Years later...

"Mush, Slinky! Mush!" Bonnie cried as she tugged on the reins of the skipping rope she was using as a harness. Her toys were right where they should be. Slinky was acting as the lead dog, with Buttercup right after him. Even if Buttercup was a unicorn, he made a good sled dog.

Then, next to her in the wagon sat Woody and Jessie with the Potato Heads and Buzz taking up the rear. They made the perfect team for exploring the arctic. "Oh no!" Bonnie exclaimed as she leaned to her right. "Watch out for that snow monster!"

Bonnie ducked her head as she imagined the snow monster had swung his huge claws. She then gasped and quickly pulled on her skipping rope. "Halt!" she called and peered over the sled.

While there was nothing in front of her, in Bonnie's mind, they had just stumbled to a frozen lake. "Hmm," Bonnie thought to herself. "We'll need fairy light to fly across the lake."

Bonnie hastily climbed out of her wagon and the snow crunched under her feet. "Come on, Slinky," she stated as she scooped up her dog. "We'll go to the magic cave and get some."

Bonnie's definition of 'magic cave' was the garage. She wiped her feet on the mat before she entered to find her dad hunched over the lifted hood of the car. Bonnie's mom was also there as she was holding the same flashlight Bonnie was looking for directly into the car hood.

"Honey, are you sure you don't want to take it to the mechanic?" her mother asked, sipping a mug of tea she held in the other hand.

Her father sighed and wiped his forehead. "Sweetheart, where on earth are we going to find a mechanic this late on Christmas Eve?"

Bonnie forgot about getting the flashlight as she drew closer and watched her father reach for his toolbox. "Besides," he continued. "It's probably the muffler, it wouldn't be worth the money."

Her mother sighed. "If you say so."

Curious, Bonnie inched closer. "Daddy," Bonnie asked as she stood on her toes to peek into the car hood and lifted Slinky so he could see as well. "What are you doing?"

Her father grunted and reached for a wrench. "Just fixing the car."

Bonnie frowned as she tried to pull herself up her father's leg for a better look. "Is it broken?"

Her father wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Naw, it's just a gremlin. Honey, could you pass me the flashlight. Might have better luck if I hold it."

"What's a gremlin?" Bonnie asked as her mother tapped for her to move aside.

"It's an expression, Sweetheart," her mother said passing her father the flashlight. "It means it's a small problem."

"Although," her father said as he raised his head and grinned at Bonnie. "My grandpa told me gremlins were little critters that loved to get in machines to mess them up."

"Really?" Bonnie asked with her eyes wide. She suddenly gasped and hugged Slinky to her chest in protection. "Do they hurt toys too?"

Her father laughed and shook his head. "Naw, they don't want your toys, Honey. They just like causing a nuisance for no reason."

Bonnie sighed in relief. "Oh, that's good." She hugged Slinky to her chest. "I wouldn't want them to worry."

"Speaking of which," her mother said leaning against the car door and drinking her mug of tea. "You can play for a few more minutes, but then I want you to clean up your toys to get ready for church."

"Aw, but we're in the middle of exploring the arctic."

"You'll have plenty of time to play with them tomorrow, including your new toys from Santa."

Bonnie brightened. "Do you think he'll bring that sleigh I asked for? The wagon is good, but I need a real sleigh to explore with."

"Sure he will," her father said. "And who knows, maybe if you're lucky Jack Frost will make it snow for you too."

Bonnie giggled and began to sing "Jack Frost! Jack Frost!" as she raced out of the garage.

Once Bonnie left, her mother raised an eyebrow. "Jack Frost?"

"A lot of the kids in the neighbourhood have been talking about him," Bonnie's father said with a shrug. "Did you know that it's him that makes it snow enough to close school?"

Bonnie's mother laughed and kissed her husband on the cheek. "You are so who she gets that imagination from."

Bonnie's father laughed and went back under the car's hood. "Well, let's just hope this old imagination is good enough to fix this car too. Gremlins or not."

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Unbeknownst to Bonnie's parents, the very same Jack Frost was sitting invisible on top of their roof and had a clear view of where Bonnie had been playing. He had landed just as Bonnie entered the garage and happened to notice the toys come to life.

The Mr. Potato Head toy rubbed up against Mrs. Potato Head for warmth. "How much longer are we going to be out here? It's freezing!"

The little cowgirl turned from the front of the wagon. "Come on, it's not that cold."

"That's easy for you to say!" said the unicorn as he poked his head over the wagon along with the horse toy. "You don't have your hooves buried in inch thick snow."

Jack chuckled quietly to himself. It was rare for Jack to see toys come to life outside. Most parents insisted children not bring their toys out during the winter, and the few kids that did rarely left them alone long enough for them to bother coming to life.

