In a snowy, tiny town lived a young boy named Eli. He had a big smile, an even bigger heart, and he loved Christmas.

On a cold wintery night, bright with moonlight, Eli heard a sound. It was a scared reindeer shivering in the snow! Its eyes were gentle and it looked very lost.

"Don't be sad," said Eli. "I'll help you!" The reindeer smiled at Eli, and nuzzled him warmly. Together, they walked home, leaving little footprints in the freshly fallen snow.

Eli named the reindeer Nuzzler. He took Nuzzler to town, and showed him all around, there were decorations to be found! Finally, he made a warm bed of hay for Nuzzler to lay, at the end of each day.

Eli loved Nuzzler

And Nuzzler loved Eli

But Eli felt Nuzzler was restless. Nuzzler loved Eli and his family, but he was lonely. He missed other reindeer. Eli decided to tell Santa about Nuzzler's kind heart by writing him a letter.

Suddenly! Happy sliegh bells rang through the air, and a sleigh slid down from the sky. Santa stepped out with a friendly smile. "Hello, Eli," he said. "Your wish has been heard."

"Your friend Nuzzler is a special reindeer. I'd like him to help me deliver presents tonight," Santa told Eli. Eli felt happy for Nuzzler, but knew he would miss him a lot. He tried to smile as he hugged Nuzzler goodbye.

Santa could see Eli was a little sad. He handed Eli a shiny bell from Nuzzler's collar. "This bell is for you. When you miss Nuzzler, give this bell a shake, and remember he's happy, and flying high."

With one last look at Eli, Nuzzler joined Santa's other reindeer. His fur sparkled in the night. The sleigh lifted up, and Eli could see that Nuzzler was excited to be part of Santa's team.

Each Christmas, Eli rang his bell,and felt Nuzzler's love from far away.He smiled a big, happy smile.Sometimes,if the night is clear and quiet,you might hear a gentle jingle in the sky.That's Nuzzler saying hello to Eli,reminding us that true friendsare always close by.