If Santa Made a Will, Who’s Getting the Sleigh?
Santa delivers presents to the entire planet once a year, so it’s only fair to ask the big question — if Santa popped his clogs, who’s inheriting the North Pole empire? With a workshop full of valuable toys, a global delivery operation, flying reindeer, and a wife who’s kept the whole thing running for centuries, Santa’s will would need to be watertight.
Mrs Claus, Elves and Reindeer – Let’s Be Real
Mrs Claus would almost certainly be first in line. In real life, spouses are usually the main beneficiaries, and Santa would want her comfortable, not battling probate with a plate of mince pies. The elves wouldn’t automatically get the workshop unless Santa specifically left it to them — which is a great reminder that “everyone knows what I want” is not a legal strategy. As for Rudolph and the reindeer, they’d need a proper trust, because reindeer are famously terrible with paperwork and someone has to fund the carrot bill.
The Naughty and Nice List Won’t Save You
Sadly, Santa can’t just attach the naughty and nice list and hope the courts respect it. In England and Wales, a will has to be clear, properly written, and legally valid. Personal notes, side letters, and festive feelings don’t count — even if you’ve been running Christmas successfully for 300 years.
Charity, Chaos and the Moral of the Story
Santa would almost certainly leave gifts to children’s charities, which in real life can also be inheritance tax efficient. But if Santa didn’t make a will at all, his estate would fall under intestacy rules — and those do not cover elves, reindeer, or magical chimneys. The result? Delays, confusion, and a very un-festive mess.
The Festive Takeaway
If Santa needs a will, everyone does. Whether you’re leaving behind a global toy operation or just want to make sure your gifts go to the right people, a proper will keeps things clear and drama-free. Santa has elves. You have Westfield Wills — and we’ll make sure no one ends up on the naughty list.
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