"On Christmas Eve I waited up in hopes that I would see Stegosaurus Claus," said Stegosaurus. "Not because I was a curious mammal child, but because I had a genuine question for the Jolly Old Ornithischian Stegosaurus Stenops," said Stegosaurus.

"I brought a tree into my cave and decorated it, in hopes that Stegosaurus Claus would be delighted with it and consume it. I also obtained some Tree Shaped Cookies, as I know these are his favorites as well. I knew Stegosaurus Claus would be pleased with my charitable work and kindness towards my fellow dinosaur and all the mammals I could meet. But I didn't need a present, or any kind of emolument from him. I had a very specific question. Since this was the case I needed not worry that he'd pass me by, but I was still nervous because I was afraid to be asking too much of him. He's so busy in Brazil most of the year making toys for all the good little girls and boys and dinosaurs and the megafauna, even the nomen dubium among us."

"Finally about 10 o clock Christmas Eve I had a Christmas Guest. It was indeed Stegosaurus Claus himself, surprised to see me."

"Stegosaurus!" exclaimed Stegosaurus Claus. "I did not expect to see you up at this hour!! What keeps you awake I hope you do not have insomnia on Christmas Eve. Do you need some Peace and Goodwill?"

"No, sir not at all. I will not reject Goodwill, but I do not have insomnia at this time. Please eat my Christmas Tree and the Christmas Tree Shaped Cookies I have left for you."

"I would be pleased. Thank you," said Stegosaurus Claus. "I would not mind sharing."

"Please go ahead ~ I have prepared this repast for you specifically, and have been waiting in great anticipation for your visit this year."

Stegosaurus Claus consumed the Christmas Tree and the Tree Shaped Cookies with delight and gratitude.

Then, he asked rather bluntly, albeit kindly, "What is it then, that keeps you up waiting for my arrival? You aren't just out of your shell ... do you want to know what I have given you this year?"

"No, that is not why I wait. It is much more important than that."

"What could it possibly be?" asked Stegosaurus Claus.

"I have a favor to ask of you," said Stegosaurus.

"Ask." said Stegosaurus Claus.

"Well, you know how successful my Disaster Relief Agency has been over the years. We have gone to distressed places around the world and helped mammals in need."

"Yes you were inspired by our Meteor Tragedy. A worthy cause indeed. Your cause is compassionate and generous. Kindness is the Spirit of Christmas spread throughout the year."

"Well, I have thought of a way that my Agency could be improved," said Stegosaurus.

"I am listening," said Stegosaurus Claus.

"I held a meeting last month, about a month ago, asking my crew, shortly after our return from Southwestern Virginia if they'd be interested in helping or contacting those who would help us in

establishing a cold weather division of the Disaster Relief Agency. I've dispatched envoys to seek out Woolly Mammoth and other Pleistocene Megafauna; Rhedosaurus and his lovely wife have offered to

help ~~~ I am sure it will come together but I wanted to ask of you a question."

"You seek a blessing ...."

"I would not reject it but ... no."

"Than what is it?"

"I wanted to ask you if you'd like to be involved. Will you help us in Cold Weather Disaster Situations? There are some places I'd like to go but I just can't ...."

"I understand, my friend Stegosaurus. But, I cannot help you. There are good reasons. You must remember that though I am magical, I am also a Stegosaurus. This is why I live in Brazil and not the

North Pole; Brazil is much warmer. Also, I am very busy in my shop building toys for good girls and boys, and spreading Peace and Goodwill everywhere. Keep heart that the Peace and Goodwill can

help those in need without my physical presence. Thirdly, if I showed up a lot of the time for every disaster, I wouldn't be mysterious and my magic would wane. My appearances outside of my appointed

holiday must be rare and limited to very special occasions. I do appreciate the thought, and I think there are ways I can help you but not in the way that you think."


"I completely and totally understand your situation and point of view," said Stegosaurus. "I did not think of your situation with the weather; a mistake I must attribute to my zeal for my cause and

in part the result of my small brain."

"Worry not. I am flattered by the offer and I know what cause you were thinking of that I can contribute. I know this because I am omniscient for one, so I knew all along your question. My answer is

that I will indeed spread Peace, Goodwill, and most important in the situation Hope to the mammals and places you need these powerful feelings to be; I can do this simultaneously from my workshop in

Brazil while working on toys, and yet I will not be cold, or endanger the magic of my Seasonal presence. You have a good heart Stegosaurus, for all that you do and try to do. You will be Blessed by

me and by the Creator for that which you have done and all that you give."

With that, Stegosaurus Claus left me with my gift of Peace, Goodwill, and Humility ( in spite of all his praise ), and of course a healthy supply of regular, non low fat Pteridophytes.

May all who read this feel as Blessed as I do, for the Season and throughout the coming year."