Valerie Ondrejko

Returning Santa's Boot Valerie Ondrejko

Three third-graders have a this-has-never-happened-before excuse to stay up on Chrismtas Eve to wait for Santa Claus. They have the Big Guy's boot. It all started with an innocent snowball fight that turned into a challenge. Alec must prove to the girls that he can get a snowball down the chimney. When a bird gets in the way and falls down the chimney they attempt to rescue it and discover the dusty treasure. The events that follow lead to laughter, chaos, doubts and fears.

Twins, Alec and Chloe are permitted to camp out in the living room, but Nora is told she must stay at her own house across the street. The remainder of the night is spent communicating by walkie-talkies as the friends wait for Santa's arrival and do whatever they have to so they can stay awake.