What are Small Manufacturers Made of?

This Holiday Season, let’s find out why so many small manufacturers around the world are driven by purpose as much as profit and how behind many small shops is a story of care and a commitment to serving others.

***

Little Peter was waiting for Christmas more than any other kid in the 4th grade. Already on Halloween, he had wanted to dress as an elf, and the story was much the same on Thanksgiving. But the reason for Peter’s peculiar fascination was not what you might think. It wasn’t because he couldn’t wait to get presents, as his parents and friends had first assumed. Nor was it a case of early onset holiday spirit that often captures the hearts of children and adults alike. No, the reason was that Peter simply couldn’t wait to meet Santa Claus.

“Why do you want to meet Santa, dear?” Mom asked Peter one December morning as the two of them were having breakfast in the kitchen. Katie – Peter’s younger sister – had already left the house with Dad, so they were alone. “I have a proposition for him,” Peter replied knowingly. “Santa always helps those in need and has just the right presents for everyone. I want to do that too, so I want to be Santa’s work shadow!”

Mother let out a surprised laugh, but Peter’s sincerity moved her more than she let on. She looked out the window, and her thoughts gathered around her father – Peter’s grandfather – who had passed a few years ago. Gramps had been a shoemaker, crafting custom boots for people all his life. He’d also volunteered at the local shelter for many years, fixing up people’s shoes for free on Sundays.

That evening, when the kids were in bed, Mom spoke with Dad. She told him about having discovered the reason behind Peter’s peculiar fascination with Christmas. “I wonder where he got that idea from? ” said Dad. “I’m not sure,” Mom replied, “but it did give me an idea. What would you say if we got Peter something different for Christmas this year?”

***

And then it was finally here – Christmas Day had arrived. The family had decorated the house and brought in a beautiful living fir tree that they would replant in the nearby woods after Christmas. Peter’s grandmother had also joined the family for the Holidays, and the five of them were getting ready to sit down for Christmas dinner. Katie and Dad were setting the table and, as had become tradition since Gramps’s passing, also set a seat for him. Mom and Grandma were in the kitchen, giving the finishing touches to the feast. “Wait ‘til you see Peter’s present tomorrow morning,” Mom told her mother and giggled. “It’ll be a surprise for you, too!”

Peter was in his room, writing something on several pieces of paper. When Mom called him to come down for dinner, he grabbed the letters and a pencil and rushed downstairs. They all sat down and started to eat. Peter laid a paper out next to his plate and was going through it while he ate. “I can’t help it, Grandma,” said Peter, in reply to Grandma’s curious look, “I still need to finish my resumé for Santa. We have an appointment tonight!” Everyone laughed, except for Peter.

***

In the morning, Peter was confused – Santa hadn’t shown up in the night. Peter had woken up, sneaked downstairs, and brought milk and cookies from the fridge to the living room – the standard regulation, as far as he knew, when meeting Santa.

But Peter couldn’t believe his eyes when he opened his present: a full-blown Santa outfit! This must be why he didn’t show, Peter thought. He is so busy on Christmas Eve, after all. But the outfit was a sure sign that Santa accepted Peter’s proposition.

The suit was magnificent – dark burgundy red fabric, golden stitching, and shining creamy whites – the highest manufacturing quality. He put on the costume, and it felt just right. ”But that’s not all, little ´Petey Claus´,” chuckled Dad, “If you’re up for it, people at Gramps’ shelter are having a Christmas gathering in the afternoon, and they could sure use a Santa!” Peter’s mouth fell open. “Really?! I can be Santa!?” They all laughed and enjoyed a warm-hearted Christmas morning.

At the shelter, the townsfolk had donated presents – trinkets and gadgets, useful everyday items, and candy and toys for the children. Peter was a natural and showed top-tier Santa form. He kept faithfully to his role for hours, never breaking character. The adults all felt touched by Little Santa’s vigorous performance. But the children were genuinely baffled and awe-struck by the magic of it all.

***

That night, as Peter went to sleep, his new costume hanging proudly on the cupboard door, he thought, “Wow, I did it, I am Santa’s helper! Bringing joy to everyone at the shelter was so great and felt so good. Giving really is the greatest gift!”

Ever since that Christmas, something quietly took root in Peter. He remained Little Santa for years, bringing joy and laughter to many in his community. He loved the idea of noticing what people needed and preparing things for them so that every detail felt just right.

As the years passed, that feeling never left him – it simply changed shape. Instead of a Santa suit, he wore an apron, and instead of a sack of toys, he had worktables, ribbons, boxes, and neatly organized shelves. He started small – helping local businesses and families put together thoughtful gift bundles and custom wrapping that made ordinary items feel special. One order at a time, his little job shop grew into a small manufacturing business built on care and purpose.

And if you ask Peter today why he does what he does, he’ll smile and tell you the same thing he once told his mother at the kitchen table: helping people, making something just right for them, and bringing a bit of joy – that’s the real magic.

And that’s the story of how Peter became a small manufacturer.

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from the MRPeasy team!