Behind the Story: For the Love of Santa

By now, you've probably heard quite a bit of my story about how I came up with Mama Dated Santa. How my mother-in-law dated a guy in college who grew up to be Santa now. She probably never even knew about it because we didn't find out until after she'd passed away.
Funny enough, though, she LOVED all things Santa. These pictures are just part of her collection that she'd get out every Christmas. Ornaments, knick-knacks, a wreath, even a big shelf-sitter. They ranged from cute to classic and every style in between. And every time I see a Santa, I think of her. Just no helping it.
Needless to say, how could I not instill at least a bit of the love of Santa in my own children? And in my characters as well. You don't even have to "believe" in him as much as you simply believe in what he stands for. He's someone who is jolly and good and wants the best for boys and girls at Christmas. What could be better?
​So, as I was writing my book about Santa, I wanted to make sure he fit all those things. Was he jolly? Was he good-hearted? Did he want the best?
I'd like to think I did a good job. Though I often wonder if Mark, the little boy in the story, wonders about him after Christmas when he's still hanging out with his Nana. ;) Just like I wonder about my kids ... if they have quite figured out the whole "men playing Santa in one place who are our friends' grandfathers in another." Because it's very real. Maybe that just adds to the magic.
After all, who is more jolly and good than a grandfather, right?
Do you love Santa? Do you have a collection? Prefer more modern, cutesy, classic, or some of all?
Is there a Santa in your life?
​Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.

Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?