14 stories from Santa's desk
Which story will Santa tell this year?
A snowball contest, a lost jingle bell, the night the northern lights danced. Choose the letter your child will love, then make every word your own.
Every letter is a different story from the North Pole
Pick the one you love, then make it theirs. The highlighted details below belong to a pretend child. Yours take their place, and you can change every other word too.
Hello Jonah,
Christmas time is here again! The North Pole is buzzing with excitement as everyone gets ready for Christmas Eve! All year, we count down the days to this magical time.
You know there’s a Nice list, and you know there’s a Naughty list, but did you know that I have a super secret third list? See, all over the world, there are people who have begun to believe that Santa isn’t real. But that’s ok. Sometimes we just need a reminder when we forget how to believe. Even grownups, like Grammy and Pop Pop!
Luckily, you’ve always believed in me most of all and I know that I can trust you to spread the word and remind everybody in Madison, WI about just how real I am!
You’re doing such a great job in 3rd grade at Madison Elementary and I am so proud of you. Make sure you get to bed early on Christmas Eve and let visions of sugar plums dance in your head as you wait for my visit! And thank you for always believing in me so deeply.
Hello Jonah,
Christmas time is here again! The North Pole is buzzing with excitement as everyone gets ready for Christmas Eve! All year, we count down the days to this magical time.
You know there’s a Nice list, and you know there’s a Naughty list, but did you know that I have a super secret third list? See, all over the world, there are people who have begun to believe that Santa isn’t real. But that’s ok. Sometimes we just need a reminder when we forget how to believe. Even grownups, like Grammy and Pop Pop!
Luckily, you’ve always believed in me most of all and I know that I can trust you to spread the word and remind everybody in Madison, WI about just how real I am!
You’re doing such a great job in 3rd grade at Madison Elementary and I am so proud of you. Make sure you get to bed early on Christmas Eve and let visions of sugar plums dance in your head as you wait for my visit! And thank you for always believing in me so deeply.
Santa's Magic Letter
This magic letter includes as many personal details as you wish, and you can change and edit as much or as little of the template as you'd like.
Dear Megan,
You have become quite the topic of conversation in my reindeer barn! Rudolph told Dasher that Megan from Billings has been doing a wonderful job this year, and before long every reindeer wanted to hear more about you.
I told them about Franklin Elementary School, Mrs. Wright, and how much you enjoy Painting. Comet was especially impressed when he heard about winning the swim meet.
Don’t worry, the reindeer know to be very quiet when we arrive.
Keep being curious, kind, and wonderfully you. We’ll be looking for your house on Christmas Eve!
Dear Megan,
You have become quite the topic of conversation in my reindeer barn! Rudolph told Dasher that Megan from Billings has been doing a wonderful job this year, and before long every reindeer wanted to hear more about you.
I told them about Franklin Elementary School, Mrs. Wright, and how much you enjoy Painting. Comet was especially impressed when he heard about winning the swim meet.
Don’t worry, the reindeer know to be very quiet when we arrive.
Keep being curious, kind, and wonderfully you. We’ll be looking for your house on Christmas Eve!
The Reindeer Report
The reindeer have been talking, and every one of them wants to hear more.
Dear Jacob,
Ho, ho, ho! What an exciting year this has been in Madison, WI. I heard that someone very special joined the family on March 4th, and everyone here at the North Pole has been waiting for your very first Christmas. Mrs. Claus says your smile is already quite famous!
Of course, you may be a little too young to understand all the excitement just yet. That is perfectly all right. Your job this Christmas is simply to be cuddled, loved, and perhaps stay awake long enough to see the twinkling lights.
Welcome to Christmas, little Jacob. This is only the first of many magical ones to come.
Dear Jacob,
Ho, ho, ho! What an exciting year this has been in Madison, WI. I heard that someone very special joined the family on March 4th, and everyone here at the North Pole has been waiting for your very first Christmas. Mrs. Claus says your smile is already quite famous!
Of course, you may be a little too young to understand all the excitement just yet. That is perfectly all right. Your job this Christmas is simply to be cuddled, loved, and perhaps stay awake long enough to see the twinkling lights.
Welcome to Christmas, little Jacob. This is only the first of many magical ones to come.
Baby's First Christmas
For the newest little one, on their very first Christmas.
Dearest Ava,
Last night, the whole North Pole stopped to watch the sky. The northern lights came out to dance, and ribbons of green and gold swirled right over the workshop. The elves climbed onto the rooftops in their mittens with mugs of cocoa, and even the reindeer looked up in wonder.
One little elf said the lights were the brightest he had ever seen. I told him I knew why: the sky shines brightest for children like you, Ava, whose kindness glows all year long.
The elves tell me you have been wonderful to your little brother Sam, and that makes Santa very proud.
