Santa Retires
By David Biedrzycki
The Story
After an exhausting Christmas, a worn-out Santa trades the North Pole for sunny Mistletoe Island, surfing and golfing his way into retirement — leaving the reindeer and elves to wonder if Christmas can happen without him.
Why It's Special
For the kid who thinks grown-ups never get tired, here's Santa admitting he needs a vacation — and finding out that walking away from the job isn't as simple as it sounds.
- Big idea: Even the most important jobs can wear you out, but the people who need you are part of what makes the job worth doing.
- Vibes: Sunny, silly, and warmly reassuring, with a wink at grown-up burnout kids will still find funny.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy silly grown-up-in-unexpected-places humor
- like to imagine holiday characters living everyday lives
- are working on understanding that everyone needs a break sometimes
- respond well to a lighthearted twist on a familiar Christmas story
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Santa decided he wanted to retire after Christmas?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the reindeer and elves felt when they heard Santa was leaving?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever felt so tired after a big day that you needed a rest, like Santa did?
- Imagination: If you got to spend a vacation on Mistletoe Island, would you rather surf, golf, or learn the hula?
- Big idea: Do you think Santa can be jolly without Christmas? Why or why not?
