Most of us picture Santa in his workshop, surrounded by happy elves. L. Frank Baum, the mind behind Oz, had other ideas. In this story, Santa's home is in the Laughing Valley, a place of pure joy. But just over the mountains live five ancient, grumpy demons: Selfishness, Envy, Hatred, Malice, and—the worst of all—Repentance. They can't stand how Santa's gifts encourage goodness, so they decide to capture him on Christmas Eve to ruin the holiday.

The Story

The plot is a fun, fast-paced caper. The demons sneak into Santa's valley and manage to trap him in a cave. With Santa gone, it's up to his loyal crew—the knooks, ryls, pixies, and fairies—and his trusty reindeer to save Christmas. The story follows their clever attempts to carry on Santa's work and outwit these very determined, and very cranky, supernatural foes.

Why You Should Read It

What I love is how it flips the script. This isn't a Santa who's just jolly; he's a force for good who has real enemies. The demons aren't cartoonish—they represent real, human flaws trying to squash kindness. It’s a battle for the heart of the holiday, wrapped in Baum's signature creative world-building. It’s darker than you'd expect, which makes the message about perseverance and hope even stronger.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a classic Christmas story with a twist, or fans of Baum's other work looking for a hidden gem. It's a quick, engaging read for older kids who aren't scared of a little villainy, and adults who appreciate a clever, slightly subversive holiday fable. It proves that even the most beloved traditions can face a great challenge—and come out shining.