While reviewing the production reports, I heard a knock and then a creak as the door opened. “Come on in Bernard.” I smiled and pushed aside my paper work. “Have a seat. Looks like we are on target again this year.”

“We are, and that’s a good thing.”

“Do you have the reports on our new elves? I’m curious to see how they are doing.”

“Right here.” Bernard handed me the evaluations. “We have a good group of new elves who can help us keep up with the requests from the children.”

“That’s what I like to hear, but then when has any elf disappointed us here at the North Pole?”

Bernard shifted nervously in his chair. “Well . . . um, Santa there is one little snag.” Sifting through the evaluations, he handed me the one on Silas.

“Hmmm. This doesn’t sound like an elf. Usually, they have endless energy, clever creativity, and cheery chatter. They sing as they build toys, laugh as they wrap gifts, and swap stories over mugs of hot cocoa. But Silas . . .”

“Don’t get the wrong idea,” Bernard was quick to interrupt. “Silas is smart, kind, and works hard. Just yesterday he made the fluffiest stuffed animals the elves have seen in a while, and he always remembers to clean his room and make his bed.” Bernard stopped and shook his head. “But when it comes to talking about how he feels or sharing his ideas, he freezes up.”

“What do you mean?”

“His words seem to get stuck in his throat, his face turns red, and he just stares at the floor while the other elves buzz around him.” Leaning forward, Bernard’s eyes darkened with concern. “For instance, a few days ago, I had all the new elves gather together for a brainstorming session over production and new toys. Before we started, I saw Silas slip away from the group and found him hidden behind a stack of teddy bears.”

“That does not sound normal for an elf,” I said, stroking my beard. “Ms. Claus is really good with elves like this. Let me talk with her and see if there is something we can do.”

I called my wife and asked her to meet me in 15 minutes at the stuffed animal workshop. “I appreciate you taking time to do this.” I gave my wife a side hug and whispered, “Silas, one of the new elves, could use our help.”

As we walked into the workshop, we saw Silas creating an outfit for a button-eyed bear.

“Well now, what’s this?” I said gently, crouching beside the young elf. “That’s a fine-looking teddy bear you’ve made.”

Ms. Claus knelt down beside him too. “I like the idea of a soccer bear. So how did you come up with It?”

Silas stopped working and dropped his head so low that we could barely hear him mumble an answer.

“I wish I could hear you, Silas.” Anya lifted the elf’s chin so that their eyes met. “Tell us how you came up with this idea?”

Silas shrugged. “So many kids… well… they like soccer… boys and girls. So, I thought….” His voice trailed off till my wife and I could not hear him.

“I like the way you think,” I said and patted him on the back.

Anya pulled up a chair and sat beside him. “Santa and I are interested in the creative efforts of our elves. I bet you’re proud of what you made, but you have to speak up and share how you did it with others.”

“I don’t know,” he whispered. “I have ideas, and yes, I am proud of what I do. But when I try to explain things out loud, my words get all tangled. Sometimes I feel out of place because everyone else talks so fast . . . I’m not good at that.”

My heart ached, as I exchanged a look with Ms. Claus.

“Silas,” I said, “did you know that when I was a young lad, I was terribly shy too? I didn’t always have this big booming Ho, Ho, Ho. I had to find my own way of speaking. Sometimes, it wasn’t with words at all.”

Ms. Claus smiled. “And you know what I do when I have too many feelings and not enough words? I bake cookies. Each one tells a little story. Some are extra-sweet when I’m happy, and some are warm and spicy when I’m missing someone. Other times I like to sketch which helps me explore what I am feeling. Words are only one way to express yourself, dear.”

Silas shyly looked up at us. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” I chuckled. “Would you like to show us how you feel in your own way?”

Silas nodded and stood up.

“How can we help?” I asked the young elf.

“Can we go over to the Arts & Crafts workshop?”

“Lead the way,” my wife responded. “We’ll follow you.”

When we arrived at the workshop, the young elf headed straight towards an area filled with crayons, paints, buttons, yarn, and twinkling bits of glitter. Silas picked up some colored paper and started to draw. He made pictures of toy ideas, the stars in the North Pole sky, and even one of himself sitting quietly with a speech bubble that said, “I wish I could tell you.”

Ms. Claus gently squeezed his shoulder. “You just did. You told us with pictures.”

I smiled broadly. “I have an idea, Silas. You can help us understand feelings and ideas when words get too tricky. Why not use your artistic skills and become a Christmas Village Illustrator.

“I didn’t know that there was a job like that at the North Pole.”

His surprised expression made Anya and I laugh. “There wasn’t, but there is now. From this day on, whenever an elf has a tough problem or a tangled-up feeling, he or she can come to your art corner. You would listen and then draw it out. Maybe by seeing his or her feelings on paper will make that elf feel a little lighter, a little braver, a little more understood. What do you think?”

A shy smile crept across Silas’s face. “I might like doing that, but could I think about it first?”

Nodding, Anya and I gave the elf a group hug and sent him on his way.

A few days later, a plain envelope appeared on my desk. When I opened it, I found a drawing of all the elves, the reindeer, me, and Ms. Claus standing together, holding hands under the Northern Lights. The banner above it read “We All Belong Here.” Silas had made his decision.

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. My next story will post on Saturday July 5, 2025. If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read another story about how elves are different, please check out:
Snowflakes – July 6, 2024

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:
Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Created with Microsoft Copilot

<p style=”position: relative; left: 60px; top: -10px;”>

As my wife and I arrived at the dining hall, we heard the lively voices of the elves. Settling into our chairs at the table by the fire, Anya gave me a weird look. “Don’t the elves sound louder than normal? What’s going on?”

“Ho Ho Ho,” I chuckled. “It’s getting close to June, when they all get time off before Christmas manufacturing and production kick into high gear.”

“Of course, I should’ve known. They’re making plans!”

