HE day before Christmas found the Kuklapolitans all busy with last minute errands.  Kukla and Ollie were at the store checking the food list to make sure they had everything.  Cecil Bill and Mercedes were at the drug store picking up extra ribbon and gift cards.  And the mailroom was a hive of activity as Fletcher sorted the latest delivery of Christmas cards for the troupe.  Everyone hurried for they knew they must have naps if they were going to stay up for Santa.  The girls were the busiest of them all as they stirred, stuffed, stewed and baked in the kitchen.  Mme. Ooglepuss was busy with the turkey, Fran with the pies and Buelah with a large pot on the stove when the bunch rushed in from their errands – cheeks and noses rosy with cold. 
Madame Ooglepuss said,

    “Now, don't you boys get in the way.  There's much to be done before we can hang up the stockings tonight.  Wood for the fireplace, snow  removed from the front walk and the tree lights are out again!  Oh, yes, and Doloras needs a bath.”

     “But we must take naps so we can stay up for Santa," Ollie said.

     “Naps can wait,” snapped Buelah. “There's a Christmas dinner to be cooked.”

     “Well, let's pitch in, kids!” Ollie said. “Sooner started, sooner done.”

     Off they went.  The silver was polished, floors waxed, rugs cleaned – everyone was busy. When suppertime arrived, no one had had time for naps.  But the house looked wonderful – all ready for Christmas.  After supper, Buelah said,

     “Well kids, let's get the stockings!”

     There was a great scramble as the Kuklapolitans dashed all over the house and after arranging the fruit on the mantel for Santa, they all sat down in front of the fire to wait.  They were all so quiet that for a moment all you could hear was the crackling and popping of the wood.  They were all thinking how wonderful it was to be together and listening to the faint strains of some Christmas carolers in the distance.  Suddenly, someone yawned.  It was Cecil Bill and beside him were Mercedes and Doloras, fast asleep.

    “Too much excitement,” Buelah said. “As a matter of fact, I'm a little sleepy myself.  I'll let you kids wait up for Santa.  I'm hitting the sack.”

    “It's a good idea,” said Madame Ooglepuss, “I'll join you.  Come on Doloras, come Mercedes.”

     “I think maybe we should all go to bed,” Fran said. “It's been an exciting day today and we all want to get up early to see what Santa brought us.”

     “Oh, come on, Fran,” Ollie said.  You promised we'd all wait up this year, didn't she, Kukla?”

     “Well, yes,” Kukla answered, “but we all are kind of tired.”

     “Not me,” said Ollie.  “I've never been so wide awake in my life.  Let's sing carols.”  He started ‘Deck the Halls’ but before he had finished everyone had crept off to bed except Kukla and Fran.

     “What time is Santa coming?” asked Kukla.  “I'm getting pretty sleepy.”  Before Fran could answer Ollie had started in on another carol.  Then Fran and Kukla sang one together – a soft lovely one – a favorite of theirs.

     “Fran,” whispered Kukla, “look at Ollie.”  Ollie was fast asleep.

     Fran winked at Kukla.  He put his head next to Ollie’s and a moment later Fran started nodding.  There they were – all three of them – fast asleep.  And that’s the way Santa found them when he came to fill the stockings of the Kuklapolitans.