Twas the week before Christmas
and up at the North Pole,
Santa was rapidly becoming
a very troubled old soul.

The population had grown fast
in the last hundred years,
causing Santa to worry and
even shed a few tears.

His reindeer were fast
and the sled could hold loads,
but how could he visit all the children,
dogs, cats, birds, and toads.

And then came a suggestion
from an unusual source,
an old brown goat
named Thornton of course.

Take on some help
from each animal kind,
so you dear Santa
can have peace of mind.

Give me the power to fly
on your special day of the year
and I'll take care of the
goats, sheep, and deer.

I know an old stallion
who would be happy of course
to deliver your presents
to each cow and each horse.

An emu I know, 
although he can't fly,
I'm sure would be willing
to give it a try.

So tell me dear Santa
what do you say,
let's give it a try
and rescue your day.

Old Santa he chuckled
and let out a yell.
Your idea dear Thornton
sure sounds swell.

Teaching the animals to fly
and deliver packages wasn't easy.
Some caught on quite quickly, 
flying made others quite queasy.

Each year Santa trains more
to carry packages and fly,
and Santa's job becomes easier
as each wonderful year goes by.

And one old brown goat
so proudly each year
delivers Christmas joy
to each goat, sheep, and deer.

Thornton Clause's brilliant idea
has brought him much fame,
but he's most happy because
he loves his last name.