A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Mario and Luigi took part in an ice skating competition and faced each other in the final. Mario won, but in an attempt to overtake him, Luigi tried to do a blindfolded stunt after putting his hat over his eyes and ended up hurting himself. To make matters worse, their teammates, consisting of Piantas and Petey Piranhas respectively, fought each other, and this upset Luigi a lot: since he and Mario are very competitive when facing each other in competitions, he is very worried that their competitiveness could become so extreme that it might rreparably damage their relationship. Anyway, this one-shot is a Christmas special, so merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! Now let's get started!

Chapter 17: Merry Christmas from Santa Mario!

(''Cozy Cabin- Kirby's Epic Yarn OST'')

It was Christmas Eve in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario and Luigi had spent the day together buying gifts for all their friends. When they returned home that evening, they were exhausted.

''Mamma mia... Everyone can't sit still for a moment...'' Mario sighed.

''I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment... I'm so tired...'' Luigi gasped.

Mario looked at him sympathetically. As beautiful as Christmas was, Christmas Eve represented its dark side. On Christmas Eve, picking up all the presents was incredibly hectic because so many people were doing it, rushing into stores en masse more than when the times sale were there. It had been very stressful day. ''I know, I don't blame you.'' he told him.

''I'd better make something to eat.'' said Luigi, going to the kitchen.

Mario didn't know what to do. He had to bring presents to all his friends with Luigi, but they both just wanted to get some rest. Since his brother was making dinner, he decided to take a nap while he waited.

An hour later, Mario suddenly heard something shaking him and a voice calling him. ''Mario? Mario?''

''What...? Oh. It's you, Luigi. I fell asleep.'' he stammered.

''Dinner's ready. I made tortellini for you.'' said Luigi.

Hearing that dinner was ready, Mario woke up and ran to the kitchen. A plate of tortellini was waiting for him on the table.

''Are you tired?'' asked Luigi.

''A little.'' replied Mario. ''I never imagined Christmas Eve would be so tiring.''

''I noticed. You don't really have a moment to take a break. Not that it's only during Christmas, I mean in general.''

Mario chuckled a little, hearing his little brother's words. He completely agreed with him, as he was always busy with everything. He liked to help other people, of course, but even he needed time to rest.

After dinner, the two brothers seemed undecided about what to do. They had to deliver presents, but Luigi couldn't stay awake anymore.

''Won't you come with me to deliver the presents tonight?'' asked Mario, that night.

''I'd love to, but I'm so sleepy. I'm sorry, Mario, but I'm afraid I can't.'' replied Luigi in a tone of regret. He had just put on his pajamas.

''Oh, too bad...'' the older brother murmured, disappointed. He could understand why, but he didn't really like doing it alone. Meanwhile, he was putting on his Santa outfit, including pants, belt, jacket, fake beard, fake white eyebrows and hat.

''Don't worry. I've prepared the list for you. It's on your bed.'' Luigi told him.

Mario sat down on the bed and hugged Luigi. ''Thank you, Luigi. I'm going to go find Yoshi so he'll help me deliver the presents.'' he said.

Luigi nodded. After a brief embrace, he went to bed. ''Good night, Mario.''

''Good night, my little sleepyhead.''

Mario gave him a kiss on the nose, and in an instant, Luigi was already asleep. He grabbed his bag of presents, the list, the sleigh in the garage and left the house.

(''Cozy Cabin- Kirby's Epic Yarn OST-s'')

(''Mount Brrr- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam OST'')

The starry night was illuminated by the colorful lights coming from the houses in Toad Town. Mario went looking for Yoshi around the city, and eventually found him. ''Yoshi! Hey, Yoshi!'' he whispered.

(''Hey, good evening, Mario! Isn't it a bit late?'') Yoshi asked, surprised.

''No, I was looking for you on purpose. I would need help to bring all these gifts to our friends. I have to go with the sleigh all over the Mushroom Kingdom.'' Mario explained.

(''This explains why you're dressed up as Santa Claus.'') Yoshi said.

''How did you know it's me?'' asked Mario, surprised that he had recognized him so easily.

(''With your moustache and your big nose. They are always in plain sight.'') Yoshi replied.

The plumber let out a good-natured laugh at Santa Claus. ''Ho ho ho! You've got a good eye, buddy!''

The two friends discussed how to fly the sled. Yoshi was very willing to help him, but there was a problem.

