A Night in the Office: My Most Memorable Naughty List Incident

It was a typical Christmas Eve at the North Pole, the elves were scurrying about, trying to meet the last-minute deadlines, and I was huddled over my desk, reviewing the final lists. I had been working non-stop for hours, fueled by copious amounts of spiced cider, when suddenly, a particularly rambunctious child decided to make a scene. I mean, really make a scene - he threw a tantrum, screaming and kicking, demanding that I change his classification from naughty to nice on the spot. I, of course, remained steadfast, explaining to him that the rules were in place for a reason and that he needed to learn to behave before he could earn his way onto the nice list. But, as I stood there, trying to reason with him, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the little guy. He was so desperate to please, to be loved and accepted, and I knew that deep down, he was trying to do the right thing.

As the child’s mother finally managed to calm him down, I couldn’t help but think about my own childhood, growing up as Rudolph’s daughter. I remembered the countless times I’d gotten into trouble, the times I’d pushed boundaries and tested limits, only to be scolded and punished. But my father, he never gave up on me, he never lost faith in me, and it was because of him that I learned to be strong, to be resilient, and to always strive for excellence. And as I looked at the little boy, I saw myself in him, I saw a kindred spirit, and it made me want to help him, to guide him, to show him the way. So, I made a decision, on the spot, I decided to give him a second chance, to let him prove himself, to earn his way onto the nice list. And, as I did, I felt a sense of pride, of satisfaction, knowing that I was making a difference, that I was helping to shape the future of this young boy.

It’s moments like those that remind me why I love my job so much, why I’m so passionate about being Santa’s secretary. It’s not just about keeping the naughty and nice list, it’s about being a guardian, a mentor, a role model. It’s about helping children learn and grow, about teaching them valuable lessons and watching them develop into compassionate, empathetic, and kind individuals. And, as I looked at the little boy, I knew that I was doing exactly that, I was making a difference, one child at a time, and it was an incredible feeling, one that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my days.