Feghoot persuaded the foreman to hire two special workers: "You'll get the Christmas spirit from them--no problem!" A week later, though, the foreman reported that the two new employees did hardly any work. Instead, they sneaked off at every opportunity to play chess against each other.

"Can I simply fire them?"

"Of course not!" said Ferdinand Feghoot. "They're about to give you the Christmas spirit."

A week later, the foreman complained that "those chess goof-offs" were doing even less work than before.

"Can I simply fire them now?"

"Of course not!" said Ferdinand Feghoot. "They're sure to give you the Christmas spirit."

"Those chess goof-offs" continued to goof off and try the foreman's patience. A week later came the ultimate trial of the foreman's patience. The construction site featured some gigantic trucks with nine-foot-high tires. One of those tires on one of the trucks went flat. In desperation to see them do something worthwhile, the foreman told the chess players to change the tire.

Half an hour later, he checked on them. Sure enough, they were playing chess: they'd gotten as far as getting the tire off the truck, but then they'd climbed up onto it and started a game. Now one of them would make a move--and then rant and rave and boast.

Then the other would make a move--and rant and rave and boast.

Then the first would make a move--and rant and rave and boast.

A thoroughly exasperated foreman went and fetched Ferdinand Feghoot. Both of them watched the chess players for a moment. Each player continued to rant and rave and boast.

"Outstanding!" said Ferdinand Feghoot. "Now go and get the rest of your people. Have them circle the tire and watch. Now's your chance to get the Christmas spirit!"

"WHAT??!!" said the foreman. "What can those two goof-offs possibly have to do with the Christmas spirit?"

And Ferdinand Feghoot explained: