ONE Christmas Eve it was snowing and the decorations were all up. Everyone was excited that it was Christmas and they were dancing and being merry.

Mr Fotheringham was an old man who had a cold personality. He was moaning because his neighbour's music was too loud. "Turn that music down!" he groaned.

He had one best mate called Jazz who lived with his partner in the same town. He had planned to meet him to walk to the local park that night.

"What a merry Christmas" said Jazz

"What are you talking about?" said Fotheringham.

"Stop moaning, you won't get any presents for Christmas off Santa" said Jazz.

So they set off to the park.

Because Mr Fotheringham was being grumpy all the time, Jazz decided to ignore him for a while. Mr Fotheringham thought to himself that nobody liked him because he didn't like Christmas and because he was old and grumpy.

All of a sudden there was a puff of smoke and there beside him was Santa! "Ho ho ho Merry Christmas!"

Mr Fotheringham was surprised to see Santa! It put a smile on his usually grumpy face!

"I've come to make you believe you are not just a grumpy old man!" said Santa.

And he left him a gift and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Jazz!" he called." I've just seen Santa!"

"Stop pulling my leg!" he said with a smile. And he gave him a pat on the shoulder as they walked home.