Inside the stable, the elves and the reindeer gathered together to hear the cow's story. She had traveled to the North Pole to find Santa and his workshop and fulfill her dream. Around the heater the unlikely gathering warmed their toes and enjoyed some hot chocolate.

"Well, I said, to myself, I said Schmoo..."

"Schmoo!" cried Erno, falling over with laughter.

"Yes, that's my name, Schmoo, Schmoo LaRue. I said Schmoo it's time you just packed up and followed your dream. There's no sense in being outstanding in your field all the live-long day wondering what it might be like to fly with the reindeer. I mean you've just got to follow your dream. That's what my dear mommy always said, follow your dreams – and chew, chew your food, she was very adamant about that too."

"Excuse me," Donder asked softly, "When you say 'fly with the reindeer,' you don't actually mean harnessing up with us — Santa's most famous flying reindeer — on Christmas eve, do you?"

Behind Schmoo the elves were rolling around on the ground laughing. Percy said, "Hey Amber, How do you count cows? With a cowculator! Get it? A cow-culator!"

"I've got one," said Erno, "What do you get from a nervous cow? A milk shake!"

"No wait, me too," said Roly, "Where can you find the most cows? Moo York City!"

Schmoo could hear the elves' jokes and laughter, but she continued, "Well yes, flying with the reindeer, that's precisely what I mean, Donder. Oh, I remember as a heifer listening to the story of Rudolph and how he came to Santa's aid one 'stormy Christmas Eve.' It was so inspiring! I guess ever since then I've wanted to do that too. To come to the aid of the greatest elf ever – Santa! To help him fly that sleigh on Christmas Eve, to deliver toys to girls and boys..." Schmoo's voice was getting louder, her eyes glistened with tears and her large bovine nose was wet and quivery.

"Hello, earth to Schmoo, Come in Schmoo this is the North Pole," Rudolph had cupped one hoof near his mouth and was loudly trying to break Schmoo's trance. "Helooooo! In the first place, we don't need anymore reindeer — or cows — we have a full team, and in the second place you can't even fly!"

"But I'm a fast learner. Really I am. Just sprinkle me with the pixie dust or whatever you guys use..." Schmoo said.

"Sorry, wrong classic. We don't use pixie dust. Our ability to fly is a gift, a magic gift," Rudolph sniffed.

Just then Mrs. Claus burst through the barn doors looking very flustered. Her usually tidy hair was escaping all over her head from loose hairpins and her apron was on sideways. "Oh good gracious here you all are!" she cried.

"Mrs. Claus! Whatever is the matter?" asked Amber, "Please sit down you look terrible. Now slowly what's wrong." Amber led Mrs. Claus to a comfortable wooden chair.

"Oh thank you Amber, my dear. Oh, where to start..." She looked around the tidy warm barn, took a deep breath and then just before starting her tale, she caught sight of Schmoo. Blinking back her tears she cocked her head to one side and asked, "Goodness gracious, who are you?"

"Her name is Schmoo — a reindeer wannabe," Rudolph said curtly.

"Pleased to meet you Schmoo," Mrs. Claus said warmly.

"It's an honor, Mrs. Claus," said Schmoo politely.

"Now, Mrs. Claus, please tell us what is troubling you?" Rudolph asked.

"Well, I knew Mr. Claus wanted to go ice fishing one more time before Christmas and you know he always goes with Mr. Nanotuk. There's a very good reason for that, but anyway, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. So, Santa packed up his fishing gear this morning. But, just now, Mr. Nanotuk called to re-book the fishing trip after Christmas. He told Santa he couldn't go today because he has a cold. And, I said he already left, and Mr. Nanotuk said he told Santa this morning that the trip was off. Santa knew Mr. Nanotuk couldn't go and Santa left anyway. I'm worried he's gone fishing alone."

"Acckkkk!" cried Rudolph. "This is not good, no, no, no. Santa can't find his way to the toy shop without a guide."

"Oh, he's out there all alone! Whatever was he thinking!?" Mrs. Claus wailed, "Santa is missing!"