The spaceman toy stood and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't think we'll be out here much longer. It'll start getting dark soon."

The cowboy toy who had been protectively gripping the side of his hat sighed in relief. "Thank goodness, because I'm certain this wind is out to get my hat."

The cowgirl toy laughed. "Woody, it is not trying to get your hat."

"It's tried to knock it off three times so far!"

"It's only been two," said the Mrs. Potato Head. "You're being paranoid."

Jack smirked. "We'll see about that," he muttered and waved his staff to sent a playful blast of wind at the toys. The toys gave a startled gasp as the cold wind blew over them, but it tried to particularly push at the cowboy toy.

"Ack!" the cowboy yelped as Jack tried to pry the hat from the toy's finger, but the toy held on tight until the wind ended. "You see!" the cowboy gasped. "It was trying to steal my hat!"

"No, that was playing," said Jack to himself, more determined. "Now, I'm trying to steal your hat." He set another blast of wind at the toys, however it was then that Bonnie reappeared in the yard.

"Bonnie's coming!" cried the cowgirl as they all dropped back to their lifeless forms. Jack noticed the cowboy gave a wince as he was forced to fall down and let go of his hat. Jack grinned and had the wind blow the hat around before letting it land in front of Bonnie. She jumped, startled, but then frowned as she picked it up.

She stroked the hat thoughtfully, the same way Jack had seen Bunny carefully painting some of his eggs. Bonnie was calculating something, and gave a startled gasp. "It must be Jack Frost."

Jack jumped and held his breath. Even though it had almost been a year, he still got excited whenever he heard a child say his name.

The girl grinned madly as she hugged the hat and lifted her slinky dog to her face. "He must be trying to steal the magic spell Woody has inside his hat!"

Jack stared. He hadn't been expecting that. "What?" he muttered.

"Hurry, hurry!" The girl giggled and went to place her Slinky dog back in the front where the unicorn and horse were. "We got to get away before he tries to steal it again!"

It took everything Jack had not to burst out laughing as he dropped from the roof and landed in the snow. The girl was practically inviting him to play with her. There was no way he was passing up this opportunity.

Jack made sure he was still invisible before he approached. Normally, he'd let kids see him, but in this case it was more fun to let Bonnie think it was the wind. Besides, from what he'd seen of her before, Bonnie was a shy girl. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

Jack approached as Bonnie went to climb into her wagon, but still held the hat in her hand. "Mush, Slinky! Mush! We got to-"

Jack yanked the hat from her hand and held it in the air, but he moved it around to make it seem the wind had caught it again. Bonnie laughed in delight and went to leap after the hat. "Oh, no you don't, Jack! Give it back!"

Jack then leapt like a frog as he waved the hat around in the air and let Bonnie chase after him. Bonnie laughed as Jack teased her with the hat around the yard. Then, when Jack could tell Bonnie was getting tired of the game, he led Bonnie to a large snowbank. He stood still long enough for Bonnie to make one last jump, but this time Jack let go of the hat.

Bonnie clutched the hat as she stumbled into the snow. She held up the hat in triumph. "Ha! I beat you, Jack! You won't get Woody's hat this time!"

I wonder if I should be making one of those "Curses! Spoiled again" speeches? Jack thought to himself in amusement. He stole a glance to where the toys were still sitting. I bet that cowboy is freaking out on the inside. Who knew he found someone that was as much to tease as Bunny was?

"Bonnie!" Jack heard the girl's mother called. "It's time to come in!"

"Okay!' Bonnie called back and went to collect her toys. "See you later, Jack!"

Jack smiled and gave back his own wave. It was about time he went to check in on North anyway. It was his big night after all.

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Mr. Potato Head wrapped himself in one of Bonnie's old baby doll blankets. "Honestly!" he exclaimed. "Why couldn't we be playing jungle explorers? Or warm tropical island explorers?"

Hamm rolled his eyes as he and Dolly watched Bonnie leave with her parents from her bedroom window. "Aw, quit complaining. A little outdoor time won't kill ya."

"Hey, I don't mind going outside," Potato Head exclaimed, shaking a fist. "But I prefer it being warmer than freezing my spuds off weather."

"Come on, Dear," Mrs. Potato Head said as she patted his head. "You'll be less grouchy once you warm up."

"So," Buttercup replied as he approached and took a seat. "Does that mean you're cold all the time then?"

"Ha ha," Mr. Potato Head replied. "Real clever."

Buzz chuckled and glanced over to where Woody was still sitting frantically looking over his head. "Is it cracked? That wind didn't crack it, did it? Plastic can't handle the cold too well."

"Woody," Buzz stated and he moved closer. "For the last time, your hat is fine."

Woody frowned, but gave a sigh as he slipped his hat back on. "Well, can you blame me? Did you see how that wind was acting?"

