Each year I read this book, I love a little more. There is something about know true facts about the magic of Christmas that draws you closer. There is a reason for the season for each person, and some of those reasons may differ. I've enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading it next year!! ( )

I read another copy of this several years ago and loved it---and I enjoyed it again this time around, all the more. This year, our family has begun attending a Torah Pursuant fellowship and most of the people don't celebrate Christmas. God hasn't really shown us clearly that we should do anything much differently than we normally do at Christmas so we are going ahead with our normal. However, it has been a bit of a bummer not to be able to have much community with friends --- (between that and Covid keeping the Christmas-practicing churches from doing much in the way of celebrating). It was fun to read this part history, part fantasy of the original St. Nicholas through to the current figure of Santa Claus. I loved how the book had so many fun nods to history and historical figures who had something significant happen (usually their deaths, honestly, but used in a way that brought a happy ending) on one of the traditional Christmas gifting days. I also really loved how the author continuously pointed back to the fact that Christmas was originally, and still usually is, dedicated to the celebration of the coming of Christ. I don't think I could have enjoyed this had that not been the central theme and I just appreciate the respect of this author, whether or not he is actually a believer. ( )

Pure Christmas Fun :) I loved the use of historical figures, Leonardo Da Vinci was of course my absolute favorite! I also loved that the story focused on kindness and generosity more so than religion. Can't wait to read the sequels! ( )

Whimsical and charming, certainly will put you in the holiday mood! I love the historical parts interspersed with the fantastical. ( )

This imaginative tale of Saint Nicholas combines history with a health dose of whimsy and fantasy. Readers will learn some facts, tempered with a load of fiction. Saint Nicholas was noted for many wonderful acts, but living for centuries, having flying reindeer, and residing and working at the North Pole are not among them. Neither did he partner with Attila the Hun, King Arthur, Ben Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, and Felix, among others. Still, many of the aspects now associated with the modern day Santa Claus are “explained” in this book. We see how Clement Moore’s poem and Virginia’s letter influenced the Santa legend. It’s quite a tale, enjoyable for both the history that the author adhered to and the fantasy that he wove around the truth. ( )