You take a slow step toward the snow fox. He still has the missing half of Santa's list held gently in his mouth. You don't want to scare him, so you kneel down in the snow and hold out your red-and-white candy cane. "It's okay," you say softly. "Would you like to trade? This is a special North Pole candy cane. Peppermint swirl. Very sweet." The fox sniffs the air. Sniff, sniff… SNIIIIFF. His blue eyes grow as round as ornaments. "Peppermint?" he asks around the paper in his mouth. You nod and wiggle the candy cane a little so it sparkles in the light. The fox slowly walks closer. He sets the paper—the missing half of Santa's list—carefully in the snow at your feet. Then he taps the candy cane with his nose. "For me?" he asks. "Yes," you say. "A fair trade." The fox's tail swishes happily, and he picks up the candy cane. He gives a cheerful little yip and rolls in the snow with joy. You scoop up the precious paper and tuck it safely inside your coat. "Thank you!" you call. "Merry Christmas!" the fox squeaks back, licking his candy cane.