My Santa suit is now fire-resistant to protect me from those homes where the fireplace is still lit on Christmas Eve. I have a quick-fitting respirator for smoky chimneys, and my Santa hat has a Bluetooth connection to Mrs. Claus. It’s also a certified hardhat—I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hit my head on a fireplace lintel.

This year, I’m particularly excited to visit the Korbs again—a lively bunch of four kids all under the age of twelve. I first met this family when Landon was born in Pennsylvania. Over the years, they moved to Iowa, added a few more kids, and then settled in Texas. I’m glad the elves keep such good records of where families move—I’d never have the time to keep track of everything!

In Memphis lives a sweet red-headed girl named Jessie. Jessie, now seven years old, is truly a shining star in her family. She loves country music and dreams of becoming the next Carrie Underwood. This year, the elves and I prepared a special gift for her—a new karaoke machine and a sparkling pink microphone. Keep singing, Jessie, and never give up on your dreams. I know you have a song in you that will be famous one day.

Next on my special list is Kahlil, a 13-year-old boy who is now near the top of the Nice List. Kahlil’s story is one of being selfless and taking responsibility. With his mom working nights, Kahlil takes care of his two younger sisters. He cooks dinner, watches over them, and gets everyone to bed on time. This young boy is acting like the older brother that he needs to be. I admire Kahlil’s dedication and love for his mother and sisters. The elves crafted this new, light up RC car complete with ramps so Kahlil can perform flips and tricks in his backyard.

I can already see her on Christmas morning, Tanya’s children woke to find their mother happily scribbling away. They gathered around her, as she shared her newest of stories that she created.  A touching tale about remembering your life’s passion through thick and thin. The magic of Christmas will fill their home, not just through the gifts and decorations, but through the power of imagination and the joy of storytelling.

As I sit by the fire in my cozy North Pole home, I reminisce about the countless Christmases that have gone by. There are many individuals that hold a special place in my heart. Just off the top of my head, Chris in Texas, Jennifer in Delaware, James in New York, Denise in Washington,

Every once in awhile, my mind drifts back to one young boy, I remember Sean. I knew Sean. He grew up surrounded by the love of his older sisters and the warmth of his parents' home in Pennsylvania.

Here's where the story takes an interesting turn. Those same kids that stopped believing in Christmas, they grow up, get jobs and find spouses... But then, something magical happens. They start a family and have children of their own. And Suddenly... Thier belief in Santa is back. I'm back in their homes. They believe again, sharing the wonder of Santa with their children, talking about my elves and reindeer, and even now hosting elves on shelves throughout December.

Baltimore has a new sense of hope and joy these days—it’s a bit nicer than it used to be. There are two sisters here, Alexis and Lyla. Although they're getting older, they still hold onto some belief in Santa. For Alexis, we left a Mexico soccer ball, and for Lyla, the artist, we gifted a blank-style comic book that she can fill with her own stories. I hope they still believe next year—teenagers can be tricky that way.

The bus got in front of my white chimney truck, and I could see two boys at the back, looking out the window. They pointed at the ladders on top of my truck, then their gaze came down, and they were looking at me, eye to eye. The two boys waved, and I smiled and waved back. As we traveled down the road, I kept my eyes on them, curious about who they were.

Remember every child has a unique light, a potential for great things that can shape the world in ways they might not even imagine. So, keep believing in your dreams, working hard, and letting your light shine. You never know what you might become.