A Special Place for Santa: A Legend for Our Time

by Jeanne Pieper

A brief history of legends surrounding St. Nicholas, leading to his modern counterpart, Santa Claus, who pays tribute to the birth of Christ on Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Catholic, Christianity

28 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1991

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so moved by this story. It was an incredibly sweet little story. I'm so happy I read it and now I understand what all the fuss is about the Santa statue kneeling in front of baby Jesus! 🎅🏻

[Heather Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story that expands on the artwork of the kneeling Santa.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christian book. I liked the way it combined the more secular view of Santa Claus with the more spiritual history of Saint Nicholas and of Jesus.

[Rob Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through a well-constructed narrative and engaging illustrations, we learn about the "special place for Santa" that is reserved for him -- where he truly belongs -- kneeling before the manger in the Nativity scene. In this tale, we not only have a delightful story about Santa in the present day, but also a story about the historical St. Nicholas and how he became associated with the Christmas season in the first place. Children of all ages -- and grown-ups, too! -- will enjoy reading this book about how Santa Claus fits into the multifaceted tapestry that is CHRISTMAS, my favorite time of year.

And just in vase you're wondering -- Christmas isn't over yet! Today, January 3rd, 2018, is the 10th Day of Christmas! You see, the 12 Days of Christmas BEGIN on December 25th, and they end with EPIPHANY on January 6th. :)

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recently instructed to read this book to my babysitting charges by the parents, who wanted to start teaching their children about the Christmas holiday. This is an incredible book. I found the last few pages to be very emotional and moving. Unfortunately, this book is very wordy and runs long. I was reading to children under the age of four and found it best to skip many of the history pages just because they lost focus and wanted to move on. It is probably most appropriate for slightly older children.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book for two of my nieces. With the height of Christmas and commercialism we forget the true meaning of the season. This is the perfect book to instill that in children. Santa overhears some women putting him down. He's very disturbed until God reminds him that he's Saint Nicholas & also reminds him of all the good he's done for children. Sweetest story I've read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember this book being read to me in middle school and loving it. I had forgotten the name of it but came across it recently. Brought back fond memories of Sunday School that I haven't thought of for awhile.

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives dome history of Santa Claus and reminds the reader that we celebrate Christmas because, of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction of this story is written by Pat Boone. This story is inspired by the figurines of a kneeling Santa that were created in 1976. The history of Santa Claus is recounted by God to Santa as he is feeling a little blue after hearing a couple women say that they feel Santa is taking over the significance of Christmas. The book ends with Santa kneeling at the manger at a church nativity. A thrift store find. Lovely and sweet.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and endearing.

[Sue Ellen Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoy the historical context of Saint Nicholas, and how he served the Lord.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and the way it ties both sides of Christmas together.