A short message for grown-ups.
Holiday travel with little ones can be an adventure.
Between airport waits and long car rides, it helps to have something calm and engaging ready to go.
Netflix Kids Games has games your kids can play without Wi-Fi, perfect for when you're in the air or on the road.
They feature characters like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and Barbie.
And they're educational, too.
Everything's fully unlocked with your Netflix membership, so there are no extra costs.
You can download shows and movies for offline watching, too.
Visit netflixfamily.com slash travel tips for more ways to make holiday travel easier on everyone.
That's netflixfamily.com slash travel tips.
Happy travels, friends.
Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories.
Each week, we share a few shout-outs and birthday wishes for listeners who help support the show.
It's a small way we say thank you, and it always makes us smile.
A big shout out to Willow.
We are so proud of you and love watching you brighten up the world with your creativity and kindness.
Happy belated seventh birthday, Mina.
You fill our lives with silliness, imagination, and curiosity every day.
We love you to infinity and beyond.
Mama, Papa, and Layla.
Happy belated eighth birthday to Augie from Northfield, Minnesota.
Your mom, dad, and Luca love you and are so proud of the person you're becoming.
Happy eighth to our popsicle, Vidor.
Your energy and curiosity light up our world.
So proud of you.
Love you, little footballer.
From Ama, Apa, and Baby Mo.
Happy sixth birthday to June from Omaha, Nebraska.
We all admire what a kind friend and caring sister you are.
We love you so much.
Love Mommy, Daddy, Dean, and Jack.
Happy 7th birthday to Asher in California on December 16th.
We love you all the way around, the universe times infinitive and are so proud of the person you are becoming.
Love Mom, Dad, Myra, Bruno, Tala, and all your pet fish and snails.
Happy 7th birthday to Connor from Arundel, Maine on December 16th.
You amaze us every day with your Lego builds, math and reading skills and hilarious home alone quotes.
We're so proud of you and love you tons.
Love Mama, Daddy, and Hanny.
Happy 7th birthday to Maya on December 18th.
Love Mom, Dad, Rio, and all the horses.
And happy fifth birthday to Dylan from Perth, Australia.
You're full of love, joy, and kindness, and we're so proud of how hardworking you are.
Keep shining and stay just as happy and wonderful as you are forever.
Always believe in yourself.
You can do anything you dream of.
We love you so much, Mommy and Daddy.
Happy birthday to you all, and thank you for supporting the show.
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Now on to our story.
Christmas is coming and Santa and the elves are busy getting everything ready for Christmas Eve.
There are some frost sprites up in the mountain caves who are not feeling the Christmas spirit and have decided to do something to change that.
The sprites who borrowed Santa.
Santa hummed to himself as he tied the last ribbon on a bright red tricycle.
Outside his workshop window, the Laughing Valley lived up to its name.
The brook babbled something that sounded like jokes, and even the wind seemed to be giggling as it rustled through the trees.
That's the last one he announced, stepping back to admire the enormous pile of wrapped presents that reached almost to the ceiling.
His four helpers cheered from their workstations scattered around the cozy workshop.
Finally, Peter grumbled, though everyone knew he secretly loved making toys.
He was checking items off his list with a stubby pencil.
My fingers are tired from tying approximately nine million bows.
9 million and 42, Nutter corrected gently.
He was always precise about numbers.
He was currently organizing presents into very neat stacks.
Well, 43 now.
Santa just finished one more.
Who's counting?
Whisk laughed, doing a little flip in the air.
She could fly, which she was very happy about.
She zipped around the workshop, leaving tiny sparkles.
Oh, is this the telescope for Tommy?
Oh, wait, is Tommy the one getting the teddy bear?
Tommy gets the telescope, his little sister Tess gets the bear, Kilter said quietly.
He was the shortest of them all, but somehow always seemed to know exactly what needed doing.
He was currently double-checking that all the gift tags were attached properly.
Right, right, I knew that, Whisk said, though she didn't sound entirely sure.
Santa chuckled as he pulled on his big red coat.
Well, my friends, it's almost time.
The reindeer are fed, the sleigh is packed, and the moon is rising.
Are we ready for Christmas Eve?
Ready, they all shouted together.
What Santa didn't know, that was, high up in the mountain caves, three frost spirits were watching his workshop and they were making plans of their own.
Deep in the mountain caves, where it was always cold and quiet, they huddled together on an icy ledge.
They'd been watching Santa's workshop for weeks, and tonight they were feeling especially forgotten.
Look at them down there, Frost muttered.
He was the oldest sprite, and his voice had an edge to it like Icicle's crackling.