“While most of the elves go back home to Elfkoti on Korvatunturi Mountain in Lapland, Finland, I’ve noticed that in the last few years more of the elves go exploring like we do,” I explained. “My guess is they are busy planning the kind of adventures that only a group of Christmas elves could dream up.”

When Blanch brought our dinner to the table, I stopped her. “The elves seem really excited this evening. Are they all planning their summer vacations?”

The head of the kitchen looked around the room as she informed me, “Mostly they’re teasing each other for tonight’s Vaca Party.”

“Tonight’s what?” Anya interrupted. “You’ll have to explanation that.” My wife laughed and turned to listen.

“Vaca… tion. The elves decided to get together this year and share vacation plans as well as help others who aren’t sure what they want to do with their free time in June.” Blanch giggled and poked me in the ribs with her elbow. “I’m even serving up a new cookie Santa, and I know how much you love cookies. You and Ms. Claus should come. Starts at 7:00.”

After we finished eating and took our daily stroll around the village, Ms. Claus and I quietly slipped into the Community Room to hear what our elves had to share with one another.

“Maybe if we listen, we’ll get some ideas of places we should visit,” my wife whispered.

I nodded as the two of us sat down to listen to Doheny.

“I’m taking a baking class at the Sugarplum Academy!” she told her kitchen friends. “They’re teaching how to make frozen fudge pops shaped like reindeer.”

“Ooooh, I can’t wait to taste one of them,” said Carter, leaning forward. “But instead of exploring food, I’m going to Snowflake Falls with my cousin! There’s this cave behind the waterfall where the snow glows blue in the summer.”

“Nice,” Fizzlepop remarked, adjusting his fluffy scarf. “I’m going to build a giant snow fort on Iceberg Hill and challenge Santa’s friend, Polar Pete, to a snowball fight.”

The group laughed. “You better have Nippy the Snowman on your side if you want to beat Polar Pete!” Doheny exclaimed.

Anya and I chuckled and bobbed our heads in approval. Soon, we moved on to the next group and heard Berrie, known for her big ideas, explain a trip to Candy Cane Cove. “I heard they do midnight snow-surfing competitions on frozen waves.”

“Midnight surfing?” Jingle raised an eyebrow.

“Yup!” Berrie said, beaming. “Under the northern lights. And I’m gonna win.”

“Sounds like fun,” Judy giggled. “But this June I’m staying home and hosting a Cocoa-and-Movie Night marathon. We’ll watch every Christmas movie ever made, even the bad ones.”

“Count me in,” Tinsel replied quickly. “I LOVE your hot cocoa!”

“After watching all those movies, I hope you and your friends will recommend the top ten,” Ms. Claus suggested. “That way we can make a point to watch them leading up to Christmas.”

“If they even have time,” I laughed and led Ms. Claus to the next group. “Remember, these are their plans for June, not the final weeks leading up to Christmas.” I gave her a side hug as we sat down to hear what Quinten had to share.

“I’m thinking seriously about taking a sleigh-camping trip to the Glitter Glaciers. I’m packing a hammock, intend to roast some marshmallows, and maybe even write up a few new toy ideas while the auroras dance overhead.”

“So, as the head of Research and Development, you are going on vacation to work?!” I exclaimed. “You realize that this vacation is your time to relax.”

Tinsel shook his head. “You know Quinten. Always has to be planning some new toy or how to improve on what we make.”

While Quinten and the group broke into laughter, Ms. Claus and I slipped away to another table just in time to hear Lyra blurt out, “It’s my time to enjoy Reindeer Bay! I hear the snow dolphins come out in June to swim under the midnight sun.”

“That would be cool,” said Jellybean, eyes sparkling. “I’m going to the Ice Sculpture Festival not too far from Reindeer Bay. I’m carving a giant snow dragon this year! Maybe we could combine the trips and do both?”

“YEAH! I like that. Anyone else interested?” Lyra shouted. Several hands went up as Anya and I went on to the next group.

“Yep, that’s right. I’m taking a snow-boarding trip down the Mystic Mountains,” we heard Booker proudly announce. “Got myself a new board with reindeer antlers painted on it!”

“That definitely fits you, but I’m going south for a while to the Gingerbread Tropics.” Pip stood up to describe the 45 degree weather. “Warm enough for snowball volleyball and cold enough for ice cream sundaes. I’m going to build a sandcastle out of crushed candy canes.”

“What about you, Skippy?” Pip asked. “Are you staying here like you usually do?”

Skippy grinned. “Not this time. I’m making plans with Simon, one of the new elves. We’re thinking of going out to the Aurora Fields, sleeping under the northern lights, making S’mores, and maybe telling some ghost stories about the Abominable Snowman.”

“I heard he’s real!” one of the elves said in a raised voice.

“He is!!” I blurted out.

Suddenly I found all the elves looking at me. “Heddy the Yeti is one of Polar Pete’s best friends,” I explained. “Nice fellow, once you get to know him.”

The elves went silent for a moment until Benard asked, “Wait… Santa. Where are you and Ms. Claus going?”

Looking at my wife, I slid my hand over hers. “As usual, we will explore some places where we can watch the children, and make notes for the Nice or Naughty Lists.”

“And of course,” Anya added, “we’ll do some camping while making our observations and also explore Mother Nature at her best. Right dear?” Anya interrupted.

“Absolutely!”

When Blanch suddenly walked in with her new batch of cookies and hot chocolate, a deafening roar of approval echoed throughout the hall.

“Ahhhh,” I said rubbing my hands together. “Saving the best for last. What a way to end a fun-filled night.”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday June 7, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read other adventures involving Korvatunturi Mountain please check out:

Elfkin Festival – November 1, 2021
Visiting Korvatunturi Mountain – February 15, 2022

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Illustration Created with Microsoft Copilot

Ms. Claus and I sat at a table in the Mail Room while reading children’s letters. “It’s so nice to hear from boys and girls this time of year,” she remarked while sipping her tea.

