Inside Operation North Star
A Story Hidden in the Snow

Beneath the glow of the Strasbourg cathedral and the twinkle of the Christkindelsmärik, there’s a deeper story waiting to be told—not the one we’ve inherited, but the one we create for ourselves.

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Operation North Star invites participants of the In Search of Santa global seminar to reimagine the mythology of Santa Claus through the lens of personal memory, historical imagination, and cultural discovery. Over the course of this 7-day winter wonderland experience, you’ll craft a short story, scene, or lyrical reflection inspired by the places we visit, the legends we explore, and the nostalgic magic that brought you here.

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Whether your story is wistful, playful, magical, or strange—what matters most is that it’s yours.

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This is a completely optional experience, open to writers of all backgrounds. If you choose to participate, you’ll have the opportunity to attend two guided writers’ workshops led by a guide with an MFA in creative writing, work from themed prompts throughout the week, and share your piece (if you’d like) in our closing session.

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After the seminar, participants will have the option to submit their final stories for inclusion in a bound anthology—a keepsake that captures the wonder, whimsy, and creativity of this unforgettable journey.