The North Pole has a big problem when Santa Claus comes down with a nasty cold just prior to Christmas.

Too sick to travel by sleigh or otherwise, St. Nick’s better half — Mrs. Claus — takes the reigns herself and saves the day, making certain the children of the world receive their presents and have a Merry Christmas.

Ballard Elementary School students in Cynthia Stacy’s second grade class treated parents and friends to this tall tale during a performance on the school’s stage Thursday afternoon.

The Christmas play featured songs and humorous one-liners delivered, mostly on time, by students dressed as elves, reindeer, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The performance came on the second to last day of school before students return home for winter break starting after the bell rings this afternoon.