A Jolly Molly Christmas by Delia Black

“Last December, James sat down to write a Christmas list:

Micro Scooter, Dinosaur

But then could not resist-

the urge to add another, most unusual request.

He didn’t think he’d get it but was hoping for the best.

When Santa read the Christmas list, he choked on a mince pie.

‘A tricky one,’ he chuckled with a twinkle in his eye.

James was on the ‘good’ list, so he had to get it right.

He poured himself a glass of milk and stayed up half the night.

Early in the morning, Santa thought he found the answer.

He summoned chief elf, Humphrey, and his loyal reindeer Prancer.

‘James has made a wish,’ he said ‘our biggest challenge yet.

All he wants for Christmas is the most unlikely pet!’

Meanwhile, in the workshop, elves were busy in their stations.

They worked their stripey socks off, making sparkly new creations.

Then Santa used his powers to make every wish come true.

While James’s wish took longer, as all great wishes do.

Christmas morning dawned at last. James bounded out of bed.

He found a letter on his desk, and this is what it read –

Hello James, it’s Santa here. You gave us quite a task!

But great to see in life you’ve learned it’s always good to ask.

It seems your garden is too small, (and as I’m sure you know)

your pet will need some shelter and a bigger space to grow. 

So, I’ve filled your Christmas sack with hay – young Molly loves a snack.

Today you’re off to Folly Farm with an adoption pack!

Mum and James donned coats and boots and raced to Folly Farm.

‘Molly’s just inside,’ Mum said and pointed to a barn.

A little piglet bolted out and flopped down in the mud.

She snorted, then she grunted and enjoyed a belly rub!

They played like that for hours ’til the sun set in the sky.

‘My friends will love you too,’ James smiled and hugged his pet goodbye.

And he was right, as everyone who came to Folly Farm,

found a pet with character and buckets full of charm.

Alpacas, crocs, flamingos. Giraffes and zebra too.

Donkeys, meerkats, penguins, a reindeer just for you?

There are many other animals, all waiting to be found.

Adopt a pet for Christmas and love them all year round.