Everyone's so happy.
Everyone loves Santa.
We make things beautiful too, Icicle said.
She was the middle sprite, and she usually just agreed with whatever Frost said.
Remember those frost patterns we made on the village windows last week?
The swirly ones that looked like feathers?
Nobody even noticed, Shiver added quietly.
He was the youngest and smallest, and right now he was shivering, though.
Whether from cold or nervousness, it was hard to tell.
Well, one kid noticed, but then his mom just said, Wipe the frost off, dear, I can't see outside.
Frost's expression hardened.
Santa gets cookies and milk and thank you letters.
We get nothing.
We could make our own cookies, Shiver suggested hopefully.
That's not the point, Frost snapped, then softer.
Sorry, I just... What if people forgot we existed entirely?
What if we don't even matter?
The three sprites sat in silence for a moment, feeling the weight of being invisible.
Then Frost sat up straighter.
I have an idea.
What if Santa couldn't deliver his presents tonight?
Then maybe, maybe people would notice something was missing.
Maybe they'd look for who could help.
Maybe they'd see us.
I don't know, Shiver said nervously.
That sounds kind of mean.
We won't hurt anyone, Frost said quickly.
We'll just borrow Santa for a little while.
Just long enough for people to need us instead of him.
Icicle nodded slowly.
Just for a little while.
Shiver didn't say anything, but he didn't say no either.
The moon hung huge and bright in the Christmas Eve sky as Santa called out up, up and away and the reindeer leaped forward.
The sleigh rose into the air packed so full with presents that Whisk Peter, Nutter and Kilter had to squeeze into their usual spot, tucked under the seat, where the wind couldn't reach them.
Here we go, Santa called out cheerfully his voice carrying across the valley.
The reindeer knew the route by heart over the mountains, past the frozen lake, then down toward the first village.
Santa was just starting his favorite Christmas carol, when something silvery shot through the moonlight.
A rope made entirely of magical ice wrapped around him once twice, three times and yanked him right out of his seat.
Whoa, Santa shouted as he tumbled through the air and landed with a soft whoomp in a snowbank.
Before he could even shake the snow from his beard, three frost sprites appeared.
They looked nervous.
Shiver was practically shaking.
But they worked quickly, wrapping more ice ropes around Santa.
Sorry, sorry, Shiver kept saying as they pulled Santa toward the mountain.
What are you doing?
Santa asked, more confused than angry.
Something we should have done a long time ago, Frost said, though his voice wavered slightly.
High above, the reindeer kept flying. the sleigh disappearing into the distance.
Under the seat, the four helpers hadn't noticed anything was wrong yet.
They were too busy staying warm and going over the delivery list one more time.
The sleigh flew on through the starry night over frozen rivers and snow-covered forests, past sleeping villages where children dreamed of Christmas morning.
The reindeer followed their usual route perfectly, their hoofbeats silent in the cold air.
Minutes passed, then more minutes.
Under the seat.
The helpers stayed huddled together, occasionally checking items off their list or discussing which houses might have tricky chimneys.
It wasn't until they were nearly at the first village that Whisk realized...
Something felt different.
The usual sound of Santa's humming was missing.
And come to think of it, hadn't he been awfully quiet?
She took a quick peek.
Um, guys, her voice came out squeaky.
Santa's gone.
What do you mean gone?
Peter scrambled up onto the seat.
The reindeer were flying steadily onward following their usual route, but the driver's seat was completely empty.
He can't just be gone.
Nutter appeared beside him, looking back along their flight path.
By my calculations based on wind, speed and distance traveled, Santa disappeared approximately 47 miles ago.
What do we do?
Shiver asked.
No, wait, that wasn't Shiver.
That was Kilter, the quiet pixie who never panicked.
But his voice was now shaking.
We go back, Whisk said, already flying toward the reindeer's harness.
No, Peter's sharp voice cut through the cold air.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Peter took a deep breath.
If we go back, we'll lose time.
Lots of time.
And you know what Santa would say.
The children, Nutter said softly.
The children, Peter agreed.
Whatever happened to Santa and something definitely happened he'd want us to finish the deliveries.
We can find him after.
But we've never done this without him, Whisk said, her usual energy dimmed.
Sure we have.
We help every year.
Peter pulled out his list.
We just...
Have to do a bit more of the thinking ourselves, that's all.
Kilter nodded slowly.
I can handle the chimney situations.
Figure out how to get in and out.
I'll navigate, Whisk said, her confidence returning.
I can fly ahead, check the houses, make sure we're going to the right places.
I'll track everything, Nutter added.
