Once upon a time, a young girl named Lily asked her dad the most curious question: “Daddy, where does Father Christmas go for his holidays?” Her dad chuckled, set her on his lap, and said, “Well, my dear, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus work all year round to make sure everything is ready for the big day. But after Christmas, when the stockings are empty, the reindeer are resting, and the elves are tidying up the workshop, Father Christmas needs a holiday too!”
A Spring Getaway in Costa Rica
“You see,” her dad explained, “Santa has helpers around the world who keep things running smoothly, so he and Mrs. Claus can slip away in the spring—usually around Easter. That’s when the Easter Bunny takes over with egg-hiding duties, giving Santa a chance to rest!”
“One of their favorite places to visit is Costa Rica. Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus love the sunshine and warm beaches there. They’ll often go zip-lining through the lush rainforests. Imagine Santa zooming down the zip lines, his beard flying behind him, with Mrs. Claus cheering him on! And they adore the wildlife, especially the colorful toucans and mischievous monkeys. But their favorite thing is to soak in the natural hot springs after all their adventures. It’s the perfect way to unwind from their snowy North Pole life!”
Hawaiian Paradise on Oahu
“This year, they decided to head to Hawaii for some surf and sun,” Lily’s dad continued. “Now, Mrs. Claus loves Maui—it’s peaceful, and the tropical flowers are so bright. But with the island recovering from the big fires, they decided to leave it for the locals this time. So, they headed to Oahu, a place that feels just like paradise to them.
“Believe it or not, Santa’s quite the surfer!” her dad chuckled. “Up on the North Shore, the waves get big, but Santa just hops on his board, belly and all, and rides those waves with a big ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ And while Santa’s catching waves, Mrs. Claus is often sunbathing or collecting seashells along the shore. They both love the fresh pineapple and fish tacos they find at little beachside cafes.”
Exploring Waikiki and Beyond
“When Santa and Mrs. Claus want to slow things down, they head to Waikiki Beach. They stretch out on the warm sand, listen to the waves, and watch the surfers riding by. Sometimes, they take a peaceful stroll through Kapiolani Park, where they admire the flowers, watch street performers, and even listen to live Hawaiian music.”
“But do you know what else they love about Waikiki?” Lily’s dad asked. “There are so many exciting things to do and places to explore! Here are some of Santa and Mrs. Claus’s favorites:”
1. Diamond Head – Santa and Mrs. Claus are always up for a scenic hike! They climb up Diamond Head and enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean and city below.
2. Honolulu Zoo – Santa loves animals, and he never misses a visit to the Honolulu Zoo. He’s especially fond of the elephants and the monkeys that swing around and remind him of playful elves.
3. Waikiki Aquarium – Mrs. Claus adores the colorful fish and sea creatures. She’s always enchanted by the graceful jellyfish and the way they glow in the dark water.
4. Royal Hawaiian Center – After a day on the beach, Santa and Mrs. Claus like to explore the shops and enjoy a Hawaiian hula show in the evening.
5. Duke’s Waikiki – For dinner, they head to Duke’s for a big feast by the sea. Santa always orders a double plate of fresh poke and fish tacos, and he never skips Duke’s famous Hula Pie for dessert.
6. Mai Tai Bar – As the sun sets, Santa and Mrs. Claus often sip on tropical drinks (Mrs. Claus loves a coconut smoothie while Santa tries a fruity mocktail). They chat with locals and travelers alike and enjoy the laid-back island vibe.
7. Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks – Every Friday, they stay up to watch the fireworks from the beach. Santa says the colors remind him of the Northern Lights back home, but Mrs. Claus insists they’re even better.
8. Ala Moana Center – When it’s time to pick up some souvenirs, they go shopping at Ala Moana Center, where Mrs. Claus browses the jewelry shops, and Santa is always on the lookout for Hawaiian shirts.
9. Manoa Falls Trail – Santa’s a nature lover, so he and Mrs. Claus love this lush rainforest hike. They feel like they’re in a fairy tale as they walk along the peaceful trail and listen to the birds.
10. The Surfjack Hotel’s “Cinematic Pool” – They occasionally visit Surfjack’s movie nights, watching classic films while dipping their feet in the pool. Santa finds it extra relaxing to watch movies under the stars.
“By the end of their holiday, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to head back to the North Pole, where their elves are busy preparing for the next Christmas. So, my dear,” Lily’s dad said with a smile, “now you know where Father Christmas goes for his holidays!”
And with that, Lily drifted off to sleep, dreaming of sandy beaches, tropical sunsets, and a surfing Santa Claus with a twinkle in his eye.
