would say “Not tonight, Jasmine. It’s a working trip for me and the reindeer and I would not be able to keep an eye on you.”

This year was different. Jasmine was determined. As Santa and the reindeer got ready to take off, Jasmine quietly snuck onto the sleigh hiding behind a pile of presents. She watched Santa wave goodbye to Mrs. Claus and the Elves as her heart pounded with excitement.

The moment Santa shouted “HO, HO, HO” the sleigh took flight into the crisp dark air and Jasmine felt a rush of wind in her fur. With her eyes wide, she peeked over the edge of the sleigh, looking with wonder as the snowy landscape of the North Pole disappeared beneath them.

“Jasmine?” Santa’s voice came from behind, amused. “I see you – you little stowaway. What are you doing up here?”

Jasmine’s tail wagged furiously as she barked happily and Santa chuckled. “Well, I suppose you could use a little adventure too. Let’s make this a Christmas Eve to remember!”

And so, Santa and Jasmine soared into the sky leaving behind the familiar North Pole for something much grander and mysterious.

They traveled over snowy mountains, sparkling oceans, and bustling cities. Jasmine peered down in awe as the lights of the world twinkled beneath them. In one moment, they flew over a cozy village in Europe where children were placing their shoes by the fireplace hoping Santa would fill them with gifts. Jasmine could hear the sounds of carolers singing and her heart swelled with joy.

At one point, they soared high above a massive desert. “Where are we?” Jasmine barked excitedly, her fur rippling in the breeze. She had never seen such strange looking buildings at the North Pole.

“We’re passing over Egypt,” Santa explained, “those are the Pyramids!”

Jasmine’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the ancient wonders of the world below. She had never imagined she would see so many incredible places in one night.

As the sleigh continued its journey, they passed over the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and even the bustling streets of New York City where a huge Christmas tree stood tall in the heart of the city. Everywhere they went, Jasmine felt the magic of Christmas surrounding her – twinkling lights, festive cheer and the warm, loving spirit of the holidays.

But there was one moment that stood out above all the rest.

Somewhere in the middle of the night, Santa and Jasmine flew over a small town in an area of rolling meadows and farmland. The town was quiet and still with only a few homes dotting the landscape. As they circled above, Jasmine’s sharp eyes spotted something unusual. A little girl, wearing a bright red Santa cap, was standing outside in the snow and staring up at the sky. Having lived at the North Pole her entire life, Jasmine had never seen a human child!

Santa tilted his head, following Jasmine’s gaze. “It seems she’s waiting for us,” he said softly. “Let’s make her Christmas extra special.”

With a wave of his hand, Santa guided the sleigh lower and they landed gently on the ground beside the little girl. Jasmine leaped from the back of the sleigh with a joyful bark. She trotted over to the little girl who gasped in surprise at the sight of the magical dog standing before her.

“Are you Santa’s dog?” the little girl exclaimed, kneeling down to hug Jasmine. The joy on the little girl’s face warmed Jasmine’s heart. 

Jasmine wagged her tail in answer and the little girl’s face lit up with the brightest smile. Santa chuckled from above and, with a twinkle in his eye, dropped a very special present — a Christmas Star — into the little girl’s arms.

“Merry Christmas!” Santa called out as Jasmine jumped back into the sleigh which rose quickly into the night sky.

Jasmine was overwhelmed with joy as they continued their journey. It was so special to meet a little girl. As they traveled across the world, delivering presents and spreading holiday cheer, Jasmine realized that the magic of Christmas wasn’t just about the presents – it was about the joy of sharing those moments with others.

By the time the sun began to rise, they had delivered gifts to children all over the world. Jasmine was exhausted but happy. She curled up next to Santa, her head resting on his lap, as they soared back toward the North Pole.

“Well, Jasmine,” Santa said with a smile, “I think you’ve had the best Christmas adventure of all.”

Jasmine gave a soft bark of agreement with her tail wagging gently. She felt the magic of Christmas in her heart – a magic that would last long after the night was over.

 

© 2023 Santa Paul