The Year Without a Santa Claus

Santa Claus awakens with a cold in early December and contemplates canceling his annual Christmas Eve journey. His doubt is amplified by a sarcastic elf doctor and a skeptical world, but his core kindness remains. After Mrs. Claus and the elves bring him evidence of Christmas spirit from around the globe, he remains undecided until the town's generosity and Iggy’s help remind him of his duty to deliver joy.

Mrs. Claus is proactive and practical, arranging the rescue of Vixen and pushing the elves to seek proof of Christmas spirit. She is willing to go over the heads of the usual channels, consulting Mother Nature for a resolution. She orchestrates the plan that leads to a compromise between Snow Miser and Heat Miser, proving her leadership and commitment to the holiday.

Jingle is one of Santa's elf helpers who accompanies Jangle to Southtown in search of Christmas spirit. He is enthusiastic, witty, and resourceful, helping to navigate the town's bureaucracy and bonding with Iggy. He collaborates with Jangle and Iggy to provoke the snow request and to gather support from the mayor.

Jangle is the other elf; he is curious, loyal, and devoted to Santa. He, along with Jingle, travels to Southtown and participates in attempts to generate snow and spark belief. His persistence helps drive the plan to seek the town's support.

Iggy is a boy from Southtown who discovers Santa's identity and decides to help. He grows from curiosity to active involvement, joining Jingle and Jangle to find Christmas spirit and to support Santa's return. His courage and ingenuity help bridge the magical world with the town.

Mayor Thistlewhite is the town's administrator who negotiates on behalf of Southtown. He agrees to release Vixen if they can bring snow to Southtown, showing his pragmatic approach to crisis. He collaborates with the elves and Santa as the story moves toward a holiday compromise.

Snow Miser is the keeper of cold weather who initially refuses to snow in Southtown due to his domain. He embodies icy pragmatism and power, but he is drawn into a compromise after Mother Nature's persuasion. He serves as the opposite force to Heat Miser and the narrative's weather-driven conflict.

Heat Miser is the keeper of warm weather who resists giving up warmth for Southtown. He embodies fiery temperament and stubborn pride, and he clashes with Snow Miser over control of the weather. He is eventually persuaded toward balance through Mother Nature's intervention.

Mother Nature is the mythic mediator who can summon both Snow Miser and Heat Miser to a compromise. She embodies the natural order and insists on balance rather than domination. Her negotiation helps secure a solution that allows snow in Southtown and a warm day at the North Pole in a measured, harmonious way.