Keep shining at Lakeview Elementary and always listen to Mrs. Holt. I will be flying over Burlington, VT very soon. If you see a ribbon of light in the night sky, it just might be waving at you!
Dearest Ava,
Last night, the whole North Pole stopped to watch the sky. The northern lights came out to dance, and ribbons of green and gold swirled right over the workshop. The elves climbed onto the rooftops in their mittens with mugs of cocoa, and even the reindeer looked up in wonder.
One little elf said the lights were the brightest he had ever seen. I told him I knew why: the sky shines brightest for children like you, Ava, whose kindness glows all year long.
The elves tell me you have been wonderful to your little brother Sam, and that makes Santa very proud.
Keep shining at Lakeview Elementary and always listen to Mrs. Holt. I will be flying over Burlington, VT very soon. If you see a ribbon of light in the night sky, it just might be waving at you!
The Night the Northern Lights Danced
The sky itself celebrates, and Santa knows why it shines so bright.
Dearest Owen,
Tonight I unlocked the Map Room, my favorite room in the whole workshop. Inside is a map of the entire world, taller than three elves standing on each other's shoulders, with a twinkling light for every home I visit on Christmas Eve.
The elves gathered around as I planned my route, and do you know the very first thing I did, Owen? I found Boise, Idaho and circled your home in gold ink. The elves cheered!
They also tell me you have been so kind to your sister Nora. And I have not forgotten your wish for a blue mountain bike. It is already on the sleigh list.
Keep doing your best at Hillcrest Elementary for Mr. Dawson. My golden circle is on your rooftop, and Christmas Eve is almost here!
Dearest Owen,
Tonight I unlocked the Map Room, my favorite room in the whole workshop. Inside is a map of the entire world, taller than three elves standing on each other's shoulders, with a twinkling light for every home I visit on Christmas Eve.
The elves gathered around as I planned my route, and do you know the very first thing I did, Owen? I found Boise, Idaho and circled your home in gold ink. The elves cheered!
They also tell me you have been so kind to your sister Nora. And I have not forgotten your wish for a blue mountain bike. It is already on the sleigh list.
Keep doing your best at Hillcrest Elementary for Mr. Dawson. My golden circle is on your rooftop, and Christmas Eve is almost here!
Santa's Map Room
Santa plans his route and circles one very special home in gold ink.
Dearest Mia,
We had quite the adventure at the North Pole today. Rudolph's favorite jingle bell, the shiny gold one from the front of his harness, went missing in the snow! The elves formed a search party with lanterns, and the reindeer sniffed every snowdrift.
Guess where we found it? A little elf named Pip followed the sound of its ring… all the way to a snowman wearing it like a button! Everyone laughed until their cheeks hurt. I told the elves that you, Mia, would have solved the mystery even faster.
The elves say you are a wonderful helper, always kind to your big brother Leo. That is the sound Santa loves best of all.
Keep listening well at Desert Bloom Academy with Miss Rivera. When I fly over Tucson, Arizona, listen for Rudolph's bell. It rings extra proudly now!
Dearest Mia,
We had quite the adventure at the North Pole today. Rudolph's favorite jingle bell, the shiny gold one from the front of his harness, went missing in the snow! The elves formed a search party with lanterns, and the reindeer sniffed every snowdrift.
Guess where we found it? A little elf named Pip followed the sound of its ring… all the way to a snowman wearing it like a button! Everyone laughed until their cheeks hurt. I told the elves that you, Mia, would have solved the mystery even faster.
The elves say you are a wonderful helper, always kind to your big brother Leo. That is the sound Santa loves best of all.
Keep listening well at Desert Bloom Academy with Miss Rivera. When I fly over Tucson, Arizona, listen for Rudolph's bell. It rings extra proudly now!
Rudolph's Lost Jingle Bell
A North Pole mystery, a giggling search party, and a very proud bell.
Dearest Ellie,
The workshop smelled wonderful today, because Mrs. Claus held her Great Cocoa Contest! Every elf made their own recipe: peppermint cocoa, marshmallow-mountain cocoa, even one with a candy-cane spoon that turned the whole mug pink.
I was the judge, of course. Somewhere around the twelfth mug, my beard was covered in whipped cream and everyone was giggling too hard to stir. I told them about you, Ellie, and we all agreed the winning recipe should be named 'The Ellie Special.'
The elves also whispered that you have been so good to your twin brother Finn. That warms my heart more than any cocoa could.
Keep up the good work at North Shore Elementary and listen to Mrs. Lindqvist. I will be flying over Duluth, Minnesota soon. Save a marshmallow for me!
