Santa Surprises Children Who Recently Wrote Him Letters to Celebrate Christmas in July

Smyrna, Del. — Santa Claus made a surprise mid-summer visit to Cadence Academy, a Smyrna daycare center, Wednesday morning, delighting a classroom full of young children who had recently written him letters.

The special appearance by Delaware-based entertainers Kris & Holly, who portray Santa and Snickerdoodles the Elf year-round, was timed for July 23—almost exactly five months before Santa’s big trip around the world on Christmas Eve. The duo read aloud many of the children’s letters—some humorous, others heartfelt—as part of a classroom writing project that turned into an unexpected real-life North Pole moment.

“It was very personal and the kids really enjoyed it. It helped them believe.” said Briana Turner, the students classroom teacher.

Michael and Renate Sheinbaum, the married pair behind Kris & Holly, brought a sack of the students’ handwritten letters and responded to each with joy and humor. The visit was organized after Cadence Academy, a longtime client of the pair, reached out to Kris & Holly, hoping to surprise the children who had written their letters earlier this month.

“We received some surprising letters,” said Michael, who performs as Kris. “One child, whose uncle is an officer, wanted handcuffs, while another wanted a tea party with royalty. It’s that kind of imagination that keeps us doing this year-round.”

Renate, also known across Delaware as longtime children’s performer Snippy Doodles the Clown, often portrays an elegant and talented Mrs. Claus. “However, sometimes I like to portray Snippy Doodles and enjoy Christmas. Snickerdoodles the Elf allows me to do both.” On Wednesday, she appeared as Snickerdoodles the Elf, performing magic and reading letters with Kris. Together, they shared stories about life at the North Pole during the off-season. “Even the elves take a summer break,” she told the children.

Kris & Holly, based in Dover, have become fixtures in Delaware’s entertainment landscape. While they are best known for their holiday performances, the couple travels all over Delmarva year-round, providing family-friendly shows, educational programs, and more at libraries, schools, festivals and private events.

Their performances include balloon art, puppetry, and illusions for interactive shows like “The I Love to Read Show,” “Holly Gander’s Magical Mother Goose,” and their newest offering, “The Museum of Lost Colors,” developed for Delaware’s 2025 Collaborative Summer Library Program.

Their tradition of exchanging Christmas letters began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the couple lived in King of Prussia, Pa. The Upper Merion Police Department had planned to deliver stuffed animals to children who wrote to a mailbox at the police station. When Kris learned that no one was replying to the letters, he volunteered. What started as a few dozen responses quickly grew to more than 450. Since relocating to Dover in 2023, Kris & Holly have continued to partner with the Upper Merion police and hope to expand the program into Delaware. The service remains completely free, and anyone can send a letter to Santa at any time by visiting krisandholly.com/letterstosanta.

Wednesday’s visit is one of several mid-year Santa appearances planned by the couple, who say the holiday spirit shouldn’t be confined to December.

“Christmas doesn’t have to wait,” Renate said. “Sometimes, a little joy in July is just what a child needs.”

Kris & Holly will continue their summer library tour with scheduled public appearances in Milford, Dover and Seaford through August. They will return this fall for appearances at the Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach and other regional events.

For more information or to book Kris & Holly, visit www.krisandholly.com or call 302-535-9991.