“Santa, what time does the rocking horse race begin?” my wife asked as she placed a sheet of cookies in the oven.
“The elves have finished setting up the race course. Starting time is 4:00.”
“Can’t wait for all the action.” Laughing, Anya clapped her hands.
“There’s so much excitement in the air,” I said as my wife and I sat on the sofa. “Remember when Rocky and Timber challenged each other to see who could make the best hobby horse 10 years ago? The elves have been counting on this event every year. It gives us all a chance to have fun before our busy season.
“Do you have a favorite this year?”
“Ho, Ho, Ho, you know I never play favorites. Besides, we all win by just enjoying the race.”
“How did I know that would be your answer?” Ms. Claus responded with a chuckle.
“Gotta keep it fair.” I smiled at Anya and stood up to get my coat. “I’m going to check on the preparations.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you at the starting line. If you’re lucky, I may bring you a warm cookie or two.”
A snowy track had been cleared in the middle of Christmas Village. Weaving between all the workshops, the roadway circled around the elves’ dormitories, and continued past the reindeer barns. Then it looped back to the finish line near the gazebo in the courtyard. A pole painted like a candy cane marked every turn.
The elves were beginning to gather around, cheering and waving signs with the names of their favorite horse or elf. Soon the participants brought their horses to the starting line.
Chestnut led the group. Riding ‘Blitzen’s Comet,’ he was determined to win this year. After painting his horse red and green with golden reins, he spent countless nights polishing Comet’s wooden frame so that it gleamed like a shooting star.
Rocky stepped up to the line with pride. He had won last year’s race and four of the nine races so far. His rocking horse, ‘Turbo Dasher,’ was crafted with tiny gears and springs that he hoped would provide extra speed. Rocky grinned, certain that his changes would give him the edge.
With three previous wins, Timber found his place in line. His horse, ‘Frosty Lightning,’ had twinkling fairy lights that flickered in sync with the rhythm of his rocking horse. Resolute, he felt certain that this year he would tie Rocky for the most wins.
The final contestant, Jingle, led her rocking horse, ‘Snowy Whisper,’ to the final spot. Though plain looking, it was sturdy. She had carved it from a single piece of wood hoping to produce a winner. Most of the elves knew that Jingle was strong-minded and wondered if she had a secret up her sleeve.
Ms. Claus joined me at the start as riders and horses waited. After we put our hands in the air, everyone quieted down.
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Welcome, my little friends to this year’s Rocking Horse Race!” I shouted in a strong voice. “In lane one, Turbo Dasher, ridden by Rocky. Lane two has Snowy Whisper, with Jingle, who is making her first appearance in the race.” The crowd roared. “Next, in lane three, is Frosty Lightning, with Timber as the jockey, and in the last lane is Blitzen’s Comet, guided by Chestnut.”
“Before Ms. Claus starts the race, I want everyone to remember, this is not just about winning—it’s about having fun!”
Loud cheering exploded. Ms. Claus, holding a candy cane-striped flag, took her place at the starting line.
“On your mark! Get Set! Go!” Ms. Claus yelled, and with a flick of her wrist, she waved the flag and the race began!
The elves rocked furiously as their horses magically sprang to life and surged forward. As the jockeys swayed back and forth, the rocking horses’ legs continuously pushed the right rocker down, then the left, causing the hobby horse to move forward.
Blitzen’s Comet shot ahead while Chestnut clutched the jingling reins. Turbo Dasher’s gears whirred when Rocky leaned forward, urging it on. Frosty Lightning blazed with light, dazzling the spectators with his speed, and Snowy Whisper moved with a smooth and steady pace.
The race was neck and neck as they passed the elves’ dormitories. Turbo Dasher steadily gained on Blitzen’s Comet. Suddenly, one of the gears popped loose, slowing him down. Chestnut grinned, certain that he had the lead. Then with a burst of speed, Frosty Lightning zoomed past, his fairy lights casting a bright glow on the snow.
The excited elves roared when the horses approached the reindeer barns. Frosty Lightning remained in the lead, with Blitzen’s Comet closing fast. Snowy Whisper soon passed Rocky, struggling with his malfunctioning Turbo Dasher. When Frosty Lightning turned toward the finish line, one of his lights flickered, causing him to lose his rhythm. Blitzen’s Comet surged ahead, but Snowy Whisper, quiet and steady, closed the gap.
As the horses started down the home stretch, the crowd erupted in cheers. It was anyone’s race now. Blitzen’s Comet was giving it everything he had, but Snowy Whisper was gaining with every rock. The two horses were neck and neck entering the final stretch. The sound of crunching snow and bells filled the air.
In a photo-finish, the two horses crossed the line. The crowd held its breath as I inspected the results. It was not long before I declared in a booming voice, “By a half-nose… the winner is Snowy Whisper with Jingle in the saddle!”
Jingle, still blushing from the attention, smiled with pride while Ms. Claus handed her a golden rocking horse trophy. The inscription read: “Great Rocking Horse Race Champion.”
The elves erupted in cheers, lifting Jingle onto their shoulders.
Chestnut and Rocky, though disappointed, couldn’t help but grin as they congratulated their friend. After all, the race was about fun, and they certainly had plenty of that.
When the sun set and the northern lights danced in the sky, the elves gathered around a bonfire. Sipping hot cocoa, they relived the day’s excitement.
Anya and I sat on a bench watching the elves. Nudging me, she nodded toward a group of elves. “Where else can you see all of the participants talking and laughing together after a race.”
“I see many children being good sports. Like the elves, they are supportive of each other and have a positive attitude.” I squeezed my wife’s hand and added, “You know, adults could learn a lot from the simple joys of elves and children.”
Notes From Santa
I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday September 14, 2024. If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .
To read more about North Pole Contests please check out:
The Great Cookie Bakeoff – July 6, 2020
If I Could Be Anything – September 14, 2020
Let the Games Begin – August 16, 2021
Reindeer Games – September 6, 2021
International Games – August 5, 2023
Lego Contest – February 17, 2024
Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:
Facebook– Instagram– Threads – X (Twitter)
Illustrations Created with Microsoft Copilot