One particular Christmas, a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip...

but there were problems everywhere.

Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones could do. So Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. Then Mrs.

Claus told him that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more. Then when he went to harness the Reindeer, he found out that three of them were plastered, and two had jumped the fence, and were out doing heaven knows what. More stress. And then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the boards cracked, and his bag of toys fell to the ground, and the toys scattered everywhere all over the ground. So frustrated, Santa went back into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey When he went to the cupboard, he discovered where the reindeer had gotten their liquor and that they had greedily left none for him. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the coffee pot and it broke into a hundred pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw that it was made from.

Just then, the door bell rang, and Santa cussed his way to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Xmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa.

Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?" Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.