Dearest Ellie,
The workshop smelled wonderful today, because Mrs. Claus held her Great Cocoa Contest! Every elf made their own recipe: peppermint cocoa, marshmallow-mountain cocoa, even one with a candy-cane spoon that turned the whole mug pink.
I was the judge, of course. Somewhere around the twelfth mug, my beard was covered in whipped cream and everyone was giggling too hard to stir. I told them about you, Ellie, and we all agreed the winning recipe should be named 'The Ellie Special.'
The elves also whispered that you have been so good to your twin brother Finn. That warms my heart more than any cocoa could.
Keep up the good work at North Shore Elementary and listen to Mrs. Lindqvist. I will be flying over Duluth, Minnesota soon. Save a marshmallow for me!
Mrs. Claus's Great Cocoa Contest
Peppermint, marshmallows, and a winning mug named after your child.
Dearest Jack,
It is reindeer report card day at the North Pole! Every year before Christmas Eve, my reindeer are graded on flying, landing, teamwork, and quiet hoofsteps. The elves march around with clipboards looking very official, even the ones who can barely see over the snowbanks.
Rudolph earned top marks in Glowing (no surprise), Comet needs practice on gentle rooftop landings, and Blitzen ate his report card before anyone could read it. When we finished, I told the whole team about a child with wonderful marks in kindness: you, Jack!
My elves report that you are good to your little sister Rosie and a joy at Prairie View Elementary, where Mr. Books is proud of you.
Keep those kindness grades sparkling. We will all be flying over Omaha, Nebraska very soon, with straight A's, mostly!
Dearest Jack,
It is reindeer report card day at the North Pole! Every year before Christmas Eve, my reindeer are graded on flying, landing, teamwork, and quiet hoofsteps. The elves march around with clipboards looking very official, even the ones who can barely see over the snowbanks.
Rudolph earned top marks in Glowing (no surprise), Comet needs practice on gentle rooftop landings, and Blitzen ate his report card before anyone could read it. When we finished, I told the whole team about a child with wonderful marks in kindness: you, Jack!
My elves report that you are good to your little sister Rosie and a joy at Prairie View Elementary, where Mr. Books is proud of you.
Keep those kindness grades sparkling. We will all be flying over Omaha, Nebraska very soon, with straight A's, mostly!
The Reindeer Report Card
Flying, landing, teamwork, and Blitzen ate his report card.
Dearest Lily,
Deep in my study, next to the fireplace, sits a very special book with a golden cover. It is not the Nice List. It is the Book of Kind Deeds, where the elves write down the good things children do when they think nobody is watching.
Tonight I turned to a page I love. It has your name at the top, Lily, written in beautiful golden letters, and it is getting fuller every week!
The elves have written how kind you are to your baby brother Theo and how hard you try at Maple Grove Elementary for Mrs. Abbott. Every line makes my whiskers curl with pride.
Keep filling your page. When I fly over Columbus, Ohio on Christmas Eve, I will carry your page in my heart. It is one of my favorites.
Dearest Lily,
Deep in my study, next to the fireplace, sits a very special book with a golden cover. It is not the Nice List. It is the Book of Kind Deeds, where the elves write down the good things children do when they think nobody is watching.
Tonight I turned to a page I love. It has your name at the top, Lily, written in beautiful golden letters, and it is getting fuller every week!
The elves have written how kind you are to your baby brother Theo and how hard you try at Maple Grove Elementary for Mrs. Abbott. Every line makes my whiskers curl with pride.
Keep filling your page. When I fly over Columbus, Ohio on Christmas Eve, I will carry your page in my heart. It is one of my favorites.
The Golden Book of Kind Deeds
Not the Nice List: the secret book of good things done when nobody is watching.
Dearest Henry,
There is a room at the North Pole I have never told many children about: the Snow Globe Room. Inside, on shelves that reach the ceiling, sits a tiny snow globe for every town in the whole world, each one glowing softly like a little star.
Tonight I walked down the rows, past mountains and cities and villages, until I found the globe for Asheville, North Carolina. I gave it a gentle shake, and as the snow swirled, I thought of you, Henry, and smiled.
The elves tell me your kindness makes your whole town brighter: the way you treat your sister June, the way you share your smile with everyone you meet. Keep being wonderful at Blue Ridge Elementary with Miss Park.
Tonight your snow globe is glowing extra bright, and Christmas Eve is very nearly here!
Dearest Henry,
There is a room at the North Pole I have never told many children about: the Snow Globe Room. Inside, on shelves that reach the ceiling, sits a tiny snow globe for every town in the whole world, each one glowing softly like a little star.
Tonight I walked down the rows, past mountains and cities and villages, until I found the globe for Asheville, North Carolina. I gave it a gentle shake, and as the snow swirled, I thought of you, Henry, and smiled.
