
Pudding, who assumes she is the new elf and sets her to work in the mailroom. Landing with a thunk, she is greeted by Mr. She stows away in a large box, is loaded into a Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator-style enclosure with all of her great-aunt's luggage, and is shot off into the sky. One year, the spoiled and rather unpleasant Sophie (who, like her little brother, is all about "receiving," and as much as possible) decides to stop wondering about her great-aunt and start investigating. During her year-round tea and Christmas cookie rituals, she always leaves young Sophie with the words, "And darling, always remember my first and final rule-whether it's birthdays, Christmas, or Halloween, it is far better to give than to receive!" Oddest of all, every year she departs on a "business trip" right after Halloween and doesn't return until Valentine's Day. But Sophie knew there was more to her than met the eye."Īs if Auntie Claus's everyday red velvet gown with furry white trim isn't unusual enough, there is the diamond key that hangs around her neck. Most people considered Auntie Claus just another eccentric New Yorker. There were many strange goings-on up in penthouse 25C.

"Sophie wondered about her great-aunt a lot.
