The Christmas Pirate®, written by Gregory J. DeGorsky, is more than just a holiday tale, it’s a sweeping adventure of destiny, devotion, and discovery.

At the center of the story is young Kris Masterson, who dreams of becoming a sea captain like his father, the legendary Captain Masterson. But before their journey together can begin, tragedy strikes: his father vanishes without a trace into the depths of the sea.
Years later, Kris sets sail on a bold voyage of his own, determined to uncover the truth behind his father's disappearance. His journey leads him across magical seas to a series of enchanted islands, each filled with wonder, danger, and secrets.

On the mysterious Isle of Rumors, Kris finds both love and a crucial clue to his father’s fate. But his mission becomes more than a search for answers, it becomes a quest to honor a solemn promise. Long ago, Kris vowed to deliver a special gift to the son of another captain, and now he carries that promise with him, collecting keepsakes and treasures along the way from each island he visits.

His journey reaches its emotional peak on the Isle of Tourik, where the gifts he’s gathered transform into something far greater, bringing joy to countless children and fulfilling a promise that once seemed impossible to keep.

Origin

The Christmas Pirate®  was born from the dreams of Gregory J. DeGorsky, who as a child living on Miami Beach, found endless inspiration in the ocean just across the street where he grew up. Surrounded by the salty air and the hum of the waves, he often imagined himself as a pirate, embarking on thrilling adventures on the high seas. These childhood daydreams became the heart and soul of The Christmas Pirate®, sparking not only this enchanting tale but many other stories that grew from the seed of his imagination.

 

Physical appearance

2019 illustration of The Christmas Pirate® by Elena Velasco Alarcón 
The character is a whimsical, festive pirate, often described as "The Christmas Pirate." He's dressed in a grand, colorful outfit with an exaggerated, oversized blue coat decorated with orange feathers, giving him a playful yet regal appearance. His wide-brimmed hat, which flares out in a dramatic fashion, is also adorned with a long feather, adding to his exaggerated, larger-than-life look.
He carries a staff, which also adds to his somewhat mystical and authoritative presence. His expression is one of mild arrogance or triumph, as if he’s proud of his appearance or achievements. His outfit features a white tunic with a red sash around his waist, and he's wearing knee-high boots. The character has a jovial and larger-than-life aura, fitting for a Christmas-themed pirate.
The mix of his pirate attire with the Christmas-feeling feathers and ornaments in his design suggests a fun and festive personality, blending the adventurous spirit of piracy with the joy of the holiday season.

 

Abilities

Captain Kris Masterson, better known across the seven seas as The Christmas Pirate®, is a jolly-hearted buccaneer with a spirit as warm as a mug of cocoa on a winter's night. With a heart as big as the ocean, Captain Kris is renowned for his generosity, always going out of his way to lend a hand, especially to children and families in need.

Sailing aboard his festively decorated ship, The Blue Sea, Kris and his merry crew scour distant shores and mysterious markets in search of magical trinkets and curious treasures. But unlike most pirates, Kris doesn’t hoard his loot, he gives it away to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most.

A master craftsman with a twinkle in his eye, the Captain spends countless hours in his workshop below deck, handcrafting toys and keepsakes. His creations include miniature treasure chests that unlock with special keys, shimmering necklaces made from seashells and other adornments, sturdy walking sticks carved from driftwood, and even tiny wooden boats that float as if enchanted.
But make no mistake—while Kris may be kind, he’s no pushover. With his trusty walking cane, he can fend off scallywags and sea scoundrels who seek to do harm. Some say his walking cane holds ancient magic, forged in the deepest parts of the ocean.

And if that's not enough, the Captain possesses a wondrous gift, he can speak the languages of the deep! Dolphins, turtles, parrots, monkeys, and even the shy sea dragons of the coral caves heed his call. Wherever there are island creatures or sea-dwelling friends, Kris is never alone.

With laughter in his voice and kindness in his soul, Captain Kris Masterson sails year-round, spreading joy, protecting the innocent, and proving that even mis-named pirates can be heroes.

 

Family & Friends

Main article:The Christmas Pirate story book
 Yolanda

 Captain Masterson - Father

 

Original works

First Publication 1997
Publication with Caribbean art Black & White (2008)
Publication with Caribbean art Color (2018)
Fist publication with Characters (2023)
Full color illustration book for children (2025)

 

Events & Appearances

  Ridgedale Theatre fund raiser (2009) – Troy, Michigan

  Reading is Fun (2009) – White Lake public Schools, Michigan

 

Boca Helping Hands, Thanksgiving serving meals (2012), Boca Raton Michigan

 

TV Show

Children’s TV Show (2009) – Warren, Michigan

 

  The Christmas Pirate puppet TV episodes (2023) YouTube

 

Video release

  The Christmas Pirate® video (2020) YouTube

 

Music

• Joseph DeGorsky composed and recorded theatrical scores in 2022 for The Christmas Pirate® Video book available on YouTube.
• Gregory DeGorsky composed and recorded in 2023 The Christmas Pirate® theme song for the TV series puppet show on YouTube.

References: Miistudios.com, Amazon, Etsy

Illustration of The Christmas Pirate on ship, by Elena Velasco Alarcón and Greogry J. DeGorsky (2020)
First appearance	(2006)
Created by	Gregory J. DeGorsky
Attire	Colorful Pirate clothing
Aliases	Christmas Pirate A Christmas Pirate Xmas Pirate Krismas Pirate Kris Masterson
Home	Isle Par Tend
Occupation	Merchant of gifts for those in need

The Christmas Pirate® is a registered trademark of Magnetic Image, Inc.