When Santa reads a letter from a little girl asking for a hippopotamus for Christmas, he puts into motion an adventure that starts in Africa and ends at the North Pole. Thanks to Mrs. C and the elves, Santa takes off on Christmas Eve to make the girl's Christmas wish come true. However, nothing prepares Santa for the hippo's reaction to flying through the night on Christmas Eve.

"A Hippopotamus for Christmas" is an original story told by Santa John. The book tells the story behind the song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" from Santa's point of view. This is his way of explaining to kids why Santa won't always bring kids live animals for Christmas.