Jessie frowned as she sat to lean against Bullseye and stroke his nose. "I got to admit, it was strange how it suddenly yanked that hat out of Bonnie's hand."

"And maybe it was me," Slinky said thoughtfully as he sat next to Woody. "But I could have sworn I heard someone laughing, and it wasn't Bonnie."

"Really?" Rex cried as he and Trixie looked up from their game of checkers. "You mean, there was a ghost?!"

"Oh," Trixie replied, sounding intrigued. "Maybe we should get a ghost trap like in the movies."

"Oh, this is just what we need," Dolly replied as she and Hamm climbed off the windowsill. "Ghost stories on Christmas Eve."

"Actually," Mr. Pricklepants said as he stood and raised his arms. "The Christmas Carol was intended to be read as a ghost story, so it is not that far fetched to tell ghost stories on Christmas Eve."

"Say," one of the peas asked as they unzipped from their pod. "What is Christmas anyway?"

"Yeah," replied the second pea, annoyed. "We keep hearing Bonnie talking about it, but no one's told us what it is yet!"

"Oh, that's right," Dolly said as she folded her arms and turned to Woody. "They were Bonnie's birthday present last spring."

"So, it's their first Christmas," Woody concluded as he rose and went into leader mode. He kneeled so he was at eye level with the peas. "You know how on Bonnie's birthday she got a whole bunch of new toys?"

"Like us?" asked the third pea curiously.

"Exactly," Woody continued. "Well, tomorrow is Christmas and Bonnie is going to be getting a lot of presents, especially toys."

"Really?" asked the first pea. "From who? Her grandma like we did?"

"Well, probably," Jessie chimed in. "But Bonnie will also get gifts from her parents and Santa Claus."

"Santa Claus?"

"You know the big red guy you've been seeing on tv lately?" Dolly continued. "That's him."

"Oh!" said the second pea. "But he brings toys? I thought he just sold soda."

"He does more than just bring toys," Woody continued, smiling warmly. "He has a whole army of elves that makes them."

"Okay," said the third pea skeptically. "Now you're making it up."

"We're not, we swear," said Buzz raising a hand. "His elves make the toys, and then Santa goes to each house on Christmas Eve to deliver them."

"So, to put it bluntly," Buttercup continued. "We'll be getting a whole lot of new toys tomorrow."

The peas exchanged intrigued looks and then turned to look at the others. "So, were any of you guys delivered by Santa?"

"Well, that issue is up for debate for almost any Christmas toy," Hamm explained. "See, Santa likes pretending that some of his gifts come from the parents themselves, and most Christmas toys don't come alive until the kid unwraps them."

The other toys nodded and Dolly continued. "See, most toys can remember waking up in the store or when they're first made, but no toy has ever woken up in Santa's shop or has seen him." She took a seat next to Jessie. "So, while it's possible, a Christmas toy can never be one hundred percent certain they came from Santa."

"Well, except for Woody of course!" Slinky exclaimed as he straightened his posture. "We know for certain he's a Santa toy."

Hamm and Mr. Potato Head rolled their eyes. "Oh, please, not this story again!" Hamm snapped.

"Yeah, we hear it every year!" agreed Mr. Potato Head.

"Whoa, whoa," asked Buttercup as he raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Woody coughed and gave a nervous chuckle. "It's nothing, but Slinky has always thought I'm a Santa toy-"

"I don't think!" Slinky stated firmly. "I know for a fact! It all started-"

"Come on, Slinky," Woody replied gently. "No one wants to hear that old story."

"I dissent with that assertion," Mr. Pricklepants replied sharply. "There are those amongst us who have not heard this tale."

"Yeah!" said the peas in unison. "We want to hear it!"

Woody looked to Buzz and Jessie to support, but they just gave defeated shrugs. Woody raised his hands in defeat and took a seat on the other side of Bullseye. "Fine, go ahead Slinky."

"As I was saying," Slinky continued as he got himself comfortable. "I remember it like it was yesterday. I was Andy's first Christmas gift, so I saw everything from the chair he plunked me on."

"Andy had just finished opening Hamm and Potato Head and thought there were no more gifts." Slinky then leaned his head towards the peas. "But then, Andy's mom saw there was one more gift under the tree and she was right puzzled."

"Why?" the peas asked.

"Cause I heard her muttering to Andy's dad that she never remembered wrapping it, but sure enough it had Andy's name on the tag. So, she gave the gift to Andy, he opened it and there was Woody!"

Slinky pointed to Woody who gave a sheepish grin. "Andy was some excited, he scooped Woody up and refused to put him down for hours."

"But what makes you so sure he is a Santa toy?" asked Mr. Pricklepants.

