On Christmas Eve

This nutcracker soldier keeps watch on Santa's behalf all through December and especially especially on Christmas Eve.
No peeking, you see.

When I was a kid I couldn't wait until we pulled him out every year, I loved him so. It was like saying hello again to an old, dear, fathery-figure type friend. My heart just thrilled.

He has maybe been loved a bit too hard (yes his arm is currently taped to his side), but he's really all the better for it.