A College Santa Clause

by Ralph Henry Barbour

"A College Santa Clause" is a short story by Ralph Henry Barbour, originally published in the 1910 collection, The New Boy at Hilltop and Other Stories.

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories, Holiday

26 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1910

About the author

Ralph Henry Barbour (1870 - 1944) was an American novelist who wrote popular works of sports fiction for boys, creating highly readable and idealistic stories that taught about the importance of sports, teamwork, and school spirit. Over his career, Barbour produced more than 100 novels as well as a number of short stories.

He was the winner, along with George Randolph Osborne, of Life Magazine’s Shortest Story Contest, which culminated with a publication of these works in 1916.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expecting to spend his Christmas holidays at the home of his friend and fellow Harvard student, E. Satherwaite is dismayed to receive a last-minute telegram informing him that the invitation must be rescinded, due to a sick relative. Thrown into a state of dejection at this state of affairs, and with nothing to do with his time until the following morning, when the next train leaves for home, Satherwaite takes to cleaning his dorm room in his desperation. When he discovers that a book he borrowed a week before from an acquaintance is still in his possession, he sets out to return it, finding himself intruding upon a party of college men he doesn't know - college men working their own way through school. Here, at this unexpected holiday gathering, Satherwaite realizes that there is something to be said for appreciating small blessings...

Originally published in 1910, as part of Ralph Henry Barbour's collection, The New Boy at Hilltop and Other Stories , where it is known as "A College Santa Claus," this short story makes for an engaging, old-fashioned Christmas tale. There is no overt moralizing here, but the lesson that Satherwaite learns - that there are many young men at school with him at Harvard who, although not in his social class, are well worth knowing and having as friends - is made perfectly clear through the story. I'm not sure why this was reissued as "A College Santa Clause," with an "e" added to Claus, as the pun doesn't seem to relate to anything in the story. Leaving that issue aside, as well as the prevalence of pipe smoking (something the young men all do together, and which may strike the contemporary reader as being unpleasant), this was quite enjoyable, and made me eager to track down more of the prolific Barbour's college fiction. Recommended to those seeking old-fashioned Christmas stories, especially such stories aimed more at young men.

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading and enjoying this story, and finding out that "layers" is actually two syllables, I have arranged my take away thoughts into a haiku:

"No time like Christmas
To recall everyone has
More depth than you think."

[Sharone Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bored with Christmas as he knows it, Satherwaite's eyes are opened to what real camaraderie among men can be and how it would be manifested during the season of good will. A wonderful short story!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Harvard student from a wealthy family unexpectedly has to spend Christmas at the university. While feeling sorry for himself, he comes across a party held by the poorer students who can't afford to go home for the holidays. He decides to spend the evening with his schoolmates despite everyone's initial discomfort and learns that friendship and camaraderie make the holiday special.

[Rhys Causon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected not to enjoy this one at the start because it felt a little too close to home. I haven’t spent an actual Christmas with family for years but it reminded me of the ways Christmas is spent during the slower periods in work.

So while it may not be perfect as a story, it was enjoyable enough.

[Tym · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story of a lonely Christmas turned into a Christmas of joy and new friendships