It is January 2024. Last December’s holiday recedes into the past, and the excitement of 2023’s Christmas morning has faded away. The children, no longer snug in their beds, opened their presents long ago and have been enjoying them for weeks now. Santa’s magical reindeer are back at the North Pole, along with the equally magical Santa sleigh. The reindeer are resting from their day-long journey around the world, feasting on frosty mosses and lichens or, as a special treat, a big dish of raisins; yet, truth be told, they long for the spring day when they can munch on fresh willow and birch leaves. And, for the moment, the Santa Sleigh remains as still as a midwinter’s night. But now what?
It is a common belief that Santa’s sleigh sits unused for eleven months out of the year, until the next Christmas season rolls around. But what really happens to the sleigh during its off months? Does it merely sit in a dark garage, collecting dust? Or is there more to the sleigh’s life outside of Christmas? Have you ever considered the value of properly maintaining and utilizing the sleigh all year round? Trust me, Santa has!
The Santa Sleigh Takes a Sabbatical
Visiting every home on the planet in one night puts a lot of wear and tear on a sleigh (as depicted in the illustration above from the 1948 Grosset and Dunlap edition of Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas, designed and produced by the Artists and Writers Guild, Inc.).
So first and foremost, it’s important to note that Santa’s sleigh is not forgotten once the Christmas season is over. In fact, it undergoes regular physical maintenance and repairs to ensure it’s ready for its next journey. Elves from the North Pole work tirelessly year-round to ensure that the sleigh is in tip-top shape and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
One significant benefit of maintaining Santa’s sleigh throughout the year is retaining its value. The Santa sleigh is a magical and unique piece of equipment, and replacing it would cost a pretty penny. Just like any other valuable asset, it requires year-round maintenance to keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance and repairs ensure that any dents or scratches suffered during the previous Christmas season are fixed, keeping the sleigh in pristine condition. Proper maintenance will not only help it retain its value but also ensure its longevity.
That way, when the next Christmas season comes around, the sleigh will be as good as new and ready to take Santa on his journey around the world.
Other than ongoing repairs and maintenance, what else happens to the sleigh during its off months? Believe it or not, it’s not uncommon for Santa’s sleigh to be used for other purposes beyond the holiday season. For example, the sleigh has been known to be loaned out for parades or other community events. People love to see the famous sleigh up close and in person, and having it as part of a parade or event can bring a lot of joy to people of all ages.
The Santa Sleigh Goes Hollywood
Additionally, the sleigh has been used in various movies and television shows, both as a prop and as a functional vehicle. With its unique design and iconic look, the sleigh is a popular choice for filmmakers looking to add a magical touch to their productions. And it doesn’t even need the help of special effects and editing to make the sleigh look like it’s flying through the sky. It already does that on its own! So keep an eye out the next time you watch a Christmas-themed movie. Is that Santa sleigh you’re seeing just a prop—or is it the real thing?
Another use for the Santa sleigh beyond Christmas is as a training tool for new elves. Just like any other vehicle, it takes practice to learn how to drive the sleigh and navigate through different weather conditions. During the off season, new elves can practice driving the sleigh in a controlled environment, learning the ins and outs of how to make it fly safely and smoothly. This ensures that when the next Christmas season comes around, Santa will have a team of skilled elves ready to assist him on his journey.
