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A Christmas Jar for Santa - A Christmas Jars Story
“...one by one, family members will empty their pockets and delight at the cling-clang of change hitting the empty glass bottom. Most days will yield a quarter, a dime, perhaps two nickels and a stray penny. Occasionally Mother will make change for herself by drop- ping in a worn dollar bill and pulling out an appropriate combination of cool silver coins. Over the months that follow, the gathering change will leave no recognizable void. Occasionally the temptation to borrow for laundry, a movie, or the ice-cream truck will float through the house, over the jar, and out the back door. But it never lands. The money is spoken for.” (Excerpt from Christmas Jars, copyright 2005, published by Shadow Mountain.)
Christmas Jars, a New York Times Bestselling novella by Jason Wright, first became a phenomenon during the 2005 holiday season. Readers across America reacted to the message of daily giving and sacrifice by creating their own Christmas Jars.
Today, thousands of glass jars rest on kitchen countertops, slowly collecting the spare change generated each and every day. On Christmas Eve, each jar, now overflowing with both money and goodwill, will anonymously find a new home. In turn, the grateful recipients will put the money to good use in their lives and begin their own jar. Thus hearts and lives are changed and the cycle continues.
This short story follows in the tradition and spirit of Christmas Jars. If you've read the original, you'll love this sweet addition to the Christmas Jars family.
Christmas Jars, a New York Times Bestselling novella by Jason Wright, first became a phenomenon during the 2005 holiday season. Readers across America reacted to the message of daily giving and sacrifice by creating their own Christmas Jars.
Today, thousands of glass jars rest on kitchen countertops, slowly collecting the spare change generated each and every day. On Christmas Eve, each jar, now overflowing with both money and goodwill, will anonymously find a new home. In turn, the grateful recipients will put the money to good use in their lives and begin their own jar. Thus hearts and lives are changed and the cycle continues.
This short story follows in the tradition and spirit of Christmas Jars. If you've read the original, you'll love this sweet addition to the Christmas Jars family.
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First published November 18, 2010
33 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Jason F. Wright
58 books592 followersJason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author.
Jason also writes an occasional column which has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines and web sites across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Deseret News, Forbes, CNN, FoxNews, and others.
Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks on the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. He has been seen on CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, and on local television stations around the country.
Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages.
Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.
Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.
Jason also writes an occasional column which has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines and web sites across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Deseret News, Forbes, CNN, FoxNews, and others.
Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks on the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. He has been seen on CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, and on local television stations around the country.
Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages.
Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.
Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 29, 2017
“Santa” and his wife Pauline were unable to have children. However, Pauline loved children so much that “Santa” ended up loving them mightily, too. So, when a church Santa became ill one year, “Santa” stepped in to take his place, and just kept doing it every year thereafter.
A Christmas Jar for Santa, by Jason F. Wright, is a short, short story-only nine or ten pages long. I had planned on reviewing a book length Christmas story, but this one . . . this one couldn’t and wouldn’t allow me to ignore it. It left a lasting impression on me as I’m sure it will on you, too when you read it.
There are at least four more Christmas Jar stories, and I can’t wait to read them all.
Merry, Merry Christmas in July!
A Christmas Jar for Santa, by Jason F. Wright, is a short, short story-only nine or ten pages long. I had planned on reviewing a book length Christmas story, but this one . . . this one couldn’t and wouldn’t allow me to ignore it. It left a lasting impression on me as I’m sure it will on you, too when you read it.
There are at least four more Christmas Jar stories, and I can’t wait to read them all.
Merry, Merry Christmas in July!
December 19, 2020
I read this short Christmas story by an electric fire place across the table from the love of my life in a coffee shop playing Christmas music that we rode to on our bikes in 26-degree weather. I was guarded against a potentially cheesey and silly Christmas story until I remembered something written by Brené Brown and chose to let myself enjoy the experience. The result was me laughing a little while I wiped my eyes and nose in public with the napkin that came with my seasonal, brown sugar hazelnut latte and quiche (which Chris says was more like a frittata). I don't recall how this heartwarming story ended up on my Kindle, but I'm grateful it did.
November 24, 2019
Cute Christmas story
I usually don’t like small reads but, this one was different. Stories of good will and good deeds brighten my day and my life. As Kathy Lee calls them God winks. I love to hear stories of God working in people’s lives.
I usually don’t like small reads but, this one was different. Stories of good will and good deeds brighten my day and my life. As Kathy Lee calls them God winks. I love to hear stories of God working in people’s lives.
July 12, 2022
Great, inspirational book
This was a quick read & enjoyable too! It doesn't matter what time of year you read this-it will hit you just when you need a feel-good read! I'm a fan of this author & his other books in this series! ENJOY
This was a quick read & enjoyable too! It doesn't matter what time of year you read this-it will hit you just when you need a feel-good read! I'm a fan of this author & his other books in this series! ENJOY
November 20, 2017
Blessing of being a Santa
Beautifully written and heart warming. This story brings the reader the love and joy experienced by our Santa friends annually.
