The Yorkshire Llamas
I recently re- discovered some Llamas in Yorkshire at a friend’s farm and quickly realised they are gentle animals and quite playful.
Seemingly they love to go on trekking adventures, and apparently in the beautiful area of North Yorkshire around Nidderdale families can go walking with these friendly animals, who are happy to stroll alongside. I am told they are very gentle, both calm and curious and apparently perfect for family outings.
How lovely!
Meanwhile, I’m planning another visit in the next few days – to do a Christmas recording – and whilst I might not have time to go trekking, I am certainly looking forward to seeing those lovable faces again. My understanding is that they are very smart as well as being sociable. That they have excellent memories – can recognize people – so my return to the farm should be fun.
On that note, I really must check out their names and that leads me to think of Santa and his friendly reindeers. Rudolph, the children love you, but I keep seeing quirky items of clothing, ornaments and cards, with whimsical décor. And they are Llamas, not reindeers!
Are we to view those Llamas as funny cousins of the classic Christmas animals, pulling Santa’s sleigh?
I feel a story coming on!
The Yorkshire Llamas Who Helped Santa
Once upon a frosty Christmas Eve in Yorkshire, the hills were sparkling with snow. Families were tucked away in their homes by cosy fires, whilst children had all gone to bed early, excited waiting for Santa. But far away, Santa had several problems. He had more deliveries to make than previous years and was wondering if he could deliver on time. His sleigh was so full of toys and gifts, extremely heavy, and the reindeers knew that they needed extra help!
Santa knew that in the Yorkshire valley of Nidderdale, a group of friendly Llamas were finishing their daily trek. They were gentle, curious, and he knew how much they loved children.
‘We must go to Yorkshire first,’ Santa exclaimed. ‘Let’s go!’ he shouted.
Suddenly, in Nidderdale a jingling sound filled the air. Santa himself appeared, as the Llamas relaxed eating their supper.
‘Ho! Ho Ho! My reindeer are strong, but tonight we need more friends. Will you help us?’
Immediately, surprised by his appearance but understanding the dilemma, they all nodded eagerly. They didn’t fly like reindeer, but they were clever.
Santa gave them sparkling Christmas scarves that glowed like starlight. With a little magic dust, the Llamas could leap high over Yorkshire’s hills, carrying gifts to every home for the children.
Rudolph and the reindeers pulled the sleigh across the sky whilst the Llamas trotted through the villages, delivering more and more presents.
The following morning children woke up to find hoofprints in the snow and soft Llama wool on their doorsteps. That’s how they knew Santa’s Yorkshire helpers had visited too .
‘What a busy evening!’ Santa exclaimed. ‘But we did it. Wait till I tell Mrs Claus who helped us. So, let’s go home and have a few days rest, before we start planning for next Christmas.’
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Santa’s eyes shone brightly, his face glistened with joy. And he soon fell asleep when he arrived home.
He was very tired!
From that night on, Santa’s team wasn’t just his reindeers, it was reindeer and Llama working together to spread joy.
So, after that short story I’m heading for Nidderdale to do my recording.
Chat soon.
Anna
