It was almost Christmas. The snow was blowing playfully, touching people's hats and gifts. Holly and twinkling lights were everywhere. People bustled along carrying festive packages. The air was filled with the wonderful aroma of Christmas trees for sale.

Fanna banana, what could the matter be, thought Chunky Monkey as he stood half looking into a jolly toy window. Where is my Christmas spirit? A pretty doll winked at him. He didn't wink back. A baby toy elephant waved his trunk, but Chunky Monkey pretended not to see. "I guess I just don't have any Christmas spirit," he mused with a sigh.

Then suddenly someone nudged him. Chunky Monkey wondered who it could be. He didn't know anyone in this neighborhood. Then another nudge, hurting his shoulder.

Chunky Monkey didn't like that at all. He turned around quickly to say so, and rubbed his eyes. I must need glasses, he thought -- it seemed to be a snowman!

What could he possibly want? thought Chunky Monkey. The snowman seemed to read his mind.

"I want to help you," said the snowman, "but first I must apologize for nudging you so roughly, I have a lot of hard packed snow in me."

"You're Frosty the snowman aren't you," shouted Chunky Monkey. "I'd know you anywhere -- you're famous."

"Well, I don't let it go to my head," Frosty answered.

"Speaking of heads, where is your magic hat?" asked Chunky Monkey.

"This stocking hat is magic too. The old top hat wore out," Frosty said, "and I need all the magic I can conjure up with my workload. I have a long, long list of plans for good deeds, but first I have a mission -- to give you back your Christmas spirit."

"How can you do that? Seems like mission impossible. And how did you know it was missing?" asked Chunky Monkey.

"I'm a CLAIR-VOY-ANT. That means I'm a traveling snowman with psychic powers, and I'm glad to help. Sometimes you have to go some place else to appreciate what you've got at home. First I must consult Santa's special maps to see where we are needed most. According to this one, someone right here needs our help."

"That looks like a million miles away," said Chunky. "How will I ever get back in time to finish my Christmas shopping?"

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© and ® 1997 by Pauline Comanor