"Because, Andy's parents never did learn who gave Woody to Andy and the tag itself said it was from Santa." Slinky laughed. "It was like something out of a Christmas movie."

"Wow," the peas exclaimed and looked at Woody in awe.

"Come on, Slinky," Woody replied, blushing a little. "I was probably a surprise gift one of Andy's aunts left behind."

"Nope, I feel it in my gut," said Slinky proudly. "Yer a Santa toy Woody, and that's a fact."

Woody coughed as he stood. "Well, Santa toy or not, we're going to have a big day tomorrow with a whole bunch of new toys coming in." He clapped his hands. "So, let's make sure everything is order to greet them."

"Right, right," Hamm said as the toys began to head towards their assignments.

"You know," Rex said as he helped Trixie clean up the checker board. "I don't remember where I came from, so maybe I'm a Santa toy!"

"No, you're not!" Mr. Potato Head exclaimed. "You were a get well gift from Andy's Uncle Sam when he had his tonsils taken out."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot about that."

Woody laughed to himself as he began to make a checklist.

However, as the toys began preparing Bonnie's room, the side door to the garage opened. A clawed hand wrapped its fingers around the door as it hissed and looked into the yard. At top speed, the creature attached itself onto the drain pipe and climbed up to the top window.

The creature gave a delighted chuckle as it used a claw to pry open the window that led into the attic and invited itself into the warm house.

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The wind blew Jack all the way to the North Pole where he landed on the ice and slid around to the front. At the last moment, Phil opened the door and stepped aside to let the young Guardian slide inside.

"Thanks, Phil!" Jack cried as he entered and gave a wave. Phil gave a grunt as he shook his head and shut the door. Jack laughed. He still hadn't figured out how Phil knew exactly when he was approaching the doors, although it wasn't something he was complaining about. He preferred to not collide with the doors when he slid on the ice.

He turned and the scene before was exactly as Jack had pictured. Every single Yeti and elf was on the move and scrambling for every last double-check. It was chaos, but the fun kind. Jack grinned as he stepped aside and weaved through the crowd until he spotted North giving orders to a group of yetis.

"Belinda, check on reindeer and give them warm up run!" North exclaimed at each yeti. "Turk, go to candy cane storage and get five hundred more, or Germany will run short. Mark, make sure elves are staying out of kitchen. Jack, you-"

North blinked and laughed. "Jack!" he scooped him into a hug. "You are early! I told you not to appear until tomorrow."

Jack shrugged. "What? And miss the traditional holiday chaos?" He leaned on his staff. "Besides, I thought I should drop in and see if you needed an extra hand."

North chuckled and wrapped an arm around Jack's shoulders as they walked. "No hand needed, everything is right on schedule."

They walked into the runway where Jack saw a couple of yetis were loading the sleigh with sacks upon sacks of gifts. "Toys are done, wrapping is done," North continued. "And I am even thinking I may break new record this year and finish early."

Jack glanced up to the presents and felt a wave of uneasiness, but tried to hide it with a smile. "Yeah, but I was thinking that maybe an extra set of eyes might be handy," Jack stated slowly as he leaned against the sleigh. "You know, in case you run into some trouble."

North raised a bemused eyebrow which indicated he had just had this same conversation with someone else. "As I have already told Tooth, Sandy and Bunny, him in particular three times." He placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I have everything under control and," he raised a finger. "Including off chance Pitch decides to try something."

Jack gripped his staff. He had a feeling the other guardians had already asked North and it wasn't like Jack blamed them. After the disaster of last Easter, the last thing anyone wanted to risk was North's Christmas run getting ruined.

Granted, the last they had checked Pitch was still cowering in his hole and it was unlikely he would try to attack North tonight. Still, it couldn't stop them, and especially Jack from being paranoid.

North seemed to sense Jack's uneasiness and his eyes softened. "I have yetis put extra protection on sleigh, and have created about two to three back up plans if anything goes wrong. It will be fine, I promise."

"If you're sure," Jack replied reluctantly.

"Of course I am! I am Santa!" North laughed and wrapped an arm around Jack's shoulder. "All you have to worry about is to be here on time Christmas day, for annual party."

Jack smirked. He couldn't hide that it was something he was looking forward to. In the past, he had spent Christmas by himself, trying to amuse himself by making it snow where he could. This year though, he had an actual family to celebrate it with.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how drunk Sandy gets on eggnog," Jack said as he twirled his staff. "Assuming what Bunny tells me is true."

North laughed. "Believe me, that is only tip of glacier."

"I think you mean iceberg, North."

"Point is," North continued. "Tomorrow will be Christmas to remember." He patted Jack's shoulder. "Nothing will go wrong."