Beautifully written and heart warming. This story brings the reader the love and joy experienced by our Santa friends annually.
December 28, 2020
Shat an inspiring story of giving and helping.
September 22, 2021
Short, but sweet.
Such a sweet story about love, loss, and how caring for others enriches our lives. Definitely worth the short time it took to read.
Such a sweet story about love, loss, and how caring for others enriches our lives. Definitely worth the short time it took to read.
October 31, 2021
Cute.
Very short story but adorable. Wish it was longer. think the idea of the book would make a great novella.
Very short story but adorable. Wish it was longer. think the idea of the book would make a great novella.
August 8, 2022
Santa's Christmas jar
What an endearing short story of how Santa received his own Christmas Jar and why. Loved this! You won't be disappointed.
What an endearing short story of how Santa received his own Christmas Jar and why. Loved this! You won't be disappointed.
December 11, 2022
Read on KU.
September 24, 2023
Great story
Such a lighthearted read.
Enjoyed it. Making a jar this year.
Good, easy read, delightful, inspiring,
Short, but very inspiring.
Such a lighthearted read.
Enjoyed it. Making a jar this year.
Good, easy read, delightful, inspiring,
Short, but very inspiring.
December 7, 2024
Heartwarming!
I was in tears at the end! So good! I love these stories about Santa and the magic of Christmas!
I was in tears at the end! So good! I love these stories about Santa and the magic of Christmas!
January 24, 2026
too short!
I only gave it 4 stars cause it was so short and I needed more story! Still loved it! Can’t wait to read more!
I only gave it 4 stars cause it was so short and I needed more story! Still loved it! Can’t wait to read more!
December 12, 2024
I think the concept of this is great but the story didn’t have much story to it to pull me in. Overall just so so. Grateful it was short to help me get to my goal though!
December 19, 2011
This short story begins with some background information about a man who would become a popular and beloved Santa Claus. He served in the Korean War and came home to marry Pauline. They wanted to have children of their own, but that wasn't to be. After working in a factory for many years, he retired and began his new job as a Christmas Santa Claus.
It started when Jake Carnahan, the church Santa took ill. The demand for his services grew over the years. He and Pauline loved the children. They went to churches, hospitals, shopping malls and many other places...always delivering presents and spreading the joy of Christmas. His job as Santa Claus occupied most of his time for over 20 years.
When Pauline died of cancer, he was able to carry on his Santa Claus tradition with the help of some friends. Last Christmas, Santa came home from his last Christmas event of the season. He saw a plate of cookies, a glass of milk and a Christmas jar on his kitchen table. This was not an ordinary Christmas jar full of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. This jar was filled with some very special silver-colored wooden coins that touched Santa's heart in a special way.
This story will take you about 15 minutes to read and it's message will bless you throughout the Christmas season. Santa does not have the easiest job in the world, but it is surely the most rewarding. This book was a delight to read. Highly recommended for the entire family!
It started when Jake Carnahan, the church Santa took ill. The demand for his services grew over the years. He and Pauline loved the children. They went to churches, hospitals, shopping malls and many other places...always delivering presents and spreading the joy of Christmas. His job as Santa Claus occupied most of his time for over 20 years.
When Pauline died of cancer, he was able to carry on his Santa Claus tradition with the help of some friends. Last Christmas, Santa came home from his last Christmas event of the season. He saw a plate of cookies, a glass of milk and a Christmas jar on his kitchen table. This was not an ordinary Christmas jar full of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. This jar was filled with some very special silver-colored wooden coins that touched Santa's heart in a special way.
This story will take you about 15 minutes to read and it's message will bless you throughout the Christmas season. Santa does not have the easiest job in the world, but it is surely the most rewarding. This book was a delight to read. Highly recommended for the entire family!
October 19, 2015
Synopsis: "Christmas Jars, a New York Times Bestselling novella by Jason Wright, first became a phenomenon during the 2005 holiday season. Readers across America reacted to the message of daily giving and sacrifice by creating their own Christmas Jars.
Today, thousands of glass jars rest on kitchen countertops, slowly collecting the spare change generated each and every day. On Christmas Eve, each jar, now overflowing with both money and goodwill, will anonymously find a new home. In turn, the grateful recipients will put the money to good use in their lives and begin their own jar. Thus hearts and lives are changed and the cycle continues.
This short story follows in the tradition and spirit of Christmas Jars. If you've read the original, you'll love this sweet addition to the Christmas Jars family."
My Review: How on earth does Wright get me to tear up even with only a very quick short story?! If you have read and loved the Christmas Jars books by Wright, this is a great little follow up short story with all the feel goods that you can expect. I adored the characters and connected with them in just a couple of paragraphs. This is a wonderful, short story that you can read on a coffee break to get you in the mood for a loving and giving holiday season.
