The Christmas When Santa Broke the Garden Gate

One Christmas, Santa broke the gate. He didn't mean to do it, but he rushed in when he was late. The wheel on his sleigh was broken somewhat - so he hurried inside to see what spanners he'd got. When Mrs. Christmas called him in for tea, he rushed up the path and bumped his knee. CRASH ! off it flew onto the snowy floor - now Santa didn't have a gate to close anymore. How was he meant to keep the carol singers out ? or keep his dog in ? Santa went to fetch a hammer and nails ... but it was hopeless, the gate was shattered. All around the garden, splinters were splattered. He brought a saw and tried to fix it some more ... with his tape measure - in centimetres, it measured twenty - four. Santa oiled the hinges so it didn't creak so much, then he tested it's swing - it was still rather loose as such. The gnomes were very helpful, indeed. When Santa asked to borrow one of their chisels, they helpfully agreed. Santa added a bit of glue and a piece of sellotape or two. He used his heavy Wellington boots, to make sure that it stuck tight - when he stomped upon the gate, it broke again alright ! Soon, his Wellington boots were adhered as well. When Santa went to call Mrs. Christmas, he couldn't reach the doorbell ! The Christmas fairy flew by asking "What can the matter be ?", Santa replied "I've been stuck here since Saturday !".

On Guard On The Garden Gate

Guard or gard - which is the correct one to use ?

1. The only safe _____.

2. The dog ran out of the _____en gate.

3. Using a fire_____ is one fire prevention measure.

4. The flowerpots fell over and broke in the _____en.

5. The door slamming caught me off _____.

6. The soldier was on _____ all night.

7. The police man _____ed the door of Downing Street.

8. The _____en path was covered in ice.

© Jacqueline Richards 2008

Answers : 1. The only safeguard 2. The dog ran out of the garden gate. 3. Using a fireguard is one fire prevention measure. 4. The flowerpots fell over and broke in the garden. 5. The door slamming caught me off guard. 6. The soldier was on guard all night. 7. The police man guarded the door of Downing Street. 8. The garden path was covered in ice.