(''I won't be able to fly the sleigh on my own, not even with my Flutter Jump.'') Yoshi said, as Mario put reindeer antlers and a red nose on him.(1) (''It's going to take a lot of Yoshis to do that.'')

''Do you think you can convince them?'' asked Mario.

The dinosaur nodded. (''Of course! Some of them might be a little suspicious of you, because they don't like to be used for other people's jobs. But don't worry, I'll take care of it. I thought you'd come looking for me tonight, so I gave some Yoshis the signal to go here.'')

''Thank you, my friend!''

Yoshi blew a whistle, and several colored Yoshis joined them. (''Come on, guys! We have to help Mario deliver the presents!'') he told them

(''Is that a good idea?'') a Yellow Yoshi asked.

(''I wouldn't want to be exploited to do other people's work.'') a Black Yoshi complained.

(''I'm not sure it's as pleasant as it sounds.'') a White Yoshi added.

(''Come on, don't say that! Look, I know some of you are hesitant, but Mario is my friend. He's a very good person, and he wouldn't hurt anyone.'') Yoshi reassured them. (''He just needs help carrying all these presents, it's almost Christmas. Mario will never exploit you for these things.'')

(''OK, I'll trust you.'') said a Blue Yoshi.

(''If you say so.'') a Purple Yoshi added.

The Yoshis got into position in front of the sleigh, attached to a harness so they could pull the sleigh Although the Yoshis lacked great physical strength, this was compensated by their high speed.

''Ready, guys? Let's-a go! Mush!'' said Mario.

(''Have you heard? Come on, let's go!'') Yoshi added, and began to run.

The other Yoshis did the same, and their combined fluttering jumps were enough to send the sled flying. When Mario realized this, he rejoiced. He flew through the houses of Toad Town, went from roof to roof, climbed down the chimneys, and delivered gifts to the inhabitants.

He went to Professor E. Gadd's laboratory and handed him his gift. He went to Sarasaland Castle to deliver a gift for Daisy and also passed by Wario's house, but his gift was heavy, and when he came down his chimney, he fell and hurt himself. Fortunately, Wario hadn't noticed anything because his snoring was so loud that it drowned out any noises in the house. She put the gift in his hands and went back outside.

The night passed, and the sack of presents was gradually emptied.

(''Mount Brrr- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam OST-s'')

When he was halfway through, Mario suddenly saw something from afar. An easily recognizable magic beam was approaching! ''A Magikoopa! Get away!'' he cried.

(''Kamek's Magic- Yoshi's Island DS OST'')

The Yoshis abruptly changed direction, and in the process, Mario fell off the sleigh when the beam grazed it, landing on a rooftop. He dodged another magic beam, and the Yoshis landed behind him.

''Come out, Kamek! I know you're behind this!'' Yoshi said.

(''Kamek Rebuked- Paper Mario: The Origami King OST'')

Kamek made himself visible and laughed. ''Well, well, well... Look who's there at this time of night...'' he said

''Step aside, Kamek! I don't have time for that!'' shouted Mario, irritated.

''I don't think so! After all, I heard that my lord Bowser was not invited to tomorrow's party.'' replied Kamek.

''Who cares! It's better that way, or he'll steal all the presents for himself!'' snapped Yoshi.

''Seriously, this is not the night to be wasting my time!'' added Mario, taking an Ice Flower and using it, becoming Ice Mario. His clothes had turned blue, but the white fur on them had remained unchanged. At the same time, the Yoshis temporarily detached the harness.

The ice balls did not neutralize Kamek's spells, but stopped them in place while the Yoshis counterattacked.

(''Attack!'') Yoshi shouted.

By force of numbers, the Yoshis overwhelmed Kamek and Mario defeated him, forcing him to retreat.

(''I swear, he never learns...'') a Red Yoshi commented.

('He really should stop bothering us.'') an Orange Yoshi added.

''Come on, let's go.'' Mario said, as the effects of the Ice Flower disappeared. He headed to Bowser's Castle to deliver a present for him, and at that moment, he felt mischievous enough to give him a gift that would discourage him from causing trouble on Christmas Day.

(''Kamek Rebuked- Paper Mario: The Origami King OST-s'')

(''World 3- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST'')

Later, Mario steered the sleigh back to Toad Town with the intention of entering Peach's Castle. He climbed up through a window unseen and cautiously entered, putting the presents for Toad, Blue Toad, Yellow Toad, and Toadette on the round, then entered Peach's room to bring her her gift.

