‘Christmas,’ said Nikolas. ‘What about Christmas?’ grumbled Father Vodol. ‘It is seven months away.’ ‘No, I mean, why don’t you call me Christmas? Father Christmas.’ All the elves sitting in the council room nodded. ‘Why that name?’ asked Father Topo, toying with a biscuit. ‘My mum and dad used to call me it. When I was a little boy. Because I was born on Christmas Day. It was a nickname.’
