B4 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, December 22, 1999 Santa’s getting just what the doctor ordered for him By Claudette Sandecki “SO TELL me, Mrs. Claus, what can [ do for you today?” the doctor Said, approaching the ex- amining. table where Mrs. Claus sat, hands paim up in her lap.” She raised her hands. “I think 1 have frostbite.” The doctor checked her palms. “You. do* indeed. But this. is Florida. Where... did this happen?” “In Santa’s den.” “Excuse me?” “Santa air conditions his den until it’s--colder than a health minister. He uses a- refrigeration unit rescued froma meat: pack: ing plant. The subzero temperature gives him an ambience for his: phone, chats with the chief elf back at the Pole. They ex- change advice daily - the rank and file are at logger- heads, production is drop- ping off, deadlines are slipping past...” Mrs. Claus took.a deep breath. “I carried a mug of hot chocolate te. Santa in his den. [ had been wash- ing supper dished. I forgot my hands were damp and I touched the cold radiator.” The doctor winced. “That must have hurt.” “Somewhat,” Mrs. Claus said, watching as the doctor began winding a - gauze bandage around her Wish “Sounds as if Santa isn’t adjusting well to re- tirernent.” “That’s an understate- ment. His appetite is non- existent. He even quit snacking on milk and coo- kies. He’s lost a lot of weight.” “How much?” “Enough to pass for a Montreux: Clinic dropout. I’ve sewn so many tucks in the waistband of his trou- sers it’s as ruffled as Karen Kain’s tutu.” ‘“] remember Santa looked forward ‘to golfing on green grass. No ravens to-steal-his balls. Maybe he’s “exercising too much?” Mrs. Claus snorted. “That would be akin to Joe Gosnell saying Mike Scott has worm out his welcome — in Aiyansh. All Santa does is mope around the house with a cell phone bar- nacled to one ear.” - "Some days he chats for hours with the head elf, standing at the patio door gazing out toward our back fence.” “I've sewn so many tucks in the waistband of his trou- sers it’s as ruffled as Karen Kain’s tutu.” “Maybe Santa’s admir- ing your rise garden.” The doctor smiled. Mrs. Claus ‘sighed. “I wish. He promised me a rosé garden when he re- tired. But I’m no Lois Hole. And playing searms- tress to his red suit curtails my green thumb consider- ably. No, my rose garden HOUSE OF SIM ol GHETS & _ KITSUMKALUM BAND COUNCIL | Wishes everyone a (Office) 635-6177 . _ Store) 638- 1629 _- E: Darrell and Eydie and all sat the staffat 9 Et Subway would like to wish everybody a Very 4 ~ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year‘ 3 4744 Lakelse Ave., Terrace 635-1 994 re, : HOLIDAY WISHES We're hoping your holiday is full of laughter and friends and health and happiness. TERRACE is] TOYOTA! 2 4OU2 I @\ 1-800-313 16, Terrace 558 635-6558 “on, TERRACE ORT CHRYSLER 4916 Highway 16 Terrace. B.C, VaG 1L8 ALSTEES STE 0 ET ELE FETEVEEEFERL EEN ETTTLAETETEFTEFITE| Z 200 = is nothing but blighted stems.” “How long has it been since Santa retired?” A faraway look glazed her eyes momentarily, “Since 5:32 - a.m. ~ last Christmas.’ He and the team landed in a blinding blizzard. His beard was frozen stiff as January laundry on a Saskatoon clothesline and his cheeks were chapped redder. than Rudolph’s nose. He could have used some Bag Baim but Sha- nia hadn’t yet told us about her beauty secret. Santa made do thawing out in front of the. fire- place. He said then, ‘Let someone else deliver toys. I’ve had it.’” “Now he’s having sec- ond thoughts?” “Sure is. He’s worried the run may be short: of toys, or one child might -aecidentally be left out. Not a day goes by he doesn’t phone or fax the Pole. You’d never. guess Santa is at heart:and en- vironmentalist if you saw the paper he stockpiles. By the ton. We tunnel from room to room like moles. Reminds me of Highway 37 through Bear Pass after an avalanche had been cleared.” “Can’t you at least get him out for a walk?” “This morning I coaxed him along to Toys R Us. . He discovered a shelf with several new. toys of the sort he would never deli- ver. A wrestler meant to be beat up with a stick — that sort of thing.” “Santa got so upset he © tushed ‘straight home, shut himself in his den, and cranked up the refrigera- tion unit.” -“And that’s when you laid your damp hands on the meta! radiator.” “Exactly.” “And where is Santa now?” “In your waiting room. He feels terribly responsible for this.” The doctor handed Mrs. Claus a sheet he’d written on. “This should make you both feel better.” After the door closed behind the doctor, Mrs. Claus read the prescrip- tion. “Yes!” she whispered exultanily, sprang down from the table and hurried out to Santa. On: it the doctor had written “Take one Santa to North Pole immediately. Repeat annually as required.” are the true basis of | During the year, in the. rush of events, we tend to overlook the importance of friendships that great pleasures of the holiday season Is the opportunity ta exchange cordial greetings with those whose Mendehies tn this spirit it is our ur pleasure to’ say “Thank You” and extend our sincere ‘appreciation for the very pleasant associa ton fn the. new year. John, Ruth; “Timothy & Steven. at Jon's. Photographics tionships. One of the and goodwill... #103- A622 Greig A 615: 0033. LEA GE May the season bring you joy. We look forward to seeing you in 2000. Vic Froese Trucking P.O. Box 824, Terrace, B.C., V8G aR 635-5253 Uygee Lady Dress & Budat Shop SALE SALE: ALL FASHIONS 25% ~ TON sittat cowns December 18-24 Only Last chance for great partywear! OPEN WEEKDAYS TO 9PM OPEN SUNDAY TO 4PM #106-4716 Lazelle Ave, Terrace.- 635-8118 SALE he # fr al erg Doe a ID WISHING YOU A WEALTH OF HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS May you enjoy the riches of love, family, friends ond good health this holiday season, We consider your kind patronage to be our greatest asset and look forward to growihig together in the yaar te come. BANK FINANCIAL GROUP 4433 Lakelse Ave 635-8900 web site address: www.tdbank.ca_/ wit ne Thg Wermath « of, family, The blessing of friends; That never ends. We belong to-you" Plus peace and joy _ We're hoping that your season brings - Lots of glad tidings and beautiful things; ~ May all your hopes and dreams come true, ~ That's our Christmas wish for you! From the staff & directors of Terrace & District Credit Union 4650 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace Phone: 635-7282 aaa Ny oA, h sil ee ei a Je z wag us : fis Ve “il uy Pa , =e m o ‘ dy i ‘ifs ie ri ten st io cab in one be iFaia Wi Ly Wits ie rr % 3 g iL i ih | a a : Te ain e tine — ie Ge: har oe amy 4 aaa te {A A ie a tn a8 Everyone at your neighbourhood Tim Hortons wishes you. the warmest of holiday greetings as we head into 2000. - We enjoyed 5 getting to know you better this year. It was Olr pleasure to serve you our always fresh coffee. 7 , and baked goods, and look forward to seeing you again next year. - We trust you and yout family find peace ‘and j joy this holiday. season, and through te new yea - Happy Holidays. ° me ea ae oe a fi