Jack smiled and found North's confidence quelled his unease. North was right, Pitch wasn't a threat and Jack knew North would take every precaution. Christmas tomorrow was going to be awesome, what could possibly change that outcome?

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It was late at night on Christmas Eve and everything and everyone was where they were supposed to be. Bonnie was asleep in her bed and sleeping happily with Dolly. Most of the other toys were snoozing in the toybox except for Woody, Buzz and Jessie who were still awake and hadn't gone to bed yet.

The only other toy outside the toy box was Bullseye. Bonnie had placed him by the door and told him to keep an ear out for Santa Claus in case he accidently came upstairs. The horse knew that wasn't likely to happen, but he preferred to sleep by the door anyway. He usually enjoyed being snuggled up next to Woody while he slept, but now and then he liked to have extra space to stretch out while he slept. Bullseye stirred enough to turn to his other side and have his face towards the door.

He whinnied happily and was set to go back to sleep. He then heard a hiss. Bullseye cracked opened an eye and listened. He heard it again, a very soft hiss that reminded Bullseye of a snake.

Troubled by what he was hearing, Bullseye fully awoke and pushed the door ajar with his nose. He glanced up to Bonnie's parents' room and saw no one. However, upon turning towards the stairway Bullseye froze.

It was hard to see in the darkness, but something was standing at the top of the stairway. Whatever it was, it was the size of a large cat and it continued to hiss as it headed downstairs to the living room.

Bullseye's eyes widened in alarm. Whatever the creature was, it was definitely not Santa.

Meanwhile, well away from the door, Woody sat in thought as he stared out of Bonnie's window into the clear night sky. The Sandman had finished his round of delivering his dream sand to the kids so all the golden clouds that had filled the sky were gone.

No toy had ever seen what the Sandman looked like. He seemed to remain high above the clouds where no one could see him. Some nights, the toys had tried to stay up in case there was some chance he would be flying lower so they could have a clear look at the man. However in all the years Woody had been alive, they had never seen any sign of him except for his sand, so he doubted that was going to change anytime soon.

Still, catching a glimpse at the Sandman was not the reason Woody was still awake. Woody glanced down at his boots.

Bonnie had written her name on his foot, but she had left Andy's name scribbled on the other. Without thinking, Woody traced his fingers over the letters.

He wanted a chance to collect his thoughts. Tomorrow was going to be a big change for Woody. It would be their first Christmas with Bonnie, but it was also their first Christmas without Andy.

"You know," Woody raised his head as Buzz climbed up on the window ledge, continuing to speak. "I'm fairly certain the protocol is for everyone to be asleep on Christmas Eve."

Woody gave a laugh and Buzz sat next to him. "Naw, last I checked it only applies to kids, so I think we're safe." He began to mindlessly finger the bottom of his boot again.

"He's fine, Woody," Buzz said, showing Andy's name on his own boot. "It's not like Andy brought us out of the toy box for those last few Christmases."

Woody sighed. "I know. Well, I know that logically, but still-" he shook his head. "You can't say it doesn't feel weird." Andy hadn't brought them out for Christmas, he hadn't done that for years. Yet, that hadn't stopped the toys from sneaking out to see what new gifts Andy had gotten that year or just to spy and see what he was doing.

Buzz nodded. "Jessie and I were talking about the same thing, but it's not like it's something we can't handle."

Woody chuckled. They had been through worse, way worse. Oh, all the trouble and scraps they had gotten into. They could fill a million books. "You're right, but you know my first memory is when Andy removed the lid of my box and picked me up."

The image were forever burned in his memory, no matter how many years passed. Andy's excited grin, the boy scooping Woody up and hugging him to his chest. Woody had only been alive a few minutes then, but he knew it would be the best feeling he ever had.

Woody leaned against the window frame. "I can't deny Christmas is a bit extra special to me for that."

Buzz sat up and stared out the window like he expected to see Santa's sleigh at any moment. "You still don't believe you're a Santa toy?" He glanced back to Woody with half a grin. "I would have to agree with Slinky that the evidence does point to that."

Woody rolled his eyes. "Buzz, I think I would know if I was a Santa toy."

Buzz raised an eyebrow. "You realize you're saying this to a toy that woke up thinking he was a real space ranger?"

Woody scoffed. "I just don't think it matters all that much, I'm still Woody."

Buzz patted Woody's shoulder as he climbed to his feet. "True, and I will forever be Buzz - Bullseye?"

"Um...you're changing your name?"

Buzz shook his head and pointed. "No, Bullseye is standing near the door."

Concerned Woody rose and saw Bullseye gave worried whinnies as he stared out into the hallway. "What is he doing?" Woody quickly climbed down, Buzz following as Jessie approached them looking concerned.

"Guys, Bullseye is-"

"We know," Woody replied and gestured for them to be quiet while they followed. The last thing they needed was to accidentally wake up Bonnie.

