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.

Review: The Book of Christmas: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Festive Traditions by Christopher Winn

3 stars for The Book of Christmas: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Festive Traditions by Christopher Winn.

I like very much to own a copy of this book the moment I set my eyes on it in the library. The lovely cover picture and wordings in gold take my breath away. Even the simple action of holding the book and flipping through the pages give me a sense of peace and the wondrous feeling of Christmas magic.

Naturally, I borrow the book and thought that I will definitely enjoy this read totally. But all too often, what we hope and want it to be may not happen in reality. In this case, much as I love this book of red cover and green flyleaf, it is not an easy read for me.

I love Christmas for the festive spirit, the simple, special moments of spending time together as a family, the giving and the receiving. Over the years, Christmas has come to mean whatever I want it to mean, more as a widely celebrated festival with secular features such as shopping, feasting, relaxing and family togetherness, rather than religious purposes. Perhaps it is for this reason that I find it hard to immerse myself in the finer details of Christmas and its origins and traditions and whatnots. That said, this book is still a good book to have to uncover the hidden stories behind our festive traditions.

Once again, I have managed to hold myself back from buying another book on impulse. While I am still very much attracted to this book with its beautiful cover and charming illustrations, I am glad for the cost savings as I am not sure if I will read it a second time.