Snow fell from the cold sky. Theodore, the lead elf, looked at Santa with tired eyes.

"Sir, the sleigh is loaded."

"Very good, Theodore," Santa said with a warm smile. "You and your team find the missus. She will have hot cocoa and chocolate brownies for all your hard work."

"Cocoa?" Theodore said with a raised eyebrow. "How about a paycheck?"

"A pay… check?" Santa muttered softly. "What is a pay… check?"

"You know, money, so we could say move to Florida in the off season."

"Mon-ey?" Santa questioned.

"Never mind," Theodore said with a sigh. "I'll go get the others and see the missus."

"Very good," Santa said with a jolly chuckle. "Enjoy those treats. You and your team really earned them this year."

"Yeah. Great," Theodore said as he walked away. "We really need to start that union."

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