A Kidnapped Santa Claus

by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

"A Kidnapped Santa Claus" by L. Frank Baum is a Christmas-themed short story published in 1904. Set in the same mythological world as Baum's earlier novel about Santa Claus, the tale features five Daemons who resent Santa's influence over children. When they fail to tempt him into selfishness, envy, and hatred, they kidnap him on Christmas Eve. Santa's magical helpers must scramble to deliver gifts while an army prepares to rescue him—but the resolution brings an unexpected turn involving repentance and forgiveness.