Sheyda Abvabi Best brings you the 3rd in her Young Santa series this year, and with a few years under his belt, it’s the perfect time to get to know the jolly young elf a bit better.


Sheyda Abvabi Best

For instance, did you know the pup Young Santa hangs out with is not his dog? Sheyda reveals, “Young Santa loves to spend time with Cinnamon, who is actually his neighbor’s puppy. He often dog-sits and takes her on walks to help his neighbor out.”

Young Santa
3rd in the series.

It sounds like Santa was on the nice list from a young age, so we asked Sheyda to share a little more about his personality. “Young Santa is a very sweet, curious little boy. He’s the sort of kid who will take apart a toy just to figure out how it works, and then he’ll put it back together again. He’s particularly fond of his mom’s sugar cookies, which he likes to give out to his neighbors. The only things he doesn’t care for are bell peppers and when others don’t play nice.”

Well, bell peppers aren’t for everyone, right? But having solved the mystery of how Santa’s lifelong love of cookies began, we wondered how Sheyda came up with this year’s ornament design. She explains, “I pictured Young Santa having just finished wrapping presents, while Cinnamon has been keeping him company. She hid in this present so she could pop out and give him a little surprise.”

So, what surprises might Young Santa be in for in the future? Sheyda says, “I start ideating for the next ornament in this series two years before it will show up on store shelves. I like to think about what ‘firsts’ Young Santa can experience, like the first time he puts on his famous red coat or the first time he goes sledding.

“And next year, you’ll see another first, when Young Santa will be making a new critter friend! I’m very excited about this one, so stay tuned, Young Santa is just getting started!”

Young Santa’s story is fun for kids of all ages, and you can pick up the third ornament in the series at Ornament Premiere in July.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sheyda Abvabi Best about her Young Santa #3 ornament! Coming at Ornament Premiere in July.” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, May 1, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3639754192931245