Review: Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas by Sal Lizard and Jonathan Lane

4 stars for Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas by Sal Lizard and Jonathan Lane.

This is truly a book about the spirit of Christmas; an uplifting story full of miracles and Christmas wonder.

When I read that author Sal's hair and beard turned completely white in his twenties, I am like "seriously, what is the chance of someone looking so much like Santa Claus with the real white beard and moustache"?

In this book, Santa Sal shares with readers many amazing and delightful experiences of his. These include how he comes to personify the spirit of Santa Claus, how he learns to play Santa and be Santa himself, why he feels a growing need and responsibility to maintain Santa's unblemished image in the hearts and minds of children, why he makes a vow to himself that he will never ever leave a child waiting for an answer to a question for Santa, how he answers those so-very-tricky Christmas questions from children - questions such as "why don't I get the present I ask for?" or "where is Santa's reindeer and sleigh?" or "How do I earn the toy I want?" or "Why didn't I get everything on my Christmas wish list?" or "Are you really Santa Claus?" - and many many more.

It is heartening to see how author Sal feels about Christmas, that it is not simply a single day during the year, but rather, as any time when someone reaches out to another with love and a helping hand. As such, it is amazing to see the Christmas magic he creates for adults and children alike.

I believe that the most lasting Christmas memories are created by simple, special moments of togetherness; these are the real magic and wonder of what the holiday season is all about. And author Sal, through his stories, successfully captures these wonderful moments for his readers. Yes, read this book and feel for yourself what I mean.



Publisher: Avery
Publication date: 29 Oct 2013

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With the holiday shopping season beginning earlier each year, more than ever. Americans are struggling to remember the true meaning of Christmas. And who better to deliver the gift of Christmas inspiration than a man who has spent the last two decades playing Santa?

Sal Lizard was in his twenties when his beard and hair turned completely white. Today he appears everywhere from malls and parades to schools and hospitals. And from his custom-made red velvet suits to the mistletoe that hangs from the rearview mirror in his Santa-mobile, he is Santa Claus three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

In Being Santa Claus Sal reflects on his experiences with both children and adults including:

Christmas magic is all around us: We don’t always see it, but it is there, shaping and enriching our lives. Sometimes you need to go that extra mile: Santa Claus is the one person who can’t even use a blizzard as an excuse not to honor his commitments, and Sal teaches adults the importance of always showing up for our children. Even a small child can make a big difference: Sal has met some impressive children over the years, and he’s learned that you don’t need to be a grown-up to make an impact on the world around you.

In Being Santa Claus Sal shares these lessons, along with often heartwarming, occasionally heartbreaking, and sometimes downright hysterical stories from his twenty-year career as Santa.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

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