title: The Christmas Spy: Or, There's a Guy on my Shelf and I think He's an Elf!
author:  S. M. Bischoff 
description: S.M. Bischoff is new to writing. The author has lived in many countries including Africa, Russia, France, and America. For the past 15 or so years he has worked in online software development. At other times he has worked as a short order cook, a cartoonist, and a wine merchant. The author believes the world needs more common sense, and more trust, and loves writing stories with a moral, and a happy ending.
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  There was one thing, and one thing only, that could coax me into striped red
  tights, a fur vest, and an elf cap: Jack Snjosson. Make that Jack Snjosson in
  a Santa suit. Our high-school paper’s for-charity lunchtime food drive offered
  an up-close-and-personal with the old fellow in exchange for a nonperishable.
  Jack, as the paper’s editor in chief, was the unanimous choice for the red
  suit. Never the look-at-me type, he resisted, digging in deep the heels of his
  old work boots until he devised a scheme requiring company in his misery. My
  current ensemble was the result. As the paper’s fashion editor, I found
  playing elf more than a little embarrassing, but at least I got first crack at
  Kris Kringle.
  
  “Uh, Santa,” I said, “aren’t you going to ask me what I want for Christmas?” I
  scooched my striped limbs into the velvety folds of his lap.
  
  “Tell me, what is it you want from