Friday, July 25, 2025
Brought to you by the North Pole Weatherwatchers: “Clear skies, cozy nights!”
🎈 Parade Cheers Still Echo on Gumdrop Avenue
Elves throughout Santa’s Village are still buzzing about last weekend’s Summer Sleigh Parade, with replay reels showing nonstop at the Clocktower Hall. Crumbelle Bakery reported a record 312 frosted lemonades served during the event, and local toy car builders are already sketching next year’s entries. Dexter Tinker was spotted this afternoon measuring wheelbases and mumbling about “wind resistance and fairy bubbles.”
🎶 Meanwhile, several young elves from Cedar House have requested extended use of the town square for evening ribbon rehearsals, citing "momentum from the applause."
🛖 From the Elven Villages: Wingleaf’s Glow-Moss Festival Begins
Out in the hillside village of Wingleaf, the annual Glow-Moss Festival has begun! Each evening, the bioluminescent moss that grows along the eastern ridges emits a soft shimmer, and villagers gather with lanterns shaped like beetles, stars, and pinecones to sing lullabies to the hills.
Elder Mera Thimblefrond offered a gentle reminder: “Please do not harvest glow-moss during the full bloom. It fades quickly and prefers to be admired rather than moved.”
Santa has sent three Messenger Elves with a small gift box of Crumbelle’s honey-drops to share at the festival’s lantern-lighting ceremony.
🏘️ Human Town Update: Ainslo’s Clock Tower Gets a Tune-Up
The town of Ainslo welcomed a team of engineers and gearsmiths from the coast today to conduct routine maintenance on their historic clock tower. Locals gathered in the square to watch as gears the size of
wagon wheels were lifted out and polished. Mayor Dal commented, “It’s good to keep old things running—not unlike ourselves.”
Rumors swirled that one of the visiting apprentices may be a descendant of a human who once dined with Neik Klass in the 1700s. While unconfirmed, it has already sparked speculation about shared history between Ainslo and Santa’s Village.
✨ Quick Notes
Bernard will be giving a Saturday morning safety talk at the Toyshop, titled "Gears, Gloves, and Good Judgement."
A stray patch of red fairy dust was found behind the Reindeer Stable. No misfires were reported, but stablehands are advised to sweep with caution.
Nico Kringle was seen near the edge of the Village woodlot with three rolled-up blueprints. Rumors suggest a sled lift ramp, but nothing is confirmed.
Reminder: Elflings from the coast will arrive next week for the Elfling Exchange Mid-Summer Session. Host families are asked to check the notice board.
That’s the news from Santa’s Village, where sleigh wheels roll, fairy dust sparkles, and ribbons still dance in the twilight. See you tomorrow night!
Thursday, July 24, 2025
“Kindness, Cheer, and All the News That's Fit to Sprinkle with Fairy Dust”
🎄 Village Headlines
Gumdrop Grove Lighting Upgrade Approved. Following three nights of tripped lanterns and one unfortunate marshmallow-roasting mishap, the Council of Twelve Peppermints voted unanimously to upgrade the lighting system in Gumdrop Grove. Brightleaf Industries will install enchanted glowglobes powered by yellow fairy dust, offering safe, flicker-free illumination. Work begins tomorrow at twilight. “We’ll be lighting the way for late-night strolls and picnics under the candy canes,” said Rudy Winters, who sponsored the proposal.
📚 Elfling Orientation Enters Month Eleven: The Countdown Begins!
With just over a month remaining in this year’s Orientation cycle, the young elflings of Cedar House and beyond are beginning to prep for their final teamwork project. Liora Brightwell was spotted near the Toyshop sketching out ideas with classmates, though she remained tight-lipped when asked for details. Guest lecturers Bernard and Nico Kringle are expected to appear again before the finale.
🦌 Reindeer Roundup
Randolf Leads Cross-Valley Glider Drill
Reindeer Squadron B, led by Randolf the Swift, performed synchronized valley glides today over the Londloan Steeps. The young fliers practiced tight spirals, inversion rolls, and low fog-hover maneuvers. A minor collision between Twinkle and Blitzen Jr. led to a flurry of shed fur and laughter—no injuries reported. Randolf praised the squad’s progress: “These kids fly like the wind is tickling their antlers!”
🏘️ Regional Report: Ainslo
Midnight Market Begins Tomorrow
Ainslo’s annual Midnight Market opens tomorrow and will run through the weekend. Dozens of stalls are already setting up in Crescent Square, featuring everything
from cloudberry pies to handmade sleigh bells. Mayor Brenna Dal reminds visitors: “Bundle up and bring a pouch of jinglecoins. There’ll be dancing at every corner and stories at every fire ring.”
🔧 Workshop Whispers
Tinsel McGinnis Invents Adjustable Toy Grip
Toolmaster Tinsel has unveiled her latest invention: a self-adjusting toy grip that can be attached to dolls, plushies, or musical instruments to make them easier for children of all hand sizes to hold. “The toy gives a gentle squeeze,” Tinsel explained, “so it feels like it loves you back.” Production will begin next week in the Snugglery.
🍭 Candy Cane Lane Feature
Kathy’s Candy Unveils “Coolmint Crystals”
Kathy Clockwright’s latest treat has a twist—literally. Her new “Coolmint Crystals” are pinwheel-shaped, melt-on-the-tongue candies that release a gentle puff of blue fairy dust when cracked. Tested safely by the Village Health Board, they offer a tingling chill on warm days. Kathy suggests pairing them with hot cocoa “for an indoor snowstorm sensation.”
🧝 Elf Village Spotlight: Lone Pine
New Trail Named in Memory of Calindor
In a quiet morning ceremony, Lone Pine Elders named a new forest path “Calindor’s Step” in honor of the 16th-century scout and protector. “He knew every root and whisper of these woods,” said Lira, the village craftswoman. The trail, lined with wind-chimes and lantern-flowers, will be open at dusk for memory walks and storytelling sessions.
🌠 Night Sky Preview
Tonight’s sky features a gentle aurora sweep over Mt. Kloor, expected to peak between 10:00 and 10:20 p.m. Reindeer herders in the eastern fields report shimmering bursts of pink and silver, likely triggered by atmospheric ripples of red and green fairy dust. Keep your eyes up and your cocoa warm!
That’s the news from Santa’s Village!
Until tomorrow evening, stay jolly, lend a hand, and never underestimate the power of a peppermint promise.
🕯️ Brought to you by Crumbelle’s Summer Shortcake Scones – “Lemony fresh with a holly twist!”
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Brought to you by Trever Inkpot, staff reporter, with field notes from Wink the Messenger Elf
🎪 Festival Clean-Up Begins as Santa’s Village Returns to Normal
After five dazzling days of the Christmas in July Festival, volunteers from every corner of Santa’s Village gathered this morning to begin the heartfelt task of putting the village back in order. The candy cane streamers have been gently rolled, the lanterns dimmed and stored, and the music stages at the Great Fir Tree have gone silent—at least for now.
Crumbelle’s Bakery announced it will remain closed for two days to replenish her flour stores (which were, according to Penny Trueleaf, “heroically depleted”). Meanwhile, Bernard offered thanks at the Hearth Hall:
“This Festival reminded us all why we do what we do. The joy, the songs, the togetherness—it’s why we build toys, why we care.”
🦌 Sleigh Team Practice Resumes
With the festival concluded, the reindeer are back to work. Rudy Winters and young apprentice Trever Fleetfoot began gentle drills with Glint, Maple, and the rest of the training herd this afternoon. “No dashing or prancing just yet,” Rudy said. “We're easing them back in. But their hooves are eager.”
Observers near the Sleigh Yard saw Birch and Farskip—still wearing their Ambassador sashes from the Festival—jogging alongside the younger reindeer, setting an example of poise and energy.
🏡 Spotlight on Elven Villages: Snowball Village’s Summer Traditions
Snowball Village, nestled high along the southern ridge near the Eastern Hills, sent a full team of decorators to help with Festival lighting this year. In return, Santa’s Village sent crates of surplus marshmallows and peppermint tinsel to Snowball’s annual Midnight Chill Feast, which begins tonight under the shimmer of twin moons.
Chief Icelyn Frostbrush of Snowball Village said,
“We believe in sharing chill and cheer. The more light we spread, the warmer our hearts stay—even in summer.”
🕯 Tindon Inlet News: Mayor Dal Commends Village-Evela Unity
Mayor Dal of Dromstad issued a midday message of thanks, praising the Festival’s positive impact on regional trade and goodwill:
“Evela and our coastal towns grow stronger each year through shared stories and celebrations. The Christmas in July Festival isn't just for elves—it's for all of us.”
Rumors suggest he may propose an official Elfling-Bridge Day holiday to mark the conclusion of future festivals.
🧒 Elfling Exchange Students Meet the Reindeer
The twelve children from Ainslo, Dromstad, and Rostlic participating in the Elfling Exchange Program were seen near the outer pasture this afternoon, wide-eyed and giggling as Santa himself introduced them to the youngest reindeer, including a particularly shy one named Button.
Reindeer handler Tinsel McGinnis reported:
“One of the kids asked if Button could come live in Ainslo. We had to explain about magical habitats... but Button did offer a very soft nose nuzzle.”
🧝 Tomorrow’s Forecast & Notices
Sunny Skies with light cloud cover in the afternoon. Ideal for pasture frolicking or roof repairs.
Toyshop Inventory Recalibration begins tomorrow—expect minor delays in bell testing.
Elven Council Meeting scheduled for Friday to discuss fall seed planting and sleigh route pre-mapping.
Merry Lou’s Garden Club resumes weekly sessions this weekend. Gingersnap geraniums are in bloom.
📜 Closing Note from Trever Inkpot:
"The sparkle fades, but the warmth remains. As the village sighs in contentment, remember: the true Festival lives not in the lights, but in the laughter we carry into tomorrow."
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
By Trever Inkpot, Staff Writer
🎻 Music in the Market: Harmonica Echoes and Marshmallow Waltzes
This afternoon’s Harmonica Jam Session turned the Central Market Square into a swirling, jingling medley of melody and laughter. Led by Maestro Tinsel and accompanied by the sprightly strumming of Thistle Lemmabean’s fiddle, the session featured over thirty elves (and one ambitious reindeer) joining in with harmonicas, tambourines, and spoons.
A spontaneous marshmallow waltz broke out near Crumbelle’s Bakery as peppermint hot cocoa was passed around to all in attendance. When asked about the impromptu dance line, young elf Penny Trueleaf shrugged and said, “It just felt right.”
🛷 Toy Shop Production Slows Briefly — Jingle Bolt Mix-up Resolved
A brief slowdown in Workshop Three today was caused by a mislabeled shipment of right-threaded jingle bolts being replaced with left-threaded ones. Thanks to the quick thinking of Rendel Brightnose and his assistant Wink, the crates were sorted, and assembly resumed within the hour.
“We nearly had a batch of backwards tinsel-launchers,” said Rendel. “But nothing we couldn’t fix with a bit of elbow grease and a candy cane wrench.”
🔮 Weather from the Crystal Dome:
Cool winds from the northeast tonight, bringing shimmering air currents ideal for sleigh-gliding and night flight practice. Tomorrow promises light flurries and excellent conditions for peppermint harvesting in the Eastern Hills.
🛷 Elf Village Spotlight: Toboggan Village
Nestled just west of the Rootbeer River, Toboggan Village saw a surge of visitors today for their “Slide and Sip” showcase. Guests from across Evela lined up to try the famous Frosty Spiral Sled Track—twisting ice chutes carved right into the hillside. Warm cider stalls dotted the snowbanks, and children clutched frosted gingerbread medals after participating in the afternoon mini-sled races.
Mayor Talo Figskate of Toboggan declared the event “a brilliant success,” noting that sled polish sales quadrupled thanks to visiting humans from the coast.
🧝♂️ Human Town Highlight: Ainslo Gathers for Elfling Exchange Send-Off
In the quiet human town of Ainslo, dozens of families gathered outside the Old Bell School this morning to bid farewell to four young participants in this year’s Elfling Exchange Program. The wide-eyed human children, clutching bundles of hand-sewn mittens and journals, were escorted by two elder elves bound for the Village. The children will spend the next two months immersed in Santa’s traditions.
Mayor Tilly Frothwhip offered a short speech: “May their minds be open, their hearts be merry, and their hot cocoa never lukewarm.”
🎄 Tonight’s Festivities:
Lantern Walk through Candy Cane Fields – Starts at 8:00pm
Light your fairy lantern and join the glowing procession around the Great Fir Tree. Elves, humans, and reindeer all welcome.
Evening Storytelling by the Hearth Hall – Begins at 8:30pm
Elder elf Breezy Nell recounts the tale of “The Little Bell That Wouldn’t Ring” — a favorite from the 1700s.
That's the news from Santa’s Village and beyond!
May your cocoa stay warm, and your sleds ride smooth.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Brought to you by the Crumbelle Bakery — Try our Summer Snowflake
🕯️ The Golden Bonfire: A Night to Remember
Under a sky painted with streaks of twilight and fairy glimmer, the final embers of the Christmas in July Festival glowed warm and proud last night at Candy Cane Fields. The Golden Bonfire, kindled with a ceremonial spark from Santa himself, reached over 20 feet high. Elves, reindeer, fairies, and visiting humans gathered shoulder-to-shoulder around the flames, singing classic carols and tossing in “Wishes on Woodchips” — tiny cedar tokens etched with hopes for the coming season.
Festival Ambassadors Birch and Farskip delivered a closing toast from the candy-cane stage, thanking all villagers, volunteers, and visiting townsfolk for a magical five-day celebration. “Let the spirit of kindness ripple forward,” Birch proclaimed, “like rootbeer bubbles in a summer glass.”
🏅 Final Elf Olympic Results
The final rounds of the Elf Olympics wrapped up this morning with an exhilarating Ribbon Toss Relay and a surprise record-breaking Gingerbread Shot Put by Thistle Lemmabean (Restful Wood), who hurled a 2-pound cookie 37.8 feet!
This year’s Village Cup was awarded to Snowball Village, whose team medaled in seven events and brought infectious cheer to every corner of the field.
🎻 Harmonica Jam Encore Draws Packed Crowd
Although Saturday’s official Harmonica Jam was a hit, the elves weren’t ready to hang up their harps. A spontaneous encore session broke out at the Great Fir Tree Stage around noon today. Festival-goers swayed to the sounds of “Jingle Bell Blues” and “Summertime Sleighin’.” Even Bernard joined in with a few mellow notes, declaring it “the bluest green I’ve ever played.”
🎁 Toyworks Reopen Tomorrow!
With the festival winding down, the Workshop Complex crews are preparing to resume full production tomorrow. “We’ll be shifting from ribbon races back to ribbon-wrapping,” chuckled Master Craftsman Tinsel McGinnis. Toy orders from Earth towns are already trickling in — and with only 157 days until Christmas, it’s time to pick up the pace.
🏘️ Village Spotlight: Toboggan Village
Known for its snow-chute streets and sled-carved lampposts, Toboggan Village played a critical support role during the Festival. Dozens of Tobogganers volunteered as sweepers, musicians, cocoa carriers, and sleigh-polishers. Their quiet efficiency was matched only by their impeccable sled boot style. Mayor Len Thornley commented, “We may be a bit downhill from the others, but our spirits are always climbing.”
🏘️ Human Town Update: Ainslo Thanks Santa's Crew
The town of Ainslo sent a formal letter of thanks today, delivered by post owl, congratulating Santa’s Village on a successful festival. Mayor Tilandra Pew wrote, “Your joyful traditions bring warmth to the coast, even in summer. Our children have already begun sketching sleigh designs.” Santa’s reply? “Tell them to send their best blueprints — I always welcome new ideas.”
🎨 Tomorrow’s Forecast: Glitter Cleanup Begins
The skies will be partly sparkling with residual glitter clouds. All sweep teams are reminded to wear their shimmer goggles. The Candy Cane Fields will be closed to grazing reindeer until the last peppermint shard is recovered.
Until Tomorrow...
From all of us here in Santa’s Village, thank you for making this Christmas in July a shining success. Stay kind, stay curious, and don’t forget to hydrate — even magical elves need water.
— Trever Inkpot, Staff Reporter
Sunday, July 20, 2025
By Trever Inkpot
☀️ Final Day of the Festival Draws Record Crowds
The final day of the Christmas in July Festival wrapped up this evening with sunshine, laughter, and just the faintest flurry of magical snowflakes over Candy Cane Fields. Visitors from all across Evela and the coastal towns turned out in record numbers for the Festival’s closing events.
This morning’s Festival Sing-Along Under the Stars (Daylight Edition) drew over 300 joyful voices in unison beneath the Great Fir Tree, where Maestro Tinsel conducted an energetic round of holiday favorites and summertime carols with equal flair.
🔥 Golden Bonfire Illuminates the Night
Tonight's Golden Bonfire burned bright as ever, its flames catching the shimmer of fairy dust in the air. Elders from all eight elf villages lit ceremonial torches, one by one, and shared brief reflections on unity, generosity, and laughter—values the festival celebrates year after year. A heartfelt moment came when Santa himself stood with young Birch and Farskip, this year’s Festival Ambassadors, to thank all who made the celebration possible.
Attendees dined on roasted nut clusters, gingerbread kabobs, and glowing ice-berry cider, served in twinkling mugs enchanted to never spill.
🎁 Dexter Tinker Declares Success
In what has become a semi-official tradition, young Dexter Tinker was spotted racing across the fields at dusk, loudly announcing that “This year, nothing exploded!” With only two misdirected tinsel barrels and one inflatable candy cane accident (harmless, if comical), it was declared the smoothest Christmas in July on record. Bernard was seen giving Dexter a subtle but sincere nod of approval.
🏡 Elf Village Spotlight: Ice Skate Village
As a special Festival week spotlight, Ice Skate Village reported its Snowberry Lantern Festival was a success despite the warmer weather. “We simply froze the lanterns ahead of time,” explained Elder Glimmerwell, “and used shimmering beetle-lace to hang them from floating lilypads.” Their entry in the Gingerbread Sculpture Contest—a miniature skating rink complete with icing icicles—won second place.
🏘️ Human Town Highlight: Rostlic
The lakeside town of Rostlic held its own floating lantern ceremony tonight in tandem with the Golden Bonfire. Children from the Elfling Orientation Program were invited to attend as special guests, each releasing a paper lantern bearing a hand-written wish. The reflections on the lake were described as “a thousand stars come to visit.”
🎶 Closing Notes
As Santa’s Harmonica played the final soft notes from beneath the Great Fir Tree, and the last snowflake danced its way to the grass, the villagers of Evela agreed: this may have been the most magical Christmas in July yet.
Tomorrow, cleanup begins—but tonight, we dream.