Today, thousands of glass jars rest on kitchen countertops, slowly collecting the spare change generated each and every day. On Christmas Eve, each jar, now overflowing with both money and goodwill, will anonymously find a new home. In turn, the grateful recipients will put the money to good use in their lives and begin their own jar. Thus hearts and lives are changed and the cycle continues.
This short story follows in the tradition and spirit of Christmas Jars. If you've read the original, you'll love this sweet addition to the Christmas Jars family."
My Review: How on earth does Wright get me to tear up even with only a very quick short story?! If you have read and loved the Christmas Jars books by Wright, this is a great little follow up short story with all the feel goods that you can expect. I adored the characters and connected with them in just a couple of paragraphs. This is a wonderful, short story that you can read on a coffee break to get you in the mood for a loving and giving holiday season.
February 9, 2017
What a heart-warming story!
I sure enjoyed this short storyline , and so I would like to recommend this for five stsrs and for young and old alike . The author shares this life story in part concerning their zi Christmas volunteer work for children. I received this ebook for free and in return , here now is my honest review. Super job Jason! By Angela
I sure enjoyed this short storyline , and so I would like to recommend this for five stsrs and for young and old alike . The author shares this life story in part concerning their zi Christmas volunteer work for children. I received this ebook for free and in return , here now is my honest review. Super job Jason! By Angela
December 9, 2011
Two years ago- as a holiday gift- I offered many of my friends and family a book called the Christmas Jar with a cute little Jar for them to start their own. I never knew how big the Christmas Jar thing was! Last year one friend told me they saved all of their change and bought toys for Toys For Tots! For me it was really satisfying to see that a book I shared with someone really inspired them.
This year I came across this story and was really moved by it. Santa's Jar has a different twist and it has inspired me in some new ways!!!!!! You will have to read it and see why.... OR wait till next year if you are on my holiday gift list! :P
This year I came across this story and was really moved by it. Santa's Jar has a different twist and it has inspired me in some new ways!!!!!! You will have to read it and see why.... OR wait till next year if you are on my holiday gift list! :P
December 20, 2011
I love Christmas stories, and this one is particularly seasonable. Behind every strong man there is a stronger woman, and that old saw really fits the story here. It's a sweet story of partnership, commitment, and enduring love shared with many. I recommend this one to everyone who loves the spirit of Christmas, the giving of what can be given, and the down home stories of the past that can be continued in our present and future. One need not have read the other Christmas Jar stories to understand the symbolism here.
April 30, 2012
Although this a short story more than a book, I wanted to let people know about it. It is a heart warming story of an elderly man and the joy brought to others as he portrays Santa during the Christmas season and how when he was about ready to give it up those he had helped along the way showed him just how much he was worth. It is a well written and uplifting story, just right for this time of year.
March 30, 2024
Giving to others and getting back more than you give is the message for me in this sweet short story. After playing Santa for more than twenty years and struggling with the loss of his beloved wife and helpmate, an elderly man finds his own Christmas jar filled with coins with the name and ages of children who had shared their Christmas wishes with him. Sweet, touching story to read each year at Christmas.
December 7, 2013
This short story is a companion of the previous two novella's "Christmas Jars" and "Christmas Jars Reunion". Both books are amazing Christmas stories and have been the springboard for a wonderful adoption of a charitable Christmas tradition. In this tale Santa himself receives a Christmas Jar. Another endearing Christmas story by author Jason F. Wright.
December 9, 2011
Santa, in the form of an elderly man who has been playing Santa for years, gets his own Christmas jar. His jar is already filled with "coins" when he finds it on his table.
Heartwarming story about the impact a person can have on the lives of others.
Heartwarming story about the impact a person can have on the lives of others.
December 18, 2011
Another Christmas short story about a man who plays Santa for many years. He and his wife Pauline are unable to have children of their own and when a santa helper at church gets sick, Pauline's husband fills in.
December 1, 2014
I haven't read the original story yet, but this was a sweet Christmas story that reminds you of the heart of Christmas!
The art of giving is not so easy sometimes, remembering why we give of ourselves to make others happy is an important thing.
The art of giving is not so easy sometimes, remembering why we give of ourselves to make others happy is an important thing.
December 25, 2011
I haven't read as many Christmas books this year as usual. Although I did download a bunch of free books. I liked Christmas jars so took the opportunity to download this short and it was a wonderful lifting book. Sometimes memories are better than money.
December 19, 2012
Sweet story with a plot line and character development that could have held up for a much longer book. Nice story of how a childless couple gave to the community doing acts of kindness as Mr and Mrs. Claus...and how one of their former recipients kept Santa going after his wife's death.
December 5, 2011
The real way to Make your Christmas Jar overflow with the joys of the season.
December 11, 2011
This was a nice story to start off my season. It made me cry and want to be better. I really enjoy the idea of Christmas jars and the ability to give all year in essence.
December 13, 2011
Very good. Quick short read. I just love Jason F Wright.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews