It was late at night when I heard it. A strange click-clacking sound and a thump coming from the roof. I checked to make certain my owners were sleeping soundly before sneaking out of my Sherpa and heading to the main room of the house.

As I made my way to the living room, the click clacking continued, but was now accompanied by what sounded like heavy footsteps making their way in the same direction I was headed. The footsteps were moving faster than me, however, and by the time i reached the stairs they had faded off towards my destination.

The living room was bathed in the bluish-white glow from the big tree my owners had brought in a couple weeks ago and there, just under the tree, I could discern the movement of something small and quick.

I stealthily made my way around the couch to get a better look. The creature appeared to be a small gnome in a red suit with a matching hat. He had a bright red nose and a white beard and mustache and appeared to be messing with some boxes under the tree. While he worked, he mumbled a strange silly song ... something along the lines: "You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, i'm telling you why".

Of course, as protector of this household I couldn't leave this interloper alone.

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