"Bullseye," Buzz called out softly. "What are you doing?"

Bullseye turned his head and tilted it towards the hallway.

Woody exchanged a confused glance with Buzz and Jessie as he took a peek into the hallway. "Um..there's nothing there, Bullseye."

Bullseye tucked his head underneath Woody's arm and gave a frustrated whinny and continued to gesture to the stairway.

Jessie raised an eyebrow and he looked out. "Um...you're talking about the living room?"

Bullseye nodded.

"Perhaps he's worried that Santa isn't going to come." Buzz said.

Woody sighed. "Bullseye, that's silly, you know he comes every year."

Bullseye shook his head and continued to look to the stairway.

Jessie chewed her lower lip. "Look Bullseye, whatever is you're worried about, it's going to have to wait." She glanced up to Bonnie's bedroom clock. "Santa's going to be here any second, and he's not going to want toys down there."

"She's right," Woody agreed and he began to tug on Bullseye's saddle. "So, let's go to sleep and we'll take care of it-"

Bullseye narrowed his eyes, and slipped from Woody's grip, darting out into the hallway.

"Bullseye! Get back here!" Woody hissed.

"This is completely against Christmas Eve procedure!" Buzz agreed. "Get back here this instant!"

Bullseye paused, shook his head and started to climb down the stairs.

"Bullseye!" Jessie screeched.

"Will you chattermouths hush up!" Mr. Potato Head snapped as he lifted the lid to the toybox. "Some of us are trying to get some shut eye here!"

Dolly wiggled out from Bonnie's arm and jumped to the ground. "Guys, what's wrong? You're going to wake up Bonnie."

"Bullseye's gone down to the living room," Woody said waving his arms.

"Why on earth would he do that?" asked Mr. Pricklepants as the other toys climbed out of the box.

"We don't know, he's acting funny," Jessie replied.

"Uh oh," said Hamm as he shook his head sadly. "It's mad horse disease, I knew it would happen one day."

"That can't be it," said Slinky. "Something must have spooked him."

"Well whatever the reason, we have to get him back here," said Buzz. "Santa's going to be here any minute."

"Right," Woody agreed and clapped his hands. "We have to act fast, who's coming to help bring back Bullseye?" Woody would prefer to keep the group small, but considering how stubborn Bullseye was being, he might need as many hands as he could get.

"We'll go!" Jessie said as she and Buzz both raised their hands.

"Oh! I'll go!" said Rex. "Maybe we'll get a chance to see Santa."

"Yeah, I'll go too," Hamm replied. "This sounds too crazy to pass up.

"I'm in," said Slinky as then turned to Mr. Potato Head. "What about you?"

"Oh, no," said Mr. Potato Head as he eyed the hallway. "This is just asking for trouble. There is no way that I'm going after that crazy horse-"

Mrs. Potato Head tapped his shoulder and glared. "Go. With. Them."

Mr. Potato Head stared back with a blank expression and then sighed. "Yes, dear."

"Now that that's settled," Woody declared as he opened the door. "Let's move, we don't have much time."

"Be careful," Buttercup warned as the group left.

Hamm gave a mocking smirk to Mr. Potato Head as they walked towards the stairs. "You are so whipped," Hamm remarked as they ventured into the hall.

"Can it, Porkchop!"

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Bullseye was relieved once he made it down the stairs. He always had find those steps too steep for his legs. He gave a snort as he entered the living room and sniffed the ground. The creature had to be here, but where?

Bullseye narrowed his eyes as he looked around. Near the presents? Nope, nothing suspicious there. Under the coffee table? He peeked and shook his head. Nope, still no monster. However, he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. Bullseye whirled around in time to see the giant snowman that sat next to the fireplace shake slightly.

Bullseye gave a determined snort as he marched forward. He was not going to let this creature-

"Grab him!" Jessie cried suddenly as she, Woody, Hamm and Buzz dogpiled onto Bullseye and pinned him to the ground.

"Target secured!" Buzz declared.

Bullseye snarled as he tried to break free. "Sorry, pal!" Woody said as the group rose, but they all kept a solid grip on his saddle. "This is for your own good!"

"Come on! Come on!" exclaimed Mr. Potato Head as he pointed back to the stairway. "Let's get back to the room before anything else happens."

"Hey look," Rex said as he climbed on his toes to glanced over the coffee table. "Bonnie got chocolate chip cookies instead of gingerbread."

"Rex," Hamm hissed as they pulled on Bullseye. "Get your tail over here and-"

Suddenly, the toys heard a loud thud from the roof. "Uh oh," Buzz said. "Did anyone else hear that?"

"It's Santa!" Rex cried. "Oh! This is so exciting!"

