How Ozzie the Great Christmas Crocodile Became Santa's Helper

My husband and I have been blessed with very creative children! Whenever they asked what I would like for Christmas, I told them that I would love something they created themselves. Our son, Adam, has always been a gifted writer. One Christmas, he gave me a short story titled "The Great Christmas Crocodile," which he also illustrated. This book is an adaptation of that story. It is my gift back to Adam, now a young man beginning his own career.

Merry Christmas,
Anne Easterling

Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus can deliver presents to millions of children around the world?

It all started a long time ago. A young crocodile named Ozzie lived in the crocodile village in the swamp. He went to school with other crocodiles and loved Christmas very much. That was strange for a crocodile, but Ozzie didn't care what others thought.

One day in late fall, as the crocodiles were putting up Christmas lights, an otter from another land swam into the swamp.

Ozzie was the one who found the otter, so he was the first to receive the otter's news: One of Santa's reindeer had a cold, and Santa needed a new animal to take its place.

Ozzie was very excited. He had always dreamed of helping Santa bring toys to all of the children of the world.

Ozzie ran back to his village and told everyone the news. The other crocodiles just said, "Well, that's nice" and nothing more. When Ozzie told them that he wanted to fly with Santa's sleigh, they laughed at him.

The next day, the otter returned to the village. "Anyone who wants to try out for the spot on Santa's sleigh, come with us!" he shouted.

Almost all of the crocodiles followed the otter that day. And no one told Ozzie that they were sorry for laughing at him.

The otter led the crocodiles many miles until the swamp ended and the grasslands began. Soon they were so far north that it began snowing.

The crocodiles were very cold, but the promise of meeting Santa kept them going.


As the crocodiles crawled over the last hill, they saw the try-out camp! Many tents decorated with Christmas lights covered the hillside.

There were thousands of animals from around the world. They all wanted to help pull Santa's sleigh.

Ozzie was a bit frightened by the other animals there. They were all practicing, and some were even flying. Ozzie remembered his dream and put aside his fears.

None of the other animals thought the crocodiles would win, especially Ozzie. Even the other crocodiles made fun of him. He tried not to worry about what they thought.

Most of the other animals were still trying to fly when Ozzie started soaring through the air!

However, a few of the animals could fly faster and longer than Ozzie.

Finally, Santa arrived to check out the animals and choose a replacement. It was just three days before Christmas. The animals were nervous. Many of them were being mean and talking back to the other animals.

But not Ozzie. He was relaxed and still his friendly, kind self.

Finally, all of the animals were told to line up outside Santa's tent. Then the jolly old elf himself stepped outside.

Santa looked around, then walked up and down the line of animals. He asked each animal one question:

"What is the best Christmas gift?"

Most of the animals were confused. This question did not have anything to do with pulling a sleigh. They didn't know what to say.

When Santa asked Ozzie this question, he answered from his heart.

"The best Christmas gift is ourselves. If we give from the heart without expecting anything in return, we are giving the true spirit of Christmas."

"Perfect!" replied Santa.

Then he asked Ozzie if he would like to help pull the sleigh. Of course, Ozzie said, "YES!"

The lion, who was standing next to Ozzie, shouted, "What?! He is a crocodile. He can't fly as well as the rest of us!"

Santa patiently turned and looked into the lion's eyes.

"Do you know why I'm here?" he asked.

"Of course," the lion answered. "To find the best flyer to lead your sleigh."

"Yes, I am here to find someone to fly with me," he said. "But I could have chosen another reindeer for that."

He continued, "I am here to find someone who has the honesty and sincerity to be an example to everyone. Christmas is a time of giving, not receiving. Ozzie has shown us an example of the true spirit of Christmas."

The animals looked at each other. One by one, they agreed that Santa was right.

Ozzie had an idea. "Santa, could all of the animals help take the presents to the children?"

The young crocodile whispered into Santa's ear for a long time. Santa nodded his head and smiled.

"What a brilliant idea!" he said. "Everyone, follow me and pick up the toys. Take them back with you and hide them where you live.

"On Christmas eve, I will come and load them in my sleigh. Then I will take them to the boys and girls in your neighborhood or town."

So that's what they did. The animals came one by one to pick up a bundle of packages for the children near where they lived.

The lions took presents to Africa. The elephants were loaded with presents for India. The monkey bundled up the gifts for South America. Each animal came forward to share the joy of delivering Christmas gifts around the world.

On Christmas eve, Ozzie took his place with the reindeer as Santa began his trip. Around the world, every animal was prepared to help! They had presents hidden in secret places, ready for Santa to take to the boys and girls. Ozzie's plan worked perfectly! Santa declared it one of the best Christmases ever.

Every year since that famous trip by Ozzie the Great Christmas Crocodile, the animals around the world have shared the joy of delivering Christmas gifts. Maybe your dog or cat is in on the secret too!

After you've read this story, you might like a printed copy that will make a great gift for the kids you know. Click the "Buy Now" button link below to buy a PDF version for only $2.49. You will be redicted to PayPal to complete your purchase, then you will be forwarded directly to the download page. (You'll also receive an email message with the download link.)




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