A Special Place for Santa

A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper

Recently I had the opportunity to read this book. It was part of our “One Room” Church school study based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

In The Lion, Father Christmas visits Narnia and we took the opportunity to look ahead to Christmas in our lives and the receipt of gifts.

A Special Place for Santa is based on a book from almost 30 years ago by Ray Gauer, Santa and the Christ Child. Both of these stories help us to bring together the two major symbols of Christmas – Jesus and Santa Claus. This narrative strengthens the connection by blending historical facts and imaginative legend in an interesting way that brings Santa Claus – St. Nicholas - to his knees before Jesus.

It kept the attention of both the children and the adults – drawing the children into the story while sparking lively discussion among the adults. Reactions to the story ranged from one child’s “Cool!” to an adults “It was interesting to discuss the connections and look at Christmas in another light.”

If you are looking for a holiday story to read to a special child, or even for your own return to Christmas simplicity, I highly recommend this book for inclusion in your Advent preparations.

- Sue S