“You are so right,” I responded after nibbling on a gingerbread cookie. “With eight more months until Christmas, we don’t get many letters. I like being able to take time getting the children’s wishes to Bernard so that we have just the right gift for everyone.”

Washing down the cookie with some hot chocolate, I reached for another envelope. This one was different. It displayed simple, careful handwriting instead of glitter and decorations. The return address read: Emma, age 7, from Maple Grove.

I adjusted my glasses and opened the letter. My face softened as I read Emma’s message. Finishing, I glanced in my wife’s direction. “Hate to interrupt your reading, but I think you should hear this.”

After Anya set her letter down, she leaned back to listen.

Dear Santa,

My name is Emma. I am seven years old. I love painting, snow angels, and hot chocolate with lots of mini-marshmallows. It’s too early to know what I want for Christmas, but I was hoping you could answer a question for me.

Why are some people mean to others for no reason? And why do they not like people they don’t even know? It makes me sad. Can you fix it?

Love, Emma.

PS My mom and I are trying some new cookie recipes for you for Christmas.

I let out a long sigh and looked at Ms. Claus. Her eyes glistened with tears.

“Oh, Nicholas,” she said softly, “what a tender heart this little girl has.”

I sat up in my chair and stroked my snowy beard. “I wish I could wave my hand and make the world kinder, my dear. But hearts can be complicated things.”

Mrs. Claus folded her hands in her lap. “Maybe she’s asking the question we should all be asking more often.”

I nodded. “You know, the thing about kindness is that it starts small. Like the first snowflake in a storm. One person choosing to be kind, even when others aren’t, and in time it begins to spread.”

My wife smiled gently. “Maybe what Emma needs to hear is that she’s not alone. That there are people who see the goodness in others, just like she does.”

I walked over to Anya’s desk and picked up a piece of paper and a pen. Returning to the table, I began to write:

Dear Emma,

Thank you for your beautiful letter. You have asked a very important question, one that even grown-ups struggle to understand.

Sometimes, people are unkind because they are hurting, or scared, or they’ve forgotten how wonderful it feels to be kind. But people like you remind them. Every time you smile at someone, share your cookies, or paint something beautiful, you’re helping the world remember to be nice.

The North Pole believes in you, Emma. Keep being brave, kind, and curious. Hearts like yours make the world a better place.

With love,
Santa Claus

PS I cannot wait to taste your new cookie recipes!

My wife placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “She’s going to love that.”

I sealed the letter with a golden snowflake stamp. “One little spark of kindness,” I said wishfully, “can light up the coldest winter night.”

And with that, the letter was sent on its way. Anya and I knew that even the smallest hearts can make the biggest difference.

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday May 17, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

When the movie Aladdin came to an end, the elves cheered. Ms. Claus grabbed my arm with both hands and smiled. “What a wonderful movie Santa. I especially liked that Alladin and Jasmine were able to start their lives together. Reminds me a little bit of us.”

Blushing, I squeezed her hand and was about to reply when I heard one of the elves yell my name. Turning, I watched Quentin rush up beside me.

“Whoa, slow down. What’s the hurry?” I asked.

“The movie gave me an idea, and I wanted to run it by the two of you before heading to my workshop. Envision a magic carpet made for kids. How much fun would that be?”

The elf disappeared before we could voice an opinion.

Shocked, Anya looked at me. “He can’t be serious, can he? After all, the movie was just a cartoon. It was just pretend!”

“I never underestimate the abilities of my research and development manager.”

Just then Highstep, my elf in charge of the reindeer, approached us. “Did I hear that right? Quinten is going to make a Magic Carpet?”

“That’s what he said, but I’m not sure how.”

“Well, I hope he doesn’t intend to replace your sleigh and reindeer. I would be so disappointed if we could not help out at Christmas.”

“He wouldn’t do that. I’m sure it is just a challenge. Quinten does have a way of making things that surprise us all.”

A few days later, Anya and I decided to pay Quinten a visit in his workshop to see if he had succeeded in creating a magic carpet.  When we arrived, the elf was busy at work. Without looking up, he said, “Glad you two are here. I’m about ready to test the rug to see if it will really work.”

Quinten stood and took a step back to look at his masterpiece. The carpet was a colorful pattern of reds and greens with some silver and golden threads mixed in to add to its beauty.

“Exquisite,” Anya murmured as her hand slid across the carpet’s fiber, “and so soft.”

Quentin beamed with pride.

“Are you finished?” I asked and walked around the four by six-foot carpet.

“Yes! Time to test it out!” Quinten grinned, hopping onto the carpet. With a whoosh, it zoomed out of his lab and zipped above the heads of the other elves working on the assembly line.

“WAAAAH!” Quinten yelped as the carpet suddenly did a loop-the-loop and shot straight up to the ceiling and crashed with a loud THUD!

Quinten tumbled into a pile of teddy bears. Quickly, the other elves rushed over to help him.

“New invention?” asked Trixie, the head gift-wrapper.

Quinten groaned. “Yeah… still working out the bugs.”

The creative elf gathered up the carpet and headed back to his workshop. He looked at Anya and me and smiled. “Don’t worry, just need to make a few adjustments.”

We waited outside his lab and were surprised how fast he could work to correct the problems. Soon he was ready for another test.

This time the carpet floated gracefully. One of the elves opened the door to the outside. When Quentin flew above the ground, the silver and gold in the carpet shimmered in the sunlight.

After several minutes of testing the magic carpet, Quinten landed it right in front of Anya and me. “You want to give it a try Santa?”

“Ho, ho, ho! Let’s see what this beauty can do!” As soon as I sat on the carpet, it gently lifted into the air. But then—ZOOOOM!