"You won't be thinking that if Santa sees us and gets mad," said Slinky.

Woody chewed his lower lip. There was no way they would make it back up the stairs before Santa arrived. They then heard more movement from the rooftop.

"Quick!" Woody said as he pointed ahead. "Everyone behind the couch!"

The toys instantly followed the order and dragged a reluctant Bullseye behind the couch. Once safely hidden, Jessie, Woody and Buzz glanced around the side in time to see a pair of black boots hanging in the fireplace.

The toys held their breath and the boots landed and a red figure wiggled his way through the fireplace. He beamed as he looked around the room and dusted the soot off his coat. "Easy as cake," he said as he adjusted his hat and then turned to yank his sack free.

Bullseye wiggled his way through as he looked over Santa. He was far bigger than he imagined. His coat was red, but it was far longer than Bullseye had seen in books and he even wore a Russian boyar hat that Bullseye recalled seeing in Andy's encyclopedia.

Santa stretched his arms and grinned as he spotted the plate of cookies on the table. He rubbed his hands with glee and munched on a cookie. "Oh! Fresh baked today! Those are best," he muttered aloud with a laugh.

None of the toys dared to even move until Slinky whispered in awe, "So, that's Santa?"

"Wow," Rex breathed in amazement. "He doesn't look anything like those soda pop commercials."

Hamm rolled his eyes. "We need to cut back your TV time."

"Guys, shush!" Woody hushed as he watched Santa pause and glance around. His eyes narrowed, but then he gave a shrug before he finished his glass of milk.

"Now, then," he declared clapping his hands and humming as he reached into his sack. "A bright red sleigh for Bonnie," he stated as he brought out a child's sleigh with a huge bow on it.

"Oh my gosh," Jessie whispered. "Bonnie is going to love that."

"Right, and as soon as Santa leaves, we get out of here and head to her room," Woody stated.

The other toys gave a nod, except for Bullseye. While the toys were distracted watching Santa fill Bonnie's stocking, Bullseye was staring at the snowman. His eyes twitched as he saw a shadowed figure sneak around the corner - and he stared in horror as the creature laughed and crawled inside Santa's sack.

Bullseye looked back aghast to Woody and the others, but they were still preoccupied watching Santa. Bullseye narrowed his eyes. It was clear somebody had to save Santa and it had to be him.

He stomped on Woody's foot and felt guilty as he heard him jump in pain. However, it had startled Buzz and Jessie enough for him to break free and dash forward.

"Bullseye," Jessie whispered, but he could hear from her tone she was dying to yell. "Get back here!"

Bullseye ignored the command and silently walked behind Santa as he was putting in a few candy canes in Bonnie's stocking. Once he was certain he wasn't going to turn around, Bullseye crawled inside the sack.

Back at the couch, the toys stared in horror.

"Yup, the pony's gone crackers," Mr. Potato Head muttered. "It's official."

"W-what do we do now?" Slinky asked as they now fearfully watched Santa top up Bonnie's stocking.

"We'll have to drag him out," Woody said, crawling beneath the coach. To his relief, the small Christmas ball he had seen roll under there from when Bonnie had decorated the tree was still there. He grabbed the ball and showed it to the others.

"Okay, once I throw this that should distract Santa long enough for us to get into his sack and snag Bullseye." He held the ball over his head. "Ready….1….2...3!" He tossed the ball and it landed with a tinkle as it bumped into a wooden reindeer near the chair.

Santa froze and looked around alarmed. "What?" He narrowed his eyes and looked around. Woody then signaled for the toys to run.

The toys ran as they all watched Santa peek into the hallway. "Strange, I could have sworn-" he muttered as Woody lifted the end of the sack and dove in.

"Bullseye!" Woody called. It was hard to see in the dark sack, but he clearly heard the horse give a snarl. "Gotcha!" Woody cried as he grappled onto Bullseye's rear end. "You're coming with-"

Woody was cut off as Bullseye was tugged at the other end which surprised him. The horse had never been this strong, it was almost if something was pulling on Bullseye's other end.

"Come on!" Woody grunted and was quickly joined by Jessie as she grabbed onto Woody and then Buzz began to pull on Jessie.

"Hurry up!" Mr. Potato Head said frantically, as he, Rex, Slinky and Hamm climbed inside. "The big guy is coming back!"

"He won't budge!" Jessie said. "We got to-"

Suddenly, the sack was lifted into the air. The toys gave surprised yelps as they felt the sack being slung over a shoulder.

"Last job complete!" they heard Santa said. "Now to head for Pole."

"Pole!" Rex cried. "D-did you hear that?!"

Woody started to open his mouth, but was drowned out by panicked cries as they felt themselves fly up into the air and the sack being dropped into the sleigh. "Come boys!" they heard Santa said and a series of bells jingled. "Time to go home!"

They heard Santa laugh as they once again felt themselves fly upward. "What's going on?!" Slinky asked.

"Hamm!" Buzz said. "Status report!"

Hamm crawled and poked his head out of the sack. "Guys! We're airborne!"

The others climbed to poke their heads out and let out a series of gasps. They were thousands of feet high up in the sky. They were so close to the clouds, Woody was certain he could reach and grab one. He glanced back and noticed Bullseye was rummaging through the sack. What was he looking for?

"Now then!" they heard Santa say as he held up and shook a snow globe. "To Santoff Clausen!" Santa then threw the snow globe and a misty snow portal appeared in front of them. Santa laughed as the sleigh flew right through it, and the toys suddenly found themselves staring at a large building.

"Is that Santa's workshop?" Jessie whispered.

Buzz nodded. "And we're preparing to land! Back into the sack!" The toys dived as the sleigh flew down and landed onto a long runway.

The toys huddled together as they heard the sleigh slowly come to a stop and Santa laughed.

"Ha ha! Is new record! I like to see Bunny beat this."

The toys then heard a series of grunts and murmurs from another voice.

"Yes, take reindeer, Phil." Santa said as the toys heard the thud of him climbing out of the sleigh. "And give them extra apples and carrots, they do good job tonight."

Woody signaled the other toys to be silent as he carefully peeked his head out of the sack. His eyes widened. "What the-"

Santa was talking to a giant hairy white creature while it unhooked the reindeer from the sleigh.

Buzz and Hamm were next to stick out their heads. "What on earth is that creature?" Buzz whispered. "It looks like Big Foot."

Hamm sighed. "No, that's the abominable snowman, but more commonly called a yeti." He shook his head. "You need to know your mythological creatures better."

"I'm more curious about why Santa has one," Woody whispered as Santa took a hold of the last couple of reindeer.

"Maybe he's a bodyguard?" Buzz suggested.

Suddenly, the yeti gave a grunt.

"Elves are not in bed yet?" Santa said as he yawned and helped him unhook the reindeer. "Fine, fine, as long as they are awake tomorrow, they can stay up late." Santa and the yeti continued to talk as they led the reindeer down the tunnel.

Woody waited until they were out of sight before he gave the all clear to the other toys. The toys climbed out of the sack and the sleigh as they looked around. The only exception was Bullseye, who got out of the sack and was now growling at it.

Woody was tempted to go see why the horse had decided the sack was his enemy, but he had more urgent matters to get to.

"Alright, let's stay calm and plan this logically- "

"Logically?" said Mr. Potato Head. "Because of Bullseye we got kidnapped by Santa who apparently has a tall and hairy bodyguard! What's logical about that?!"

Buzz rubbed his chin as he started to pace. "Seems to me our prime directive is to locate Santa, explain to him what happened so he can take us home."

"No!" Rex cried as threw up his arms. "We can't do that! What if he gets mad?!"

"Ya weren't too concerned about seeing Santa at Bonnie's house," Jessie replied skeptically.

"B-but that was stealing a peek in our own home! This is Santa's workshop! We're intruders!" Rex stammered as his whole body shook. "What if we get put on Santa's naughty list?!"

The others stared confused and it was Hamm who asked the question they were all thinking. "Um, correct me if I'm mistaken here, but we're toys. Why would we care if we get presents, which are also toys and therefore we don't get, from Santa?"

"I just don't want to be labeled!"

As the toys discussed, Bullseye continued to growl and watch the sack. He knew the creature was still in there. It had remained perfectly still while the other toys were in the bag and the sack had been too dark for them to see it, but now Bullseye saw it moving.

Suddenly, the creature jumped out, kicked Bullseye off the sleigh and leapt from the other side right through a side door.

Bullseye jumped off the sleigh and instantly began to give chase, but was halted as Woody saw him and grabbed his saddle. "Oh no!" Woody scolded. "We're not letting you run off again!"

"But what should we do?" Jessie asked. "Fly the sleigh home ourselves?"

Suddenly, Buzz snapped his fingers. "Wait! Didn't Santa say his elves were still awake?"

Woody's eyes widened. "He did! One of them could help us get home."

Slinky looked to Rex. "Ya got any problems talking with an elf?"

Rex tapped his claws together. "Well….as long as they don't tell Santa, I guess that works."

"Let's go elf hunting then!" Hamm said as he headed towards the nearest side door. "Hey, think they would come out if we wanted a pair of shoes."

"Don't think it works like that," Woody grunted as he yanked Bullseye away from the other door. "Come on, boy! We got to go!"

Bullseye sighed and as he glared where the creature had run off. It was not going to get away with this! Not with Bullseye on the watch!