This is a previously printed story.

 Slimy Snake was well liked in the North Pole. His word was true, so when he said he'd be somewhere at a certain time, he was there. He helped the seniors and young alike and never asked for thanks in any form. He never spoke a bad word about anyone and slithered away from those that brought down others.

 When the call went out that Santa had the flu from landing in a snowbank while putting up his Christmas lights on the roof, many came to help in whatever way they could. Slimy made his famous healing soup made from herbs he gathered in the spring.

 "This will help you feel better, Santa," said Slimy, making sure that Santa's pillow was puffed and his blanket up to his chin.

 "Slimy, I want you to apply for the job of taking my place Christmas Eve to deliver around the world," requested Santa. "I know I will not be able to make the trip this year."

 Slimy knew that Bonzo Sloth was doing the interviews and Bonzo and Slimy didn't see eye to eye. Bonzo was always cutting corners by making the toys with inferior goods. He wanted them to break so the children would get new ones. "You make them last, we will be out of a job," he told the elves.

 Slimy lined up with the others applying for the job. He shuttered as he listened to Bonzo giving Santa's job description.

 "You have to be fast, have a strong voice for the Ho! Ho's! as you drive away, put a bit of weight on to look the part, like milk and cookies, wear red and have a beard," rambled off Bonzo. "Get in and out as fast as you can without waking the little monsters."

 "Children aren't monsters," spoke up Slimy. "Children are a gift from God. Santa is only a small part of Christmas. Santa doesn't believe in inferior goods and getting in and out as fast as you can. The glow around Santa is the love from his heart. When you want someone to be Santa, you should first start with someone that loves his fellow man and hopes for peace in the world." Slimy got out of his place in line, because he knew that Bonzo would never choose him.

 "I don't think we need to look any further for a Santa," said a booming voice. "Slimy has all the qualifications that are needed."

 Santa beckoned the snake forward and placed his red hat with the white pompom on his head. "You have a big heart and that is the most important."

 The other animals cheered at Santa's selection and Bonzo Sloth was sent away. Toys were made with the quality goods they always had been and Slimy delivered Santa's gifts. Many said they saw extra light coming from Santa's sleigh and Santa told them it was the glow of Slimy's heart.