The carpet went wild! It spiraled through the sky, swerving between candy cane lamp posts. It veered to the right and headed for the open door to the workshop. Anya and the elves ducked when the carpet whizzed above their heads and dipped dangerously close to the toy conveyor belts. “WHOA,” I yelled. Then, SPLAT, the carpet hit a huge barrel, causing peppermint sprinkles to spill all over the floor and me!

I laughed as I stood up, covered in red, green, and white specks. “That was quite the ride, Quinten!”

The elf sighed. “Okay, maybe it still needs a little work.”

The next day, Quinten invited Anya and me to return to view the improved version of his invention.

“The carpet needed a way it could be steered by the rider, so I sewed a magical candy cane control stick into the fabric and added reindeer-inspired stabilization charms. I know it’s going to work this time. You want to give it another try Santa?”

“Of course.”

Though Anya gave me a warning look, she moved aside as I once again stepped onto the magic carpet.

After Quentin opened the door, I guided the carpet to the outside. This time it soared smoothly over the village, dipping and gliding effortlessly. When I returned, I gave the imaginative elf a nod. “You’ve outdone yourself, Quinten.”

The elf danced across the floor and punched the air in victory. “Can’t wait for production to begin. We should have these ready in time for the Christmas season.”

When I heard my wife moan, I knew what was coming.

“Wait a minute, Quentin. Isn’t this toy too dangerous for children? What would happen if they took it outside or got hurt?”

The elf nodded. “Maybe so, but I could sew in a warning label and directions into the carpet for parents.”

“You could,” Anya took a deep breath and added, “but many people don’t bother with warnings or care to read directions.”

I held up my hand, and sat down by the planning table. “I’ve been thinking…. What if this were created for children who are wheel-chair bound or have disabilities and can’t explore their neighborhoods, parks, forests, lakes or any place where the ability to walk is necessary.”

“Good point, Santa,” Quentin replied as his hand began scribbling notes on paper.

My wife smiled. “Now that would be a great gift, especially if you constructed the carpet to hold a child and an adult who could steer it so that the boy or girl actually saw what often they can’t in real life.”

I gave my wife a side hug, and the two of us looked over at Quentin.

Busy designing a new carpet, the elf ignored us. “Need to improve weight allowance and balance. Yeah, then the steering device would have to……”

We grinned and left him muttering to himself. Anya slipped her arm through mine as we walked towards the kitchen. “I think this calls for a treat. What do you say, Santa?”

“Definitely. After all, celebrating the creation of a magic carpet is as good a reason as any to bring out the hot chocolate and cookies.”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday April 19, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read other stories about Quinten please check out:

Reindeer vs Technology – June 1, 2020
Santa’s Improved Sleigh – March 16, 2020

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter) 

Illustration Created with Microsoft Copilot 

“Can someone please pass me a graham cracker,” Quinten hollered over the chatter of elves around the fire.

Ms. Claus and I had just settled down on a bench by the fire ring in the North Pole Village courtyard, where the elves were busy toasting marshmallows for S’mores. “Santa, have I ever told you that sitting by the fire with you and watching the elves have so much fun is one of my favorite activities.”

“Maybe once or twice,” I responded laughing.

As Sophia licked the chocolate and marshmallow from her fingers, one at a time, she said, “Let’s play a game!”

All the elves began shouting out the names of games they wanted to play. I put my hands out in front and motioned for the elves to settle down. Once I could be heard without shouting, I said, “That sounds like a fun idea Sophia. Since it was your idea, what game would you like to play?”

“I’d like to play, ‘What Am I,’” Sophia responded.

“Is that the one where you name whatever you would like to be if you could choose?” Anya asked, excited about playing a game.

“Yes, but with a little twist,” Sophia responded as she placed another marshmallow on her stick and held it over some glowing coals. “Instead of naming what you would be and explaining why, we should describe what we want to be and everyone else guesses what it is. Whoever gets it right goes next.”

“Since it was your idea Sophia, you should go first,” I instructed her.

“Okay.” Checking her marshmallow, the elf began. “I can dress in bright colors and sometimes travel great distances as the seasons change. The biggest thing I like is the ability to fly high above and look down on everything.”

“That’s easy,” blurted out Lyra. “You would like to be a bird!”

“You’re right Lyra. Now it’s your turn.”

Standing up, Lyra put her hands on her hips and announced, “What I would like to be is covered with fur to keep me warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I am fast and love to chase other animals, but more to play than to defeat them. Someone usually takes care of me, and while petting me makes my caretaker feel good, I like it even more.”

“Who would not know this one,” Slacker yelled as he slid a marshmallow onto his graham cracker. “Ever since you kept and hid Crosley and Mattie from Santa, we all know you’d choose a dog.”

As Slacker took a bite, he waited while enjoying the taste of a S’more. Finally, he announced, “You will never guess what I want to be.”

Anya and I looked at each other as Slacker continued eating. Chuckling, I asked, “Do you think you can take a break from that S’more long enough to describe what you would be?”

“Okay, here you go,” he said. “I spend most of my time eating and sleeping. It can take up to a month for me to digest a meal, which leaves me with little energy. I sleep as much as 20 hours a day.”

“You’re an alligator!” shouted an elf from the other side of the fire ring, while the others remained silent.

“Not an alligator,” Slacker responded with a smirk. Hoping no one would guess, he continued, “I move very slowly, and I am the slowest animal on the planet. Hanging out in trees in the rain forest, I can often be seen using my claws to hang upside down.”

Ms. Claus stood up and waved her hand to get Slacker’s attention. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you are describing yourself.” As all the other elves began laughing, Anya continued, “The one animal that is most like you would have to be a Sloth.”

“I can’t fool you Ms. Claus. Now it’s your turn,” Slacker said as he sat down and continued to eat his S’more.

“I enjoy the friendship of others like me. Running and jumping are some of my favorite things to do. Exploring areas with my friends allows me to see different places. But, most of all, I can carry someone who can’t run as far or as fast as me.”