Keep count of houses, presents, make sure nobody gets missed.
And I'll keep us organized, Peter said.
Make sure the right presents go to the right houses.
Everyone agreed?
Three heads nodded.
Okay then, Peter called to the reindeer.
First stop, Maplewood Village.
Their first house went perfectly.
Down the chimney, presents under the tree, back up and out.
They even remembered to take bites out of the cookies left for Santa.
See, Whisk said as they climbed back into the sleigh.
We got this.
The second house was where things got complicated.
Wait, Hilter said, looking at the gift tag and the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights.
This teddy bear says it's for Tommy, but there's a note on the list that said Tommy wanted a telescope.
Peter checked his master list.
Oh, no.
Tommy's seven years old.
Loves space.
His baby sister Tess is one.
She gets the bear.
But we just put the telescope under the tree, Nutter said, for a one-year-old named Tess.
They all looked at each other.
They fixed the mistake quickly, swapping the tags on the presents.
But as they climbed back into the sleigh, Whisk was quieter than usual, staring down at Peter's list.
What if we mess up again?
She said softly.
What if we give the wrong present to someone and we don't catch it in time?
Then we'll fix it, Peter said firmly, just like we fixed this one.
But Nutter had gone very still recounting houses on his fingers, and Kilter kept double-checking the gift tags, reading each one twice.
The third house helped them remember why they were doing this.
A small apartment building, third floor.
Kilter led them up through a window instead of the cramped chimney.
Inside the Christmas tree was smaller than the others they'd seen, with handmade decorations from paper and ribbon.
Peter checked his list and found a special note in Santa's handwriting.
Jenny, age eight, having tough year, moved to New Town.
Make sure she gets the blue music box.
Plays her mother's favorite song.
They all went quiet.
Nutter carefully searched through the sack until he found it.
A delicate blue music box with a tiny ballerina inside.
He wound it gently, and a soft melody played.
This is why, Whisk whispered.
This is why Santa does this every year.
Come on, Peter said gruffly, though his voice was gentler than usual.
Lots more children waiting.
House after house, chimney after chimney, they worked together, each helper using their special skills.
When Kilter couldn't fit through a narrow chimney, Whisk flew down with the presents.
When Whisk got confused about which house was which, Nutter kept them on track with his precise counting.
When they needed to make quick decisions, Peter took charge.
And when they all got tired and discouraged, They reminded each other about children like Jenny who were waiting.
The sky was beginning to turn lighter, the first hint of dawn, when they delivered the last present.
We did it, Nutter said, sounding amazed.
We actually did it.
Now, Whisks said firmly, we find Santa.
Meanwhile, back in the mountain cave, Santa had been sitting on the cold floor, chains of magical ice wrapped around his wrists.
The frost sprites hadn't hurt him.
The ice wasn't even uncomfortable, just cold.
But they wouldn't let him leave.
Frost paced back and forth.
Icicle kept looking toward the cave entrance nervously.
And Shiver sat in the corner, getting smaller and smaller as the night went on.
Did we really just ruin Christmas?
Shiver finally whispered.
We didn't ruin it, Frost said quickly.
We just postponed it, that's all.
But the children, Shiver started, will be fine, Frost snapped, then softer.
They'll be fine.
Santa had been quiet most of the night, just watching the three sprites.
Now he spoke gently.
Tell me why you did this.
You wouldn't understand, Frost said, not looking at him.
Try me.
Something in Santa's voice made Frost stop pacing.
He turned around and all the anger seemed to drain out of him at once.
Nobody sees us.
We make frost patterns on windows, the beautiful ones that look like feathers and ferns and flowers.
We make icicles sparkle in the sunlight.
We turn puddles into mirrors made of ice.
And nobody cares.
They just wipe us away, Icicle added quietly.
Or complain that we made the sidewalk slippery, Shiver said.
Everyone loves you, Frost continued.
You get cookies and thank you letters and songs.
We get nothing.
We're just there, like we don't even matter.
Santa was quiet for a moment.
Then he said something that surprised all three sprites.
I know what lonely feels like.
Frost's head snapped up.
You?
But everyone loves you.
Now they do, but I spent many years by myself before I found my helpers making toys alone in my workshop, wondering if anyone would even notice if I stopped.
Santa smiled sadly.
Lonely is lonely, whether you're surrounded by people who ignore you or surrounded by nobody at all.
Shiver stood up slowly.
We didn't actually want to ruin Christmas.
We just wanted... To matter?
Santa finished gently.
All three sprites nodded.
Shiver felt something wet on his cheeks.
Tears.
Which for a frost sprite meant something.
