Every year, children around the world eagerly wait for Christmas – dreaming of the gifts they might find under the tree while their hearts race with excitement. But, children most always wonder: How does Santa know if I’ve been naughty or nice?

Well, let’s begin at the North Pole where my workshop bustles with activity all year round. While the Elves are responsible for making sure that the Naughty or Nice List is up to date, Santa spends his days doing something a little more magical and mysterious.

I have a special ability – one that allows me to see through the eyes of the North Star, the shimmering light that floats high in the sky and watches over the world. With the North Star as my guide, Santa can see all the good deeds children do as well as the moments when things are not going well. The decision I have to make as Santa is to not focus so much on the act but try to understand what’s in a little one’s heart.

 

Every night as you sleep, Santa quietly taps into the North Star’s glow. I just don’t see what you’ve done but I see why you did it. Santa knows when you share your toys with your little sister or help a friend that dropped their books. I notice when you try your very best to be kind even when it’s difficult. Just remember, Santa doesn’t just automatically mark you down as naughty if I see you being unkind to someone. Rather, I watch to see if you realize it, say that you are sorry, and try to make it right.

Santa does not expect anyone to be “perfect. We all have days when we are not at our best. What matters most is your effort – the little steps you take toward being better and being kind. This is how I keep track of your deeds all year long. Every act of kindness is like a star in the sky – lighting up the path to Christmas morning.

Now, you may wonder how I can keep track of every child across the globe. Well, that’s where the talent of Elves are unequalled — Santa could not maintain the List without their ingenuity.

 

The Elves are very skilled at keeping the Naughty or Nice List in perfect order (we are fully computerized now). They sort through many moments of a child’s life – good and bad – taking note of the lessons you’ve learned over the past year. Some are watchful guardians quietly floating among the clouds keeping an eye on the children of the world. Some, as part of our Elf On The Shelf program, actually come to your house keeping a close eye on things.

I also have many helpers in the world – parents, teachers, coaches and many others that keep us informed by letter of noteworthy things you do.

At the end of the day, my ability to decide if a child is on the Nice List or the Naughty List doesn’t come from a list. It comes from the love and kindness that you share with those around you: family, friends, teachers, and so on – the small moments that make the world a bit better. So, while Santa’s Official List helps the Elves and I keep track, it’s your heart that ultimately tells me everything I need to know.

And believe me, the fact that you try your best to be good is what matters. All of us, including Mrs. Claus and myself, have days where we are not at our best. But we all get up the next day and try again to be good. Always try to do more nice things than naughty things and you will make it onto the Nice List.

So, if you’ve been kind and tried to be your best, don’t worry about whether you’ve been naughty or nice. Santa sees your heart and that’s all that truly matters.