Christmas In Oz

Have you ever had one of those writing experiences where you had an idea and when you had the idea it was great, then the more time you had to think about it the less spectacular it seemed?

No!

Yeah, me neither.

While I was working on the Christmas writing prompts, one of them really grabbed my attention. I thought it would be hilarious to put together a story by mixing traditional Christmas elements with the Wizard of Oz. Another one of the prompts I thought of, but didn't include, was what whould happen if someone kidnapped Santa? I combined the two and this is what I came up with – in a condensed script format:

Scene 1 – Santa is preparing for his big night. Mrs. Claus gives her jolly hubby a warm send off and tells him to be safe.

Scene 2 – While flying through air, Santa encounters the Wicked Witch. They narrowly avoid a mid-air collision and the two of them share several choice words with one another. Santa insists that he had the right-of-way and the Witch responds by zapping him.

Scene 3 – The Witch flies off, cackling happily, while the reindeer take the sleigh down for a landing on a golden air strip. When they stop they find out that the only thing left of Santa is his suit.

Scene 4 – Before long, the Oz gang (Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion) come along and discover Santa’s sleigh and his empty suit in the driver’s seat. They realize that without Santa there might not be a Christmas. Scarecrow offers to try and fly the sled himself. Maybe if they return the sleigh to the North Pole someone there will know what to do.

Scene 5 – The Scarecrow puts on Santa’s suit and attempts to fly the sleigh with comical results; comical for the audience, not so funny for the Oz gang or the reindeer.

Scene 6 – After gathering up the far flung bits of straw and putting Scarecrow back together, the Tin Man gets to work fixing the now broken sleigh. He believes that his familiarity with machines will allow him to operate the sleigh. But the reindeer won’t fly for him.

Scene 7 – Cowardly Lion discovers that whenever he roars the reindeer move away from him. By staying behind the sleigh, he can herd the reindeer in the direction he wants them to go. The only drawback is that they still won’t fly.

Scene 8 – The Oz folks discuss the situation and decide to go see the Wizard for a solution on how to save Christmas. Scarecrow and Tin Man climb into the sleigh and Cowardly Lion growls them all the way to the Emerald City.

Scene 9 – Before long the group arrives at the Emerald City. They are ushered into the Wizard’s grand chamber and find themselves face-to-face with the Witch. It seems that Emerald City is under new management. Our three heroes are thrown into the dungeon by the Emerald Guards.

Scene 10 – Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion are tossed into a cell with – ta da daaaa – the Wizard. This is not the wise, benevolent ruler that came back after dropping Dorothy off in the mythical land of reality. The Wizard has given up hope and wants to be left alone. Here is the chance for the Oz Trio to return the goodness bestowed upon them by the Wizard. They all share the many great tasks they have been able to accomplish since he has instilled hope within themselves. Soon the Wizard’s spirit is rejuvenated and they plan their next move.

Scene 11 – Scarecrow puts his brain to work and calls on his previous experience with wicked witches. Having been torn apart by the flying monkeys gives him an idea; by moving around the straw in his body he is able to squeeze himself through the window in the dungeon door and unlock it.

Scene 12 – The Oz folks barely makes it down a dungeon hallway when a massive contingent of guards charge after them. Tin Man gives a rousing speech to give heart to his companions and then offers to bar the way while the others escape. After all, “He once spent months not moving and can do it again.”

Scene 13 – The rest of the gang navigates through the secret passages of the castle, led by the Wizard, and eventually pop out from behind the Emerald throne. They face off against the Wicked Witch. She zaps them and they all freeze in place. What starts as a growl, deep within the Cowardly Lion, grows into a fierce roar that shakes the building and dislodges a large chunk of the ceiling. The Wicked Witch is crushed beneath the great stone and everyone is freed from her magic.

Scene 14 – The Wizard puts on the Witch’s Emerald Slippers, clicks his heels three times, and un-zaps Santa’s suit. The suit fills out with Santa in it. But what about Christmas? With the night half over it would take a miracle for Santa to complete is mission of good will.

Scene 15 – Flying monkeys and the Witch’s guards all flood into the Emerald throne room swearing allegiance to the Wizard. That gives him an idea. Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion all load into the sleigh with Santa and take off. Santa just won’t stop during his trip. The Flying Monkeys will take the gifts, in mid-flight, and deliver them to the intended homes. Christmas is saved. YEAH!!!!

(Sorry if this wasn't as polished as normal, this has been an extra, EXTRA, busy week.)

            I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and here’s wishing you the best in the coming New Year. Thanks for stopping by and being a part of my blog.