The North Pole often experiences blizzards and snowstorms. But this was probably the first time there had been such a strong storm. For several days in a row the wind blew so hard that it knocked you off your feet, and the snowfall was so heavy that the Toy Factory was covered in snowdrifts that reached the roof. And it was already December, when Christmas was just around the corner! 

The elves had to repair the factory once the storm passed so they could make all the Christmas presents in time. While the others shoveled snow off the conveyor belts and cleared the walkways, Mr. Snowflakes took stock of the warehouse's inventory. What if the wind blew away the plush bunnies? Or the snow got inside and melted, ruining the dolls' hair? 

The elf carefully studied each toy as he made his way down the racks. The planes were all there, but a couple had fallen off the shelf and needed fixing. Toy houses: all good. Dolls... One was missing. Snowflakes peered beneath the bookcase. The doll was gone, but there were bits of stuffing, so worn, weathered, and shabby... At Santa's workshop, they use different stuffing! Utterly strange. Continuing with his inventory count, Snowflakes jotted down a note.

Plush bunnies: one buried in snow, requires a good airing out. Plush bears: three missing! Despite the elf's best efforts, he could not locate the bears on the plush rack. He questioned every elf who had delivered a toy to the warehouse. Absolute nothing! Near the shelf, he only found the identical bits of stuffing. It seemed like the bears had been... stolen! An elf sprinted over to Samantha.

- Auntie Samantha, Auntie Samantha! — the elf shouted. — We've had an accident!
- Oh, Snowflakes, you're covered in snow! Here, have some cocoa, you need to warm up. What happened?
- Oh, thank you, Auntie. It's so cold out there, I'm frozen all over running. We've got missing toys! We, we... We've got a thief!
- A thief? Oh-oh-oh, like this snowstorm wasn't enough... — Samantha glanced worriedly at the calendar. — Right before Christmas! By the Christmas spirit, we need help!

Taking a seat at the table, Samantha set out to compose a letter. Thank goodness she had trustworthy companions who weren't scared of snowdrifts or blizzards! She was sure that Yeti and the Mayor would come to her aid in rescuing Christmas and apprehending the toy thief.

Find out the rest of the story in our new expedition on December 12!