After the last present is delivered and the sleigh is safely tucked back in the barn, Santa lets out a big, happy sigh.

“Ho Ho Ho! Another Christmas well done!”

The elves cheer, the reindeer get extra carrots, and Mrs. Claus greets Santa at the door with a warm cup of cocoa and a peppermint cookie. But once January fades into spring, things at the North Pole start to quiet down.

That’s when Santa and Mrs. Claus get a little break — and they know just how to enjoy it!

Spring at the North Pole

In the early spring, the snow still sparkles but the days start to get longer. Santa puts away his heavy red coat and trades it for a cozy flannel shirt and boots. I spend my mornings in the reindeer meadow, brushing their winter coats and teaching the younger reindeer how to fly in slow circles.

Mrs. Claus works in her magical greenhouse. She grows all kinds of North Pole plants — like mint puff blooms and sugar snap icicles. The elves love picking fresh snowberries for pie.

Every Sunday, they host “Elves and Eggs,” a brunch where everyone brings their silliest hat and shares what they’re thankful for.

But after all that relaxing, Santa gets a travel bug!

Summer Vacation Around the World

In the summertime, Mrs. Claus and I hop aboard the Candy Cane Cruiser — a sleigh that floats on clouds instead of snow — and set off on our annual vacation.

One year, we visited Hawaii. I wore a red Hawaiian shirt and Mrs. Claus collected seashells shaped like snowflakes. The elves back home couldn’t stop giggling when I sent them a postcard of myself surfing with penguins.

Another summer, we traveled to Italy! I tasted every kind of gelato (peppermint swirl was my favorite), and Mrs. Claus took a cooking class to learn how to make ravioli filled with candy cane cheese — it’s better than it sounds!

Last summer we visited Australia. And, the year before that, Mrs. Claus and I traveled across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Over our many years, we have visited most of the countries in the world!

We also love visiting quiet countryside spots, where I can swim in crystal-clear lakes and Mrs. Claus can sketch wildflowers in her travel journal.

Of course, wherever we go, Mrs. Claus and I always spread a little Christmas cheer — helping people, telling stories, and reminding everyone that kindness isn’t just for December.

Back Home for Toy Time

By the end of summer, we return to the North Pole tan and happy. That’s when toy planning begins! I go over the Nice List updates and the elves hold a big meeting to vote on new toy designs.

Mrs. Claus starts testing cookie recipes with fun summer flavors — like watermelon sugar and coconut jingle chip!

We both feel rested and ready because Christmas will be here again before we know it!