Ivan Tykovsky is a security guard at Hinkleman’s Department store and has come to despise the shopping element of Christmas. The holiday season means his workload of apprehending shoplifters and breaking up fights over merchandise increases.<br><br>When the Santa the store has booked shows up drunk, the six foot six, 240 pound, red-bearded Jewish giant is forced to stand in. Ivan isn’t happy about the idea, but there’s one compensation -- the diminutive Skip Mueller, an out-of-work actor who’s been hired as one of Santa’s elves. Skip comes to Ivan’s rescue, coaching the big man through his dealings with the children.<br><br>Ivan becomes an instant celebrity, and when a permanent replacement Santa is found, the store’s customers demand Ivan’s return. Will there be a special Christmas gift this year for a certain Jewish Santa and his special elf?

Santa? Seriously?

“Oh, this is Skip. He works with me at the store,” Ivan said by way of introduction.


“Yes, yes, the elf,” Mrs. McGilicutty said, proffering her hand.


Ivan was stunned. Skip took the lady’s hand and laughed.


“It’s all over the news,” Mrs. McGilicutty said. “You were tonight’s top story.”


Ivan shook his head, not wanting to believe it.


“They need to go out for the night,” Mrs. McGilicutty said as she handed Ivan Tootsie’s leash and little lavender doggie coat. She gave Skip Bear’s lead.


Ivan bent and dressed Tootsie, while Skip attached Bear’s leash. They headed back down the stairs. A chilly wind greeted them as they stepped out onto the street. Skip shivered and put his arm through Ivan’s. Ivan smiled down at him.


Chapter 7