The princess slept soundly. She looked like she was dreaming, and she seemed serene. Mario gave her a warm smile as he placed the gift for her in his hands, but as he was leaving, he tripped over the bag. Oops. Considering Peach was in her nightgown, this was a problem. If Toadsworth knew about all this, how would he explain what he was doing in his room in the middle of the night, even though it was Christmas?

Peach woke up with a start because of the loud noise, and Mario improvised with a Santa-like laugh after getting back on his feet.

''Santa Claus...?'' muttered Peach, surprised.

''Howdy, princess. A gift from me this Christmas.'' said Mario.

Peach lightly lit her lamp, and seeing the man who had entered her room, she noticed details on his face that were decidedly familiar: his bright blue eyes, his thick black moustache, his big round nose... ''Wait a minute... Mario?''

Surprised at how she recognized him, Mario began to stammer.

Peach laughed. ''With your moustache and your nose, I would recognize you anywhere, Mario.'' she said.

''Oh. Right.''

''Good thing it was just you. For a second I thought Bowser had come to kidnap me while I was sleeping.''

''Speaking of Bowser, Kamek mentioned him.'' Mario said.

''Did something happen?'' asked Peach.

''Kamek ambushed me. I was delivering presents when he attacked me.'' replied Mario.

''You weren't alone, were you?''

''No, Yoshi was helping me. He and the other Yoshis were pulling the sleigh, so I can deliver the gifts to everyone faster. Like Santa's reindeer.''

''Aw, Mario, you're so sweet.'' Peach said, holding his face in her hands and kissing him on both cheeks. He turned as red as his clothes.

''You're welcome.'' stammered Mario.

''I didn't expect you would deliver the gift to me yourself tonight. It was a nice surprise.,'' Peach said.

Mario nodded. ''Well, that's Santa's job, isn't it?''

He winked at her, and the princess laughed. ''I suppose. Santa Claus may be doing his job every year, but you... You are much more beautiful than him.''

With these words, Peach gave Mario another kiss, this time on the nose, making him blush heavily again.

''Awwwww, you're making me blush!'' Mario exclaimed, smiling.

Their gaze rested on the ceiling, where they saw a very peculiar plant.

''Mistletoe.'' said Peach.

''Was the mistletoe here earlier tonight?'' asked Mario.

''I don't think so. Either I haven't noticed it yet, or somebody has put mistletoe here on purpose tonight.'' replied Peach.

The Santa Claus-dressed plumber felt bold. ''Hey, Peach, there's another gift for you. Come here, let me give you a kiss.'' With these words, Mario gave Peach a kiss on the cheek.

The princess blushed a little. When she saw the mistletoe, he made a gesture to Mario as if to tell him to come closer, and when he did, she kissed him on the lips. Although initially surprised, he kissed back, but he didn't know that someone seemed to be watching secretly.

''I forgot to ask you, how's it going with delivering the presents?'' asked Peach.

''I'm almost done.'' replied Mario. ''I wonder who put that piece of mistletoe.'' he added.

''Good question. Anyway, you'd better go to sleep right away when you're done, it's very late.'' said Peach.

''Right. Luigi is probably already dreaming about opening his presents. Goodnight, Princess Peach.''

''Good night, Mario. See you tomorrow.''

After giving Mario a kiss on the nose, Peach went back to sleep, and he left the castle. Only one person was left, and it was time to go home.

(''World 3- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST-s'')

(''Holoska (Night)- Sonic Unleashed OST'')

Mario returned to the Yoshis and attached them to the sleigh. The Yoshis used the Flutter Jump again, and before long, the sleigh flew towards Mario and Luigi's house. They were very tired when they arrived at their destination.

('That was tiring...'') a Pink Yoshi gasped.

(''It was better than I thought.'') said the Red Yoshi.

''Thanks for the help, Yoshi!'' Mario said, petting Yoshi's nose.

(''You're always welcome, Mario. I have to go now. The other Yoshis are tired, and I should take them home.'') Yoshi replied.

''OK, see you tomorrow! Buonanotte, Yoshi!''

(''Goodnight, my friend!'')

On his return home, Mario went to the bedroom and put the gift for Luigi on his bed. His brother slept like a rock.

Mario lit the lamp. It was 3:30 AM already. He was astonished at how long he had been out to deliver the presents, and all of a sudden, he felt very thirsty. He pressed a kiss to Luigi's forehead and went to the kitchen to drink a glass of water, then, overcome by exhaustion, he fell asleep on the sofa in the living room without even taking off his shoes.

(''Holoska (Night)- Sonic Unleashed OST-s'')

The next day, on Christmas morning...

(''Snowpoint City (Day)- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl OST'')

The next morning, Mario was fast asleep, but a voice kept calling him. ''... ario? Mario? Wake up, it's time to get up!''

''What...? Who is it?'' muttered Mario, waking up.

''It's me, big bro. You weren't in bed and I was worried that something had happened to you. I also see that you didn't even take off your costume and went to sleep without your pajamas.'' said Luigi. He had placed his gift in front of the couch.

''Good morning, Luigi. Sorry, I came home very late and I was tired.'' said Mario.

''It's okay, you deserved a little rest. Anyway, Merry Christmas, Mario!''

''Thanks, Luigi! Merry Christmas to you too!''

Luigi jumped on the couch, landing on Mario's lap. He chuckled. ''Now, how about we open the gift I gave you?''

''Yes!'' Luigi cheered.

Meanwhile, all of Mario's other friends were also opening their presents. Daisy's gift was a new baseball bat. Professor E. Gadd had received a new chemistry set. Wario had received new weights, and the Toads had received various toys. And imagine Donkey Kong's delight when he found out he had received a new Mini Mario!(2)

(''Snowpoint City (Day)- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl OST-s'')

Bowser had also received his gift. When he opened the package, he saw something pink that looked very much like a pillow, and that reminded him of Peach. But when Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings went to get a closer look at the object...

*BOOM!*

it turned out to be a pink Bob-omb, which after tricking Bowser, exploded in his face.

''On second thought, maybe it wasn't a good idea.'' Ludwig said.

''Let me tell you, Dad, it's stupid of you to be fooled by a Bob-omb like that,'' said Bowser Jr.

''Quiet, Junior. I feel my shell upside down. I need some fresh air.'' Bowser said, feeling humiliated.

(''Freezy Flake Galaxy- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST'')

Mario took the gift box and passed it to Luigi, who was still sitting on his lap. The younger brother opened it and found a green pipe wrench. On it was a label with a message.

''Read this, Lu.'' Mario said, and Luigi began to read the message.

''To the best little brother I could ever have. Merry Christmas, Luigi! Hugs for you!

Mario''

Luigi was speechless. Mario had brought him a gift in the middle of the night. Before his brother could even react, he threw his arms around his neck. ''Thank you, Mario! I love it!'' he cried joyfully.

''You're welcome, little bro. I love you very much.'' said Mario, returning the hug.

''I love you so much too.'' said Luigi.

''Is it me or does it feel like I have a big baby on my lap?'' chuckled Mario, ruffling his brother's hair.

Luigi couldn't hold back his laughter. His brother was clearly teasing him, but there was a lot of affection in his tone and gesture. ''Gee, I wonder why?'' he said.

Mario gave Luigi a brotherly kiss on the cheek. ''Tall or not, you'll always be my little brother.'' he said, holding him in a warm hug.

The hug lasted five minutes, at the end of which they went to get dressed. Of course, Mario had to take off his Santa Claus costume, and allowed Luigi to take a shower first while he changed. Later, while it was Mario's turn to take a shower, Luigi prepared breakfast.

''Princess Peach said there's a party today. We'll have a Christmas dinner later.'' said Luigi.

''Speaking of the princess, who put the mistletoe in her room?'' asked Mario. ''She didn't remember there was a piece of mistletoe yesterday.''

''Oh, I put it there tonight while you were away. I was sure you would go to the castle in the middle of the night.'' replied Luigi.

''I should have imagined it!'' said Mario, jabbing his hips.

(''Freezy Flake Galaxy- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST-s'')

(''Princess Peach's Castle- Super Mario Odyssey OST'')

After spending the morning playing Mario Bros., Mario and Luigi went to Peach's castle, where their friends were waiting for them. ''Merry Christmas, everyone!'' they said, as they entered the castle.

''Merry Christmas!'' everyone said.

While lunch was being prepared in the kitchen, the Christmas tree was already ready, but the star on top was missing, and Mario lifted Luigi on his shoulders. Being short, he had to stand on his tiptoes to help his brother reach the top of the tree, but although Luigi managed to put the star on it, he lost his balance, fell to the ground, and almost caused the tree to fall over.

