A foundling raised by a wood-nymph in the enchanted Forest of Burzee, Claus grows up among fairies, ryls and knooks, then leaves the forest to live in the Laughing Valley and carve the world’s first toys. Told in three parts — youth, manhood and old age — the story explains the reindeer, the stockings, the chimneys and the first Christmas tree, and pits Claus against the wicked Awgwas.
Baum’s own Christmas mythology, published in 1902, makes a fine family read for December evenings. Download the free EPUB.