Santa Tells His Story

Review: The Christmas Chronicles series by Jeff Guinn

by Theresa Gauthier

    Browsing in a bookstore one year in early December I saw a book cover that drew me to it like a Beatles fan to a bootleg recording of a Cavern Club performance. 

When I saw it my first thought was of magic, of special moments, of something joyous. Though, later I wondered why. There’s nothing in the cover that shouts Christmas—but it did to me. Maybe I recognized the Santa Claus connection.

Yes, Santa Claus. The book was The Autobiography of Santa Claus: It's Better to Give by Jeff Guinn. I had to buy it, even though I usually make it a point not to buy anything for myself in December. The book was more than I’d hoped for, and if you haven’t read it, or any of the other books in the series, I cannot recommend them highly enough. The book has since been re-released with a new cover, but it’s this one that lured me to the series.

That first book was all I could hope for—except possibly a book that recognizes that the original St. Nicholas was Turkish and was likely not fair skinned and European-looking. Sticking with the irritating, insulting, frustrating bias, the book does deliver on the Christmas magic. Yes, magic. 

As an aside, I have to mention that I really hate movies that say as if with perfect logic, (like The Santa Clause films) ‘how does Santa deliver all those toys in one night?’ And ‘how can reindeer fly?’ The answer is obvious. Magic. Really, what’s the point if we aren’t going to suspend disbelief for a month or so and admit that it’s all magic.

When I first saw the book, I picked it up and read the first line. I often do that to judge a book when deciding if I should buy it. What's the first line in this book, you ask? 

You’re right to believe in me.

I sighed, closed the book and walked to the checkout line. 

The first book is an autobiography. Santa told his tale to author Jeff Guinn, who wrote it all out with Santa’s approval. Starting with Santa’s childhood and progressing into the details of his earliest gift-giving, and how he went from Bishop of Myra to immortal-giver-of-gifts each Christmas.

Who were his friends? How did he meet the woman who eventually became his bride, the famous Mrs. Claus? All this and more is in the book. It’s a delicious read. 

When the sequel was released, I was giddy. 

    The second book in the series, How Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas, delves into the time Mr. and Mrs. Claus spent apart. No, their relationship was never on the rocks. Theirs is a true love. Rather, the pair split up to spread Christmas cheer. Santa went to the New World in 1620, but Mrs. Claus chose to stay in England to keep her eye on the Puritans, who seemed to want nothing more than to put an end to the celebration of the Christmas season. Things get dire in England, and Mrs. Claus has a hand in public protest. 

Don’t get the idea that Santa doesn’t have much to do. In the New World, he meets Washington Irving, had to contend with the growing idea that Santa has flying reindeer, and worries about just what his wife has gotten into.

Neither of the Clauses is alone, both having picked teamed up with friends and helpers who have joined them in spreading the joys of Christmas.

The third book, The Great Santa Search, find Santa entering a “Reality” TV world searching for a Santa Claus. What’s Santa’s interest in this? It seems this program may just destroy the true spirit of Christmas. Santa has to step in to save Christmas, and in the meantime has to endure each of the challenges the would-be Santas on the reality/competition show face. How do you think he'll do?

Three books! A trilogy! We're done.  Well, not really. There's one more.

The final book is Santa’s North Pole Cookbook: Classic Christmas Recipes From Saint Nicholas Himself. Full of Recipes from Santa’s table, traditional Holiday fare from around the world, you too can make some of Santa’s favorite foods. With appetizers, side dishes, main courses, beverages, and desserts, you’ll find yourself wishing the holiday season were a bit longer so there’s time to enjoy it all.

Some of the best recipes are the desserts—of course! With recipes like Plum Pudding from England, Holiday Black Walnut Cake from Germany, Buche de Noel from France, and even a few special treats from the Northpole itself, the book includes more than a few words about where the dishes come from, the traditions of which they are a part, and even notes from Lars, the North Pole’s official chef. 

You’re sure to find something you love in these pages.

I’m glad I picked up that first book, because these have become an important part of my celebration. Check them out and see just what they’ll do for you.