And where his tears fell on the ice chains, they began to melt.
Oh!
Shivers said, noticing, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to.
But the chains were already dissolving, the magic ice turning to water and then to nothing.
Santa stood up rubbing his wrists.
The sprites stepped back, afraid of what he might do.
Instead, Santa smiled.
I think you three just gave me an idea.
When the sleigh landed back at the workshop, the four helpers tumbled out, exhausted but proud.
The sun was fully up now, turning the snow golden.
We actually did it, Whisk said, flopping onto a snowbank.
Every single house.
With only one major mistake, Peter added, which we fixed.
So really, zero mistakes.
Santa's going to be so proud when we find him.
Nutter said, find who?
Called a familiar voice.
They all spun around.
Santa was standing in the workshop doorway, perfectly fine.
His white beard slightly damp from melted snow.
And behind him stood three very nervous frost sprites.
Santa!
Whisk flew straight at him, nearly knocking off his hat.
You're okay.
What happened?
Where did you go?
The three sprites tried to hide behind Santa, which didn't work very well, since they were quite a bit taller than him.
Peter's eyes narrowed as he noticed them.
And who are they?
Everyone, Santa said warmly.
I'd like you to meet some new friends.
This is Frost, Icicle, and Shiver.
New friends?
Peter looked from the nervous sprites back to Santa.
Where have you been all night?
We delivered every single present without you.
I know you did, Santa said gently, and I'm so proud of you.
But first, let me explain.
He gestured to the sprites.
These three borrowed me for the evening.
They wanted to stop Christmas from happening.
What?
What?
All four helpers shouted at once.
The sprites flinched.
Shiver looked like he might cry again.
But, Santa continued quickly, they didn't actually want to hurt anyone.
They just wanted someone to notice them, to see them, to make them feel like they mattered.
So they took you?
Whisk asked, her voice sharp.
On Christmas Eve?
We're really, really sorry, Shiver said in a small voice.
Extremely sorry, Icicle added, her eyes on the ground.
Frost just nodded, unable to speak.
They made a mistake, Santa said.
A big one.
But they've spent the whole night feeling terrible about it.
And I think they've learned something important.
That the best way to matter isn't to take things away from others, but to give something of your own.
Peter crossed his arms, still frowning.
And what exactly do they have to give?
Show them, Santa said gently to Icicle.
We're really good at making things beautiful, Icicle said hopefully.
Look!
She touched the workshop window, and instantly a delicate pattern of frost spread across the glass.
Swirls and stars and tiny snowflakes, each one different.
Nutter gasped.
That's actually quite lovely.
We could do all the windows, Frost said quietly.
Make the workshop look like a winter palace, if you want.
Peter crossed his arms, still frowning.
But then he sighed. a long, grumpy sigh that somehow sounded almost friendly.
Fine, but you're on probation.
One more borrowing Santa and you're out.
No more borrowing Santa, Shiver said quickly.
I promise that was a terrible idea.
I don't know what we were thinking.
You were thinking that you wanted to matter.
Santa said gently and now you will, because I'm counting on you three to help make this workshop even more magical.
The sprites looked at each other, hardly believing it.
You mean, we can come back?
Icicle asked.
Really?
I'm counting on it, Santa said.
Christmas happens every year, after all.
There's a lot of windows to decorate.
Kilter, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up.
Who did you think would deliver all the presents? he asked the sprites.
We didn't think anyone would, Frost said.
We kept Santa here so no one would get a present.
But we delivered them, Whisk said, puffing up with pride, all by ourselves.
Santa's eyes went wide.
You did?
All of them?
Well, we made one mistake, Peter admitted, but we fixed it.
Tommy got his telescope and Tess got her teddy bear, just like they were supposed to.
And we made sure Jenny got the blue music box, Nutter added softly.
Santa's expression grew very soft.
You read my notes.
You paid attention to what mattered.
Of course we did, Whisk said.
You always tell us.
It's not about the presents.
It's about making children feel loved.
Santa pulled all four of his helpers into a big hug.
I am so proud of you.
You know that?
You could have panicked.
You could have given up.
But you worked together and made Christmas happen anyway.
We learned from the best, Peter said gruffly.
Santa released them and turned to look at all seven of his helpers the original four and the three new ones.
You know what the best present is?
It's not toys or decorations.
It's knowing you have people who care about you, people who need you, people who make you feel like you belong.
Shiver sniffled.
That's the best present anyone's ever given us.
Well then, Santa said, his eyes twinkling.
I'd say this turned out to be a very good Christmas after all.
And that is the end of our story.
Good night.
Sleep tight.
