As the year comes to a close, Aaron returns to a childhood memory sparked by The Polar Express—a quiet library, falling snow, and a sound he still can’t explain. What begins as a story about believing in Santa becomes something larger: a reflection on why belief itself is real, necessary, and enduring. Through a timeless response to an 8-year-old’s question published in The New York Sun, this episode explores why the most important things in life may exist beyond what we can see.

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”

Music

📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠⁠7MS Haikus⁠⁠.

📻 If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring & Story Sounds Media LLC ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Thanks:

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife