This Christmas, the Widow of a Beloved Santa Receives a Gift That Reminds Her She’s Not Alone
November 26, 2025
A Secret Santa had a very special surprise for a certain Mrs. Claus in Eastern Idaho. First-grade teacher Sherri Empey, a widow of Santa, received a gift that blew her away. She couldn’t have been more surprised to be handed $10,000 this holiday season.
The local Secret Santa is on a mission to give out $1 million this Christmas, and Sherri was one of the first on his Nice List.
Mrs. Empey is known for being one of the best and most devoted teachers around and for being Mrs. Claus every Christmas.
A Very Rough Year for Mrs. Claus
RELATED: Secret Santa Surprises 69-Year-Old Widow With New Car, And Now Everyone's Sobbing
Even while she took extended time off to care for her husband, Craig, through his cancer treatments this year, she continued preparing lesson plans and staying connected with her students.
She and Craig lost their son in April, and then on Halloween day, Sherri lost Craig.
Each year for 23 years, the couple would shine as Santa and Mrs. Claus, opening their home and sleigh for photos and attending community events. Many in their community say Craig embodied the real Santa through his kindness and cheerful countenance.
He Started Playing Santa in His 20s
“He started playing Santa when he was only in his 20s,” said Sherri.
“Christmas was a big deal to us because that’s what happens when you’re married to Santa… We loved it when people came to our house for pictures, and we went everywhere—to people’s homes and churches, and schools to be Santa, and it was just a big deal,” Sherri said.
The “elves” of East Idaho News gave Sherri a surprise at her school recently. When the gym was filled with the school’s staff and kids, one elf called Sherri to the front and asked the room to show how much they loved her by making some noise.
Everyone in the gym clapped, stomped their feet, and whooped and hollered.
Widow of Santa Received Gift That Left Her Stunned
Then, an elf handed Sherri a $10,000 check from a local Secret Santa, which brought tears to her eyes.
“Thank you!” she said, sniffling. “All this is to pay forward.”
Hopefully, this act of kindness shows Sherri that she isn’t alone and is very much loved and supported by her community during this difficult time.
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WATCH: This Christmas, the Widow of a Beloved Santa Receives a Gift That Reminds Her She’s Not Alone
LISTEN: After Breaking Down Their Camp Family Hikes to Escape Wildfire | For Three Decades, He’s Marked Every Birth With Gift
h/t: East Idaho News
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/East Idaho News
Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.
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