Putting my arm around Anya’s shoulder, I answered, “Ever since I first met you, horses have always been your second love. Second to me of course.”

“You know me well Santa,” Ms. Claus responded as she fluffed my beard. “Now let’s see if we can guess what you are.”

“As a leader, I am protective of those I live with, and will courageously defend them. If you are respectful and fair, I will be fair and respectful in return.” After giving my description, I noticed confusion on the faces of some elves.

“Santa, you are supposed to describe an animal you want to be, not yourself,” Doheny shouted as she placed a new log on the fire.

“I am describing an animal. If I was this animal, I would also have the ability to adapt to whatever changes come my way. You would also find me to be determined, and not likely to give up. As a matter of fact, I never lose.”

“You’re making this all up Santa!” Folding his arms on his chest and leaning back in his chair, Sledge continued, “Everyone loses once in a while.”

“Not this animal. You see, either I win or I learn, but never lose! Lastly, I am proud and listen to and learn from my elders.”

When no elf was guessing, Bernard stood up and said, “I can’t believe no one has guessed this yet.” Giving the elves a little time to respond, Bernard finally blurted out, “He is a wolf!”

“Bernard is right, If I could be any animal I wanted, I would be a wolf, whose personality and loyalty to their pack is something we could all learn from,” I announced. Looking at the faces of the elves around the fire pit, I added smiling, “I think all of you have a bit of wolf in you as well. After all, we have worked together and learned from one another how to make Christmas so much better for the children!”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday April 3, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Illustration by FireMane Studio 

When I walked into the kitchen, I spotted the picnic basket my wife had packed. Looking slyly around the room, I slipped my hand into the basket to grab a cookie and felt a hard smack across my wrist.

“You get your hand out of there. That’s for our day with our friends. You’re not going to eat them before we even go!” yelled Anya, a spatula in her hand.

“I just wanted to see what you were packing,” I snapped with a smile.

“I know,” Anya laughed, “but I’ve been looking forward to getting out with our friends Polar Pete and Nippy the snowman for several days. I want them to have the first bite of my cookies.”

“I respect that, especially since it’s been months since we have seen our friends. Can’t wait to catch up with them. So, what did you pack?” I asked.

“Well, if you need to know, I’ve got sandwiches for everyone and some gingerbread cookies.” Anya then reached into the basket, and pulled something I didn’t recognize. “I even made some special fish-shaped biscuits for Polar Pete and carrot shaped cookies for Nippy.”

“Ho, Ho, Ho, they will love those! What about something to drink?”

“Well, no picnic at the North Pole would be complete without some of Judy’s Hot Cocoa.,” Anya explained. “Of course I packed regular chocolate milk for Nippy.”

After slipping on her coat, Anya grabbed the basket full of treats. “Today will be wonderful,” she said and slid her arm through mine.

We left Christmas Village and immediately heard a loud thump, thump, thump coming from our right. It was Pete the polar bear, bounding through the snow, his fluffy white fur dusted with the morning frost. “Hello, my friend!” I laughed, giving the bear a big hug.

Not far behind, Nippy the snowman waddled up, his hockey stick arms waving. “Brrr! What a perfect day to be outside!” he said, adjusting his red plaid hat, so that the flaps covered his ears. “Where to first?”

“How about sledding down Candy Cane Hill?” I suggested pointing to some of the sleds left out by the elves.

Everyone rushed over to grab one. After Anya secured the picnic basket in a safe place, we trudged up-hill through the snow. Intent on racing, we reached the top and lined our sleds across the ridge.

“No one has a chance against me!” Pete bellowed.

Nippy frowned. “Don’t bet on it.”

We pushed the sleds over the crest and kicked up a cloud of powdery snow as we whizzed down the hill. Nippy whooped with glee, his scarf flapping in the wind. Anya screamed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. I gave out a hearty yell, my voice echoing across the valley. Pete bellowed, his sled zipping past all of us at the speed of flying reindeer!

Hitting a mound in the snow, I held on to the sides of my sled and felt it go airborne. Howling in delight, I came down hard and rolled to my right as the sled continued down the hill. “What a ride,” I shouted.

“Are you alright, Santa,” Anya shrieked as her sled surged past me.

“Couldn’t be better.” I hollered and brushed off the snow.

I watched Nippy fly over another mound of snow and lose his balance. Rolling over and over, he soon slammed into Polar Pete, knocking him off his sled. I could not tell what was what as the snowman tumbled with the polar bear in the snow. It was all just a white blur! At the bottom of the hill, they finally came to a halt. Laughing, the two friends stood up and hugged one another. “That was fantastic!” Pete roared.

By the time I slogged through the snow and reached the bottom of the hill, a battle was going strong. Snowballs whooshed through the air, some landing with soft plops, others missing completely.

Caught off guard, I was hit with a huge snowball.

Laughing, Pete made another snowball the size of a pumpkin. Before he could launch it in my direction, Ms. Claus fired one at the bear, clipping him on the side of his head.

“Nice one, Anya,” I yelled while the bear roared in surprise. Slipping behind an icy wedge, I began flinging snowballs as fast as I could make them.

Nippy tossed a snowball in the air and whacked it in my direction with his hockey stick arm. It splatted against the ice.

“Missed me,” I laughed feeling a snowy pellet knock off my hat.

Surprisingly quick and accurate with her aim, Anya came up from behind and hurled an onslaught of snowballs at me. I had nothing to return and collapsed, exhausted and giggling.

“TRUCE!” Pete hollered and held up his enormous paws.

The rest of us gathered around him and slid our arms around one another for a group hug.

“Is anyone hungry?” Ms. Claus asked.

“YES!!!!!!” everyone responded loudly.

After serving hot cocoa, and in Nippy’s case, chocolate milk, Anya laid out a spread of food.

Silence fell over the group, as we enjoyed my wife’s sandwiches and treats.

“You know,” I said, looking around at everyone, “it’s days like this that remind me what’s most important—spending time with the ones we love.”

“I so agree with you, Santa,” Anya yelled.

“This is the most fun Nippy and I have had since Christmas,” Pete added.

We laughed and raised our cocoa mugs in a toast under the glowing aurora borealis. It had been a perfect day at the North Pole filled with laughter, adventure, and friendship.

When my wife and I headed home, hand in hand, we knew one thing for sure, making memories with friends would remain with us for a lifetime.

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday March 15, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read more about Santa’s friends please check out:

Santa’s Newest Friends – July 8 2019
Wiggle and Waddle Meet Polar Pete – July 15, 2019
A Visit From Jack Frost – January 20, 2020
The Lost Elves – February 3, 2020
Homesick Penguins – June 8, 2020
Nippy Falls Apart – March 8, 2021
Wiggle and Waddle Go Home – May 31, 2021
Missing Friends – July 1, 2022
Polar Pete’s New Friend – April 15, 2023

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Illustration Created with Microsoft Copilot

Taking seats at our favorite table in the dining hall, Ms. Claus and I jumped when a loud clopping and grating sound came from the hallway. The elves stopped talking and looked at the door wondering what or who was making the noise.

The rattling of heavy chains created a nightmarish racket that frightened many of the elves. As they stood up and backed away from their tables, the door to the dining hall flew open and hit the wall with a loud THUD.

“Santa who or what is that?” Anya grabbed my hand and scooted her chair closer to mine.

Before I could answer, a towering, shadowy figure stood at the door. Horns curled up from its head, and its fur was as dark as midnight. A large basket hung from its massive back containing birch switches.

I watched a pair of glowing red eyes peer into the room. “Krampus,” I yelled.

The goat-like creature looked around the room and spotted me. “Hello, old friend,” he growled and raised his hand. “I thought it was time for a visit.”

“Oh my! Krampus.” Anya stood and walked towards him. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you. Would you like some hot cocoa?”

Krampus hesitated, then shrugged. “I suppose.”

I pointed to a chair, for my old frenemy to take a seat. Though his fearsome reputation frightened most who knew him, Krampus never posed a threat to me. We had a long, complicated history—partners of sorts. While I rewarded good children, Krampus took care of the naughty ones in his own, unique way.

The elves, however, were less at ease. They stared at the goat-like man, whispering to one another. “Do you think he’s here to chain us up?” one of them mumbled.

Another elf quickly responded, “He’s probably going to put us in a sack and take us away.”

Hearing the comments, Krampus snorted, “I don’t steal elves.” The chair creaked under his weight as he settled into it.

“Not going to take a switch to them, are you?” I asked.

“Not unless they start causing trouble!” he growled. “Speaking of switches, did you deliver any toys to Jeff, that little boy in the Bronx, who was terrorizing the dogs and cats in his neighborhood?”

“As a matter of fact, I did. After several years on my Naughty List, I was shocked that he turned his life around. What did you do to him?”

“Two years ago, I took my birch switch to him, but that did not work. Last year, just as he was about to hurt a little puppy, I grabbed him, wrapped him up with my chains and threw him in my sack.”

“Did you just leave him there?” Lyra whispered hoarsely.

Krampus glared at my elf and reached for a switch in his basket.

I quickly put my hand on his arm to stop him. “Lyra, it’s not polite to listen in on someone else’s conversation without being invited.”

“Sorry Santa.” Lyra hastily turned around to face the other elves at her table.

“So,” I said, passing him a mug of cocoa, “What did you do?”

Krampus took a long sip and sighed. “I took him out to a park near his house and left him there. He eventually got out and found his way home.”

I shook my head, knowing that Krampus and I did not agree on how to discipline naughty children. “Of course, I would have talked with him first,” I said. “Then I’d try to show or explain to him, why he shouldn’t be acting that way.”

“Yeah, and we both know that doesn’t work for everyone. Some children need a much harsher approach.”

“You may be right, but I just don’t see how physical punishment can make a child behave better. It doesn’t seem to be the right way to handle mischievous boys and girls.”

Nodding in agreement, Anya added, “I would think harming children might make them want to hurt others more.”

“Maybe.” Krampus leaned back in his chair. “Fewer girls and boys are ending up on my Naughty List. Where’s the mischief? The pranks? The rascals who used to make my job interesting?” He groaned. “I’m getting bored!”

My wife and I chuckled. “Krampus, times change,” I said. “Maybe children are learning kindness and patience. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Krampus scowled. “I suppose, but I feel… useless. What’s Christmas if I can’t put a little fear in the children who’ve been naughty? Besides I think this helps other children avoid bad behavior.”

“What do you mean?” my wife asked.

“Well last year, Sara from Toronto, Canada made life hard for some of the younger girls at her school. She would pull their hair, tease them, and say vicious things behind their backs. One day I swooped in and threw Sara into my bag. Then I glared at her friends who moments ago had been laughing with her. They backed away, but their faces told me that they might think twice about hurting or mocking others. I could tell they did not want to be thrown into my sack.”

Mrs. Claus patted his clawed hand. ” Krampus, I think you just made our point. There’s more to Christmas than scaring children into being good. Maybe you should try a new approach.”

Krampus blinked. “Like what?”

I stroked my beard and thought a minute. “Instead of frightening bad children, why not find a way to teach these boys and girls to do better. Maybe you could visit them before Christmas and give each one a chance to turn things around before ending up on your list.”

Krampus mulled it over, rubbing his chin. “Hmph. Interesting.”

Ms. Claus smiled. “We were just about to have dinner. Why don’t you stay, and we could talk about it.”

Not one to turn down a good meal, Krampus grumbled, “Fine.”

The three of us shared a fine meal while discussing different ways to discipline children and get good results. Though his laughter sounded dark and wicked as we talked about Christmas, he ate his fill and joined the elves in a gingerbread-eating contest. By the time he was ready to leave, his spirits had been lifted.