''Are you okay, Lu?'' asked Mario.

''I'm fine. Darn my clumsiness!'' complained Luigi. ''We didn't even start eating and I almost ruined everything!''

Some Toads were puzzled by the incident that was about to happen, but they said nothing.

''Luigi isn't hurt, isn't he?'' asked Daisy.

''He's fine. I leaned too much.'' replied Mario.

During lunch, everyone was discussing the gifts they had received in the morning.

(''I was very busy tonight. Kamek caused me a bit of trouble.'') Yoshi said.

''Kamek is really annoying.'' Yellow Toad said.

''And tonight, he caused a lot of problems. He ambushed the Yoshis-'' Mario said.

''Were you with them?'' Toad asked.

''Yes, I needed help with one thing. Tonight I went to deliver presents to everybody,'' replied Mario.

''Then that's who gave me that new chemical set!'' said Professor E. Gadd.

''I wanted to help him, but I was too tired.'' said Luigi.

''Sure, you lazy bum.'' a Red Toad told him.

''Excuse me, is that supposed to be an insult?'' Daisy asked, slightly annoyed.

''No, no, not at all.'' the Toad replied.

''Luigi had every reason in the world to be tired. We had spent the entire day Christmas shopping and buying presents for all our friends, and unlike me, he couldn't rest during the evening because he was preparing dinner.'' said Mario.

''I don't like to go shopping on Christmas Eve. There are so many people, everyone is frantically looking for everything and you never have time to do anything. It feels like a race to get something on sale!'' said Toadette.

''And traffic! Everyone is all over the place, blocking the roads! I was seriously on the verge of pushing a few cars away yesterday!'' Wario added.

''Wario!'' everyone scolded him.

Wario accidentally spilled the soup on his shoes. ''Aw, man! These were my best shoes!'' he complained.

''It's okay Wario. I'll take care of it.'' Peach said, picking up his shoes and trying to clean them up.

As Peach tried to clean out Wario's shoes, the others discussed their dislikes of traffic and never having time to get ready for Christmas.

''Traffic... The one thing I can't stand while driving.'' Daisy snorted. ''And I love shopping, mind you.''

Mario and Luigi laughed. In the meantime, the eel was ready, and Peach was back with Wario.

''So, Mario, do you know who put the mistletoe in my room?'' asked Peach.

''Yes. It was Luigi. He told me this morning.'' replied Mario.

''Wasn't he sleeping?'' asked a Toad.

''He spent the night sleeping, but this morning, he told me that he had entered the castle while I was busy.'' said Mario.

''Did anyone see Luigi enter the castle?'' asked Daisy. None of the Toads confirmed that they had seen him enter.

''Oh, Luigi, you sneaky little fox.'' said Mario, patting his brother on the back. Luigi chuckled nervously, and Daisy kissed him under the mistletoe.

(''Princess Peach's Castle- Super Mario Odyssey OST-s'')

A laughter caused everyone to stop eating. Kamek was back.

(''Not again!'') Yoshi complained.

''Can't we even enjoy a Christmas party here?'' commented Luigi.

''As if we didn't have enough problems already!'' said Mario, opening the window.

Kamek laughed, but Yoshi acted quickly. (''I've had enough of this!'') He grabbed Kamek with his tongue, ate him, and turned him into an egg that he threw out the window that Mario opened.

Due to Kamek's interruption, everyone stopped eating for a while, fearing that Bowser might arrive at any moment.

''What's next? Bowser?'' asked Toad.

''I took care of it when I gave him the present, and no, he'll think twice before trying to kidnap him,'' Mario said, a smirk on his face.

Everyone was curious. ''What was it, what was it?'' asked Blue Toad.

''I disguised a Bob-omb and put it in Bowser's gift. He probably mistook it for something to do with Princess Peach and it blew up in his face!'' Mario explained, trying and failing to not laugh.

Everyone burst out laughing. ''That's a good one, Mario!'' laughed Luigi, taking the red hat off of Mario's head and giving him a noogie.

''Hey, Luigi, let me go!'' exclaimed Mario. Luigi stopped it, but he rested his brother's head on his shoulder and ruffled his hair before putting his hat back on his head.

The party went on without any further annoying interruptions. However, Donkey Kong couldn't sit still, and he constantly had the Mini Mario in his hand, which led everyone to remind him that no one was going to take it away from him. After the various Christmas sweets, Mario and Luigi had full bellies. Luigi jokingly put the mistletoe on Mario's hat, and Peach kissed the man in red, who blushed like a cherry, then they went home.

(''Snowy- Undertale OST'')

''Mamma mia, I'm stuffed!'' said Mario, rubbing his belly.

''Can I say that Peach spoils you?'' Luigi asked jokingly.

''Come on, the princess doesn't spoil me.'' replied Mario.

''Really? Everyone knows how she makes you eat your fill, especially with her cakes.'' said Luigi.

Mario laughed a little. In a way, that was true, as there were always parties in her honor when Peach was rescued. Of course, Luigi was part of these parties, being his brother, but he was often on the sidelines, either because Mario was separated from him by the crowd of cheering Toads, or he voluntarily isolated himself, feeling inadequate. But when he saw that Luigi's gaze had become melancholy, his smile disappeared. ''Hey, is everything okay?''

''Mario... when I didn't go with you to deliver the presents, was I selfish?'' asked Luigi.

''Don't say that, Luigi. You were just tired.'' replied Mario.

''I wonder what that Red Toad thought of me. I know he didn't mean anything bad by it, but... I can't help but think that maybe he was right. Maybe I was selfish to think about going to sleep when you had all those presents to deliver, and the Yoshis were probably exhausted after this.'' Luigi said sadly.

The older brother didn't know what to think. Maybe it was true, but... No, what was he thinking? Luigi was not selfish at all! As he thought about it, he felt irritated, but he didn't know why. ''Some Yoshis were hesitant because they don't like to be used by others to do certain things. You know how it is, they don't want to be exploited, and they think it's a bit humiliating to be used as reindeer for the sleigh, but Yoshi reassured them that I would never do that.'' Mario said. ''And anyway, I don't blame you for wanting to go sleep a little. You spent so much time helping me get gifts for our friends, and we spent hours and hours doing it, not to mention that you prepared dinner, so you deserved some rest.''

''Even still, maybe I should have been there with you. And they all saw what happened at the party, I almost knocked the tree down.''

Mario gave his brother a hug. ''Luigi, being tired when there are important commitments doesn't make you selfish. If you are tired, it is not a good idea to go out and get to work, you may pass out from fatigue. By the way, it's not your fault that the tree almost fell. It's my fault, I leaned too much and caused you to lose your balance.'' he said.

''Sorry.'' said Luigi.

''You shouldn't apologize for no reason like that.'' Mario said, kissing Luigi on the forehead. ''Don't think about it anymore, OK? Ti voglio bene.''

''Anch'io ti voglio bene.''

Luigi decided to stop thinking about the near accident or how he hadn't helped deliver the presents that night.

''Merry Christmas, Mario!''

''Merry Christmas, Luigi!''

''Come here, my brother!''

The two hugged each other tightly, and Luigi gave Mario a kiss on both cheeks. Still hugging, they looked in front of them and winked.

(''Snowy- Undertale OST-s'')

A/N: The chapter is over! I know, it's a bit late, but I do a few things at the same time. Don't worry though, since 2024 has begun, there will be another one-shot about the new year. It may be a little late, but it's fine. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! See you soon!

(1): In Christmas artworks, Yoshi is often shown like this. The red nose is a reference to Rudolph, one of Santa's reindeer. Due to his unusual nose, Rudolph was an outcast, but then Santa Claus made him one of his reindeer, as his nose is glowing and can light the way for the rest of the team.

(2): Mini Marios are toys from the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. In the first game of the series, they are minor characters and were stolen by Donkey Kong, and in the seventh level of each world, Mario must find the six Mini Marios of the level that Donkey Kong lost while escaping and bring them to the end, but if they are all destroyed, he loses a life. During boss battles against Donkey Kong, Mario will be able to take as many hits as the Mini Marios he saved before being defeated, and if you haven't completed the Mini Mario level, Mario will be able to take four hits automatically. In later games, Mario lost his place as a playable character. Instead, Mini Marios play a much bigger role, with a new gameplay that relies on getting the Mini Marios to the end while avoiding obstacles. The Mini Marios are voiced by Charles Martinet, and their voice is very similar to Mario's, but higher-pitched, similar to Baby Mario's voice, and with a slight robotic filter. Apparently, Donkey Kong is obsessed with these toys.