You may know him by many names. The truth is, Santa was once a boy named Chris. This site is where you’ll discover his secret past — hidden in books, videos, lyrics, and messages passed down through generations.
The Kringle family has always been surrounded by mystery. But now, their secrets are ready to be shared — including why “Claus” sometimes has an “e,” and why “Chris” is often spelled “Kris.”
As a boy, Christopher never knew he was a descendant of St. Nicholas of Myra (AD 270–343), the patron saint of children and sailors.
St. Nicholas secretly gave gifts out of kindness and is remembered as the first Santa in history — a legacy Christopher was destined to carry forward.
Chris Kringle is related to this man.
125 years ago, there were no malls, toy stores, or credit cards — definitely no online shopping. Families gathered for a simple meal and a day of remembrance.
There were no presents under the tree. Children might receive a penny or a piece of fruit for Christmas — and only if they were good.
When Christopher Kringle was a little boy, his parents often said, “It’s better to give than to receive.”
When he was six, Christopher secretly hid the very first gifts under the tree for his family. No one knew how important those small presents would become.
Santa’s dad, Luke Kringle, once found an old map of Manhattan. It showed the northern wall of wooden posts called Wall Street — a name that never changed.
The wide road running north to south was Broadway. Still there. Still famous.
Who knew a boy from the Lower East Side would one day change Christmas forever?
Just north of where the old Dutch fort once stood, this neighborhood became home to thousands of immigrant families. The Kringles lived in a tenement on Bayard Street—half a block west of Mulberry. This is where young Christopher learned kindness, and where his story—and Wally’s—truly began.
Most people don’t know Santa even had a big brother. Wally has been a Kringle family secret for years — and for good reason.
Ask yourself this: Why would Christopher Kringle, one of the nicest boys in the world, keep his brother a mystery?
The truth has been in plain sight all along.
And their story will amaze you.
Chris and Wally want everyone to understand one thing: the world needs more peace.
It doesn’t matter where you live, what you believe, or what you look like.
What matters is kindness — helping and giving to others. Because "being nice" leads to something greater.
That’s the lesson Chris carries every Christmas Eve.
His mailbox is always open — and he loves hearing from kids (and grown-ups too!).
A: Great question, Jesse — I hear this one a lot!
Here’s the truth: After World War II, Wally and I divided the world into 8 regions that we call Drop Zones. In each Drop Zone, my team stores gifts ahead of time in hidden locations so they’re ready for Christmas Eve.
I begin my journey in Drop Zone #1 (Russia) and finish in Drop Zone #8 (Western US, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska).
Thanks to the Earth’s rotation, I actually have a full 24 hours to complete my mission. It’s a lot like how FedEx works — packages must “absolutely, positively” arrive overnight.
My team has used this Drop Zone Theory since 1955, back when the number of children grew rapidly during the baby boom!
That’s how I do it… with a little planning, a little magic, and a LOT of help.
A: Thank you for asking, David — this is a very important question.
My life’s mission has always been to bring peace, end hate, and treat everyone with kindness and respect. Throughout history, many people tried to do the same — Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy — but many of them were hurt or silenced for spreading love.
That’s one of the reasons my family lives in hiding.
The North Pole is one of the safest — and most magical — places on Earth. It protects the elves, the reindeer, and everything we’re building for children everywhere.
There’s another reason too… There is a powerful group of men called the Confraters. They have existed for centuries, seeking control. I stand for freedom, peace, and kindness — everything they oppose.
So for now, the North Pole must remain hidden…
but one day, the world will understand our story.
A: That’s a wonderful question, Roald — and one kids all around the world ask me! The short answer is not always.
A long time ago, almost every home had a chimney, so it made visiting easy. But today, many families live in apartments, warm places, or even boats! I always choose the safest and quietest way to enter a home so I can leave a gift without disturbing anyone.
Sometimes that’s a chimney…
sometimes a back door…
sometimes a window left open just a crack.
The real magic isn’t how I get in — it’s the preparation. My elves and I spend the entire year planning: toy audits, sleigh maintenance, reindeer training, and weather briefings. By the time Christmas Eve arrives, every move is carefully mapped out.
Santa Secret: Wally and I do love using chimneys whenever we can — it makes for a great story! But the truth? I always find a way, no matter what. If you’re kind, giving, and full of wonder, Roald — I’ll never miss your house.
A: Wonderful question, Madison — and I’m happy to answer honestly.
When I was a child growing up in New York City, I was actually smaller than most kids. I didn’t eat much, and I was always racing around the neighborhood, chasing after my big brother. I was quick, curious, and always on the move.
But things changed when I married Mrs. Claus and moved permanently to the North Pole. Just like people in the Arctic, my body naturally stored more warmth and energy. It wasn’t cookies — it was science!
Even now, I stay very active. Flying around the world in a single night is no easy task — it takes endurance and focus. I treat it like a marathon every year.
Santa Secret: When I was in my 20s and 30s, I was incredibly strong — I even had to protect myself from the Confraters several times (that story will come later…). So no, I haven’t always been chubby. I’ve always tried to stay joyful, balanced, and ready to help others — which, to me, is the healthiest way to live.
Kid-Only Summary: I wasn’t always round… but I did get a lot warmer living in the cold North Pole! ☃️❄️