Trudging back into the howling winter night, Krampus turned and smirked. “I’ll try your idea, old man. But if I don’t like it, I’m going back to the switches, chains and sacks.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less, my friend,” I said. “Safe travels!”

And with that, Krampus vanished into the snow, his chains jangling like bells in the wind.

My wife put her head on my shoulder. “Do you think he will really change and help children, instead of scaring them into being good?”

“I believe there is kindness in all of us, including Krampus. I can only hope he will find other ways to encourage children to learn from their hurtful behavior.”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday March 1, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

 Illustration from Ultanya

“Well… that one was a hoot.” Seated on the office sofa, I laughed and slipped the letter into its envelope. “I love when children give me advice on what to feed my reindeer.” I was ready to read another letter, when the phone rang. “Good morning.”

“Morning Santa. I hope I’m not interrupting you.”

“Not at all Lector. I was just catching up on some letters from the children. What can I do for you?”

“We’ve finished updating the library at the University, and I am inviting you to visit.”

“Sounds like fun. Let me complete what I started and come over in let’s say 20 minutes.”

“Great. You’re going to be fascinated by some of the changes.”

I loved Lector’s dedication and enthusiasm. As my elf in charge of Elf University, he never ceased to amaze me how he and his staff could improve the library. Though tired, I decided to read the letter in my hand and make my way to the library afterward.

When I arrived, Lector greeted me at the door. “Now Santa, you need to keep an open mind. This is a library like none you have ever seen.”

With a quizzical look on my face, I nodded. “Then let’s see this magical library.”

The wise elf motioned for me to enter. Totally surprised, I stared at a room completely empty of books. “I don’t understand. This looks more like a reading room with lounge chairs scattered about so that anyone can read in comfort.”

“Well Santa, this is a magical library.” He pointed to a chair and when I was seated, he continued, “All you need to do is think about a book, and it will appear for you.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing! Is this some kind of joke?”

“Not at all boss. We’ve decided to add some elfin magic to our library.” Lector then sat in a chair next to mine. “Go ahead. Just think of a book.”

I looked around the empty room and wondered if some elves were hiding, waiting to jump out and scare me. I decided to play along. “Do I need to tell you the book title?”

“No. All you have to do is think about it.”

Not wanting to disappoint my elf, I sat back and thought about Little Red Riding Hood.

Suddenly, there was a book in my lap. When I picked it up, I was shocked to see the title. “How did you do that?”

“I told you it was part of the new magical library,” Lector said excitedly. “Now, sit back and enjoy the experience.”

“I think I know how to read a book,” I mumbled and opened Little Red Riding Hood.

Suddenly, I found myself watching a young girl wearing a hood made of red velvet, playing outside. A woman, standing in the doorway of a house, called out. “Red, can you come here? I need you to take this basket of soup, bread, and milk to your grandmother. She is not feeling well.”

“I’ll make sure she gets it,” the young girl insisted as she took the basket.

Little Red headed down the path that went into the woods towards her grandmother’s home. As I followed, it was not long until she ran into a wolf.

“Good-day, Little Red Riding Hood,” the wolf said.

“Thank you kindly, Mr. Wolf.”

“Where are you headed?”

“To my grandmother’s.”

“What have you got in your basket?”

“Yesterday was baking-day, and my poor sick grandmother needs something good to make her stronger.”

“Where does your grandmother live, Little Red Riding Hood?”

“NO!” I screamed. “Don’t tell him! He only wants to hurt both of you!”

She did not hear me and told the Wolf where her grandmother’s house was. He said goodbye and left.

Once he was gone, I walked next to Little Red Riding Hood and tried to warn her about the wolf and what he planned to do. No matter how hard I tried, the little girl ignored me and continued skipping and walking along the path picking flowers.

When the young girl finally reached her grandmother’s house, she noticed the door was already open. “Grandmother?” she called out. When there was no answer she tried again, “Good morning grandmother! Are you there?”

When it appeared Red was going to enter the house, I screamed, “Don’t go in! That wolf you met on the trail is waiting for you. He will eat you and your grandmother!” Running toward the granddaughter waving my hands, I roared, “NO! DON’T GO IN! DON’T!!!”

Suddenly, I heard a crash and found myself sitting on the couch in my office. The door to my office was slammed against the wall, and Lector stood over me. “Santa, are you all right,” he kept asking while shaking my shoulders.

“What? Where am I? What are you doing here?”

“In your office. I think you were having a bad dream. You kept shouting ‘Don’t go in there,’ over and over again.”

Shaking my head, I sat up and stared at Lector. “I was dreaming about Little Red Riding Hood and tried to stop her from going into her grandmother’s house. It all seemed so real!”

As I got up from the couch and moved toward my desk, I looked at the elf and asked, “Did you need me for something?”

“Don’t you remember? I invited you to visit the improved library. I kept waiting, but you never showed. That’s when I became worried and walked to your office.”

“New Library?” I asked in a haunted voice and explained more about my dream. “Please tell me the books don’t just appear when you merely think of one.”

“What?” Lector responded with a laugh. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“So, the library actually has books stored on shelves?”

“Santa, are you okay? How could it be a library without books?”

“Well then, I’d love to see the new library, as long as it is not some sort of magical library where you become part of the book you’re reading.”

As we both headed toward the door, Lector looked back at me and said, “Your idea for a magical library sounds interesting. I wonder if I talked to the Arctic Fairies . . .”

“NO MAGIC LIBRARY!” I bellowed and the two of us laughed. “A normal one with books is just fine!”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday February 15, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read other stories about Elf University please check out:

Translating Letters For Santa – August 19, 2019
Different Strokes – August 30, 2021
Double Time – October 11, 2021

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Created with Microsoft Copilot

When I entered the kitchen, I gave Anya a kiss and hug. “Good morning, dear!”

“Good morning to you as well. Breakfast is ready,” my wife replied as she pointed to the table.

“Thank you. Today is January 13^th, so I’ll have to be quick.”

“Can you explain again, why the elves decided to celebrate St. Knut’s Day at the North Pole this year?” Ms. Claus asked, shaking her head. “As I understand it, there are only two countries that observe today as the official end to Christmas.”

“True,” I said and took a swig of hot chocolate. “As you know, the elves are from Korvatuntori Mountain in Lapland,” I explained and shifted back in my chair. “This area covers the northern edges of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and extends into Russia. St. Knut’s Day is a big holiday in Sweden and Finland.

“Remember,” I continued, “the day is also associated with the Epiphany, often called The Three King’s Day after the Magi, the three Wise Men. It lasts from January 6th to the 13th, the official end of the Christmas Season. The elves want to keep the celebration alive. They tried to resurrect it last season but ran out of time. This year, they succeeded.”

“I guess having a day to encourage people to clean up and put away all the Christmas decorations can’t be all bad,” my wife thought out loud.

“It is, but the day ends with a beautiful feast. Give the elves a chance to have fun and celebrate their traditions, they make it happen.”

I finished my breakfast and when I was done cleaning up, I invited Anya to join me.

We grabbed our coats and headed towards the Rec Hall, where the Christmas Village tree had stood, tall and brightly decorated days ago.  “Looks like they have already taken down the outdoor decorations,” Anya commented while we walked through the courtyard.

“I think they like to get that done first. Apparently, it is not as much fun as the rest of their activities.”

Approaching the hall, we could hear the elves singing Christmas songs. When Jingle Bells ended, they immediately began Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. “If I didn’t know better, I would think it was Christmas Day!” my wife exclaimed.

The elves hardly noticed the two of us entering the hall. Most of the decorations were down, and the ones remaining were carefully removed by several elves while everyone continued singing Christmas songs.

“Excuse me Santa,” I heard an elf say. I turned to see Lyra trying to get around me.

“Uh, Santa, I need to get over to those tables,” she said and pointed to several of them along the wall.

“What’s the rush?” I asked.

“Those are all the leftover cookies and desserts from Christmas,” she yelled hustling her way across the room, “and I want to get some before they are all gone!”

“I guess the elves are especially fond of the feasting aspect of the holiday,” I commented.

Before my wife could respond, Bernard announced, “The Christmas cookies and desserts are going fast. So now is the time to bring out all the Gingerbread Houses. You can place them on the tables in the back of the room. I’ll let you know when to begin the next step.”

“What’s going on?” Ms. Claus demanded.

“They are about to . . .”

“Is everyone ready?” Bernard asked to a loud roar from the elves. “Okay, then- Three . . . Two . . . One . . . GO!”

The elves raced to the tables. Smashing every gingerbread house in sight, they pounced on the broken pieces and began eating whatever looked delicious.

“Well, I guess that is one way to get rid of all the gingerbread houses.” My wife laughed and scooted towards the mess on the tables. “Want a piece, Santa?”

“Sure,” I yelled, “and grab some of those cookies before they’re all gone.”

I watched her fight through the crowd and grab what she could. Returning quickly, my wife and I started nibbling on the sweet treats when Bernard again made an announcement. “Now it is time to gather around for the ‘Plundering of the Christmas Tree!’”

“THE WHAT?” Anya and I shouted.

Though the two of us were ignored, we watched the elves circle the grand tree that had stood in the hall since late November. Everyone began jumping and skipping in a circle around the tree to the tune of the songs they sang.

While dancing around the tree, they picked at the chocolates, dried fruits, popcorn, Christmas crackers, cookies, and candies used to decorate the tree and ate them.

“Please tell me the elves are not going to eat the tree after they’ve eaten all the decorations!” Ms. Claus demanded.

“NO!” I gave my wife’s hand a little squeeze. “When all the decorations are off, the tree will be thrown outside, chopped up, and used as firewood.”

“I suppose that will then end the celebration.”

“Not really.”

“What more could they do?”

“Well, given that they are more a part of Finland, there is an old Finnish custom they would like to follow, called Nuuttipukki (Newt-ti- puk-ki), a common Finnish character who is dressed as a goat and visits houses for leftover food and drink. In the past, townspeople would dress in furry jackets, horns, and a leather mask to appear as goat-like as possible. Then they would travel from house-to-house demanding food and drink from the head of the home.”

“And if they don’t get anything?”

“Those who rejected the demands of the goat were subjected to chaos and evil deeds.”

“Sounds like Halloween.”

“I agree. Today it’s usually the children that dress as the Nuuttipukki and go from home to home, searching for candy and other treats. The goats are less scary now that boys and girls take part in this holiday.”

“Then we better get back to our home and get ready.”

“Don’t worry, I asked them to skip our home this year. Instead let’s wait for the elves to put away all decorations so that we can join with them in the big feast the kitchen elves have prepared.”

“I like that. Now I don’t have to worry about any goat creatures surprising us at our home.” Anya giggled and began chewing on a piece of gingerbread. “But promise me, Santa. This will be the end of Christmas for the year.”

“Of course.” After a short pause, I added, “At least until the 2025 Christmas season begins.”

Notes From Santa

I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday February 1, 2025.  If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .

To read other stories about North Pole Celebrations or Traditions, please check out:

The Christmas Goat – July 13, 2020
A Ghostly North Pole – October 26, 2020
The Christmas Star – December 21, 2020
The Elves Egg Hunt – April 5, 2021
Elfkin Festival – November 1, 2021
Wearing The Green – March 15, 2022
Fooling Santa – April 1, 2023
Mother’s Day – May 6, 2023

Find Cincy Santa (@CincySanta) on:

Facebook – Instagram – Threads – Blue Sky – X (Twitter)

Illustrations from Ancient Origins