The elves tell me your kindness makes your whole town brighter: the way you treat your sister June, the way you share your smile with everyone you meet. Keep being wonderful at Blue Ridge Elementary with Miss Park.
Tonight your snow globe is glowing extra bright, and Christmas Eve is very nearly here!
The Snow Globe Room
A tiny glowing snow globe for every town in the world, including theirs.
Dearest Zoe,
Today was the Great Wrapping Race, the silliest day in the workshop all year! The elves split into teams to see who could wrap presents fastest and neatest. Ribbon flew everywhere, one elf accidentally wrapped his own boots, and a whole team wrapped a sled by mistake.
When the sparkles settled, guess whose present won the golden bow for the most beautiful wrapping of all? Yours, Zoe! I have not forgotten your wish for an art easel with paints, and it is wrapped so beautifully the elves keep walking past just to admire it.
They also tell me you have been so kind to your brother Miles. Wonderful work.
Keep trying your best at Riverside Elementary for Mrs. Cho. I will be flying over Spokane, Washington soon, golden bow and all!
Dearest Zoe,
Today was the Great Wrapping Race, the silliest day in the workshop all year! The elves split into teams to see who could wrap presents fastest and neatest. Ribbon flew everywhere, one elf accidentally wrapped his own boots, and a whole team wrapped a sled by mistake.
When the sparkles settled, guess whose present won the golden bow for the most beautiful wrapping of all? Yours, Zoe! I have not forgotten your wish for an art easel with paints, and it is wrapped so beautifully the elves keep walking past just to admire it.
They also tell me you have been so kind to your brother Miles. Wonderful work.
Keep trying your best at Riverside Elementary for Mrs. Cho. I will be flying over Spokane, Washington soon, golden bow and all!
The Great Wrapping Race
Ribbon everywhere, one wrapped sled, and whose present won the golden bow?
Dearest Grace,
The stars over the North Pole are especially bright tonight, and they always remind me of one star in particular: the star that shone over Bethlehem on the very first Christmas, when baby Jesus was born and love came into the world.
Mrs. Claus read the story to the elves by the fire this evening. The workshop grew quiet and warm, and when she finished, I told the elves that you, Grace, carry that same light. Every time you are kind and loving, the first Christmas shines again.
I hear you have been gentle and loving with your brother Eli. Those are beautiful gifts you give every day. Keep shining at Cornerstone Christian School for Mrs. Vance.
When I fly over Franklin, Tennessee, look up for the brightest star and remember the night that started it all.
Dearest Grace,
The stars over the North Pole are especially bright tonight, and they always remind me of one star in particular: the star that shone over Bethlehem on the very first Christmas, when baby Jesus was born and love came into the world.
Mrs. Claus read the story to the elves by the fire this evening. The workshop grew quiet and warm, and when she finished, I told the elves that you, Grace, carry that same light. Every time you are kind and loving, the first Christmas shines again.
I hear you have been gentle and loving with your brother Eli. Those are beautiful gifts you give every day. Keep shining at Cornerstone Christian School for Mrs. Vance.
When I fly over Franklin, Tennessee, look up for the brightest star and remember the night that started it all.
The Star of Bethlehem
The North Pole remembers the very first Christmas and the star that started it all.
Dearest Caleb,
The workshop is piled high with presents tonight: trains and dolls and books stacked to the rafters. But as I watched the elves working with such happy hearts, I remembered what I tell them every year: the greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper at all.
The greatest gifts are kindness, patience, and love, and that is why I am writing to you, Caleb. My elves tell me you give those gifts all the time: to your sister Isabella and to your friends at Mission Hills Elementary, where Mrs. Ortiz sees your good heart every day.
Of course, a wrapped present is still lovely, and your wish for a telescope is safely on my sleigh.
Keep giving the greatest gifts. I will be flying over San Antonio, Texas very soon, prouder of you than ever.
Dearest Caleb,
The workshop is piled high with presents tonight: trains and dolls and books stacked to the rafters. But as I watched the elves working with such happy hearts, I remembered what I tell them every year: the greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper at all.
The greatest gifts are kindness, patience, and love, and that is why I am writing to you, Caleb. My elves tell me you give those gifts all the time: to your sister Isabella and to your friends at Mission Hills Elementary, where Mrs. Ortiz sees your good heart every day.
Of course, a wrapped present is still lovely, and your wish for a telescope is safely on my sleigh.
Keep giving the greatest gifts. I will be flying over San Antonio, Texas very soon, prouder of you than ever.
The Greatest Gift
Presents to the rafters, but the best gifts are never wrapped in paper.
Dear Emma,
Use this space to write your letter!
Dear Emma,
Use this space to write your letter!
Write Your Own Letter
A blank page on Santa's stationery. Every word is yours to write.