Santa Claus is missing, and a host of arctic animals searches for him in the snow.

This is a comprehensive history of the world's midwinter gift-givers, showcasing the extreme diversity in their depictions as well as the many traits and functions these characters share. It tracks the evolution of these figures from the tribal priests who presided over winter solstice celebrations thousands of years before the birth of Christ, to Christian notables like St. Martin and St. Nicholas, to a variety of secular figures who emerged throughout Europe following the Protestant Reformation. Finally, it explains how the popularity of a poem about a "miniature sleigh" and "eight tiny reindeer" helped consolidate the diverse European gift-givers into an enduring tradition in which American children awake early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Although the names, appearance, attire and gift-giving practices of the world's winter solstice gift-givers differ greatly, they are all recognizable as Santa, the personification of the Christmas and Midwinter festivals. Despite efforts to eliminate him by groups as diverse as the Puritans of seventeenth century New England, the Communist Party of the twentieth century Soviet Union and the government of Nazi Germany, Santa has survived and prospered, becoming one of the best known and most beloved figures in the world.

He's a symbol of hope and hapiness, of generosity and benevolence. Santa Clause is simply one of the most beloved legends ever embraced. The Story of Santa explores the history of Father Christmas. Who is he, really? Where did he come from? (His origins may surprise you!) Why does he fulfill our wishes? And what can we learn from him? He's become a ubiquitous figure during the Christmas season with his white beard, red suit, and prominent belly, but just how much do those celebrating the happy holiday really know about Santa Claus? Here is the whole story from the beginning—including the pre-Santas like Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, and of course, St. Nicholas. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates all things Santa ranging from the much-loved poem "The Night Before Christmas" to the songs, movies, images, and stories that are loved by both young and old. Along the way, it explores the favorite stories that have sprung up around him, including Santa’s elves, his workshop, Santa’s beloved reindeer and the legend of Mrs. Claus and the North Pole abode where she and her husband make their home. You'll even learn the secret to how Santa has time to visit every house around the world in just one night (a mathematician explains how it’s physically possible).

Who is Saint Nicholas? Who is Santa Claus? How are the two related? This book looks at the history of the legends of St. Nicholas and how he evolved in America to Santa Claus. Primarily, this book seeks to point out the anti-Christian message of St. Nick/Santa Claus. Christmas is a celebration of the Lord of the universe coming to earth to take our place in death to pay for our sins. Scripture records that our salvation is “by faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast.” Meanwhile, Santa waddles onto the Yuletide scene by warning children that they better be good, or they will not get any presents. Throughout the ages St. Nick has been used as a political pawn, as a spokesperson for a particular product or service and as a model of what the Church and any well-meaning Christian must do for others. However, St. Nicholas of legend is recorded as uttering legalistic advice to those he meets. He never comforts or assures with the rich Gospel message, nor does he give glory to God for any “miracles” he performs. This book sets out to teach parents about the truth of this jolly elf. In educating parents, the message may help them determine to what extent they play the “Santa game” with their children. Like Virginia O’Hanlon, we live in a cynical age. Santa has lost much of his luster. In the movies we have a serial-killer Santa and Santa ́s that curse and swear. We see Santas that are impatient with the young charges who come to sit on their lap and request their presents. Tim Burton’s T’was the Nightmare Before Christmas portrays a Santa who scares and frightens young children. On college campuses and in many workplaces, A Visit From Saint Nicholas is reworked and reworded to portray an alcoholic oaf who barges in on Christmas Eve. In song, Santa ́s uncontrollable reindeer run down grandma. Teenagers rework Rudolph the red-nose reindeer as—surprise-an alcoholic. Regional groups often have humorous songs at Santa’s expense that often put the jolly elf in a bad light. The legends and myths of Santa are seen as fraudulent. The expectations of the elf for us “mortals” are seen as unapproachable. The promises and threats are seen as empty and hollow. The cynicism of this caricature is certainly in place. Read the review at BookIdeas.com.

Imagine being seated at Mrs. Claus' large kitchen table along with Santa's elves as Mrs. Claus tells another of her favorite traditional Christmas stories filled with magic, love and adventure that only Christmas holds. Well Dear Reader, that's exactly where you will find yourself as you read this Collection of Mrs. Claus' Christmas Stories. Hurry. Be seated and start reading before Mrs. Claus' famous hot mint chocolate cools!

Who or what is Santa Claus? What is his relationship to Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and other Christmas-time gift bearers? What is the message of Santa? This book traces the lineage of the "child's saint" back to the alleged historical bishop of Myra up to the jolly saint in red garb that graces our modern Christmases. The book paints a stark contrast to the Gospel message of forgiveness freely given. "This book gives a very interesting history of how the myth of St. Nicholas/Santa Clause compares with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. I was amazed at the similarities but truly wonder if the two confuses children or one is to overshadow the other in this commercial world." Doris Costagliola for BookIdeas.com