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Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas

by Sal Lizard

ISBN13: 9781592407569
ISBN10: 1592407560
Condition: Standard
Dustjacket: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

A veteran Santa reveals heartwarming true stories and lessons from his twenty-year career spreading Christmas magic.

With the holiday shopping season beginning earlier each year, more than ever, Americans are struggling to remember the true meaning of Christmas. And who better to deliver the gift of Christmas inspiration than a man who has spent the last two decades playing Santa?

Sal Lizard was in his twenties when his beard and hair turned completely white. Today he appears everywhere from malls and parades to schools and hospitals. And— from his custom-made red velvet suits to the mistletoe that hangs from the rearview mirror in his Santa-mobile—he is Santa Claus three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

In Being Santa Claus Sal reflects on his experiences with both children and adults including:

Christmas magic is all around us: We dont always see it, but it is there, shaping and enriching our lives.
Sometimes you need to go that extra mile: Santa Claus is the one person who cant even use a blizzard as an excuse not to honor his commitments, and Sal teaches adults the importance of always showing up for our children.
Even a small child can make a big difference: Sal has met some impressive children over the years, and hes learned that you dont need to be a grown-up to make an impact on the world around you.

In Being Santa Claus Sal shares these lessons, along with often heartwarming, occasionally heartbreaking, and sometimes downright hysterical stories from his twenty-year career as Santa.

Review:

"What does it take to become Santa Claus? Lizard, a regular guy, transformed himself into the symbol of Christmas after his hair started going white in his 20s. With a heady blend of humor and sentiment, the author explains his role as a positive, affirming figure in the public pageantry surrounding the gala winter holiday, citing his joy from the kids' utter adoration, and making wishes come true. Although Lizard sometimes views the grownups as an occupational hazard, he dons the red velvet costume, answers any pee-wee question, and treats every child 'with love, dignity, and respect.' For the child in every one of us remembering the magic of the Christmas season, he takes us back to the sheer happiness and anticipation of the holiday with his cheerful yet wacky takes in his chapters, 'What Would Santa Do?' and 'He Knows If You've Been Bad Or Good.' If you want to begin to believe again in yuletide mirth and merriment, this book is the perfect sales pitch for the winter classic from a nutty professional Santa, the most effective antidote for sales, bargain and commercialism. (Dec.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Sal Lizard has been playing Santa Claus professionally for more than twenty years. He lives in Georgia with his wife, Linda (aka Mrs. Claus).

Jonathan Lane has worked both as a teacher and as a creative director for Nestles Willy Wonka Web site. He lives in Southern California with his wife and son.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:

: pccastle, January 1, 2013 (view all comments by pccastle)
This book and this man are wonderful! I read this sometime before Christmas, so it really got me into the holiday spirit.
Mr. Lizard has such a deep respect for his young (and not so young) admirers. Over the years he has developed some very
insightful and respectful answers to the many and varied questions children ask. Every child and every question are very
important to him and taken seriously. He brings great dignity and love to his role and really embodies the true spirit of
Christmas. No adult should miss reading this short book, no matter the time of year.
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: Debbie Haupt, December 7, 2012 (view all comments by Debbie Haupt)
Sal Lizard knows what it means to be Santa Claus, he knows the heartfelt and heartbreaking realities it brings every time he donned the red suit. He spent two decades learning from his mistakes and making miracles. He learned valuable life lessons from the smallest individuals. He laughed and he cried but he never took for granted the responsibility that came with Being Santa Claus.

For over 20 years, starting as a fluke and practical joke and ending as a career Sal Lizard takes us through the ups and downs, the laughter and tears and the true magic he found when he put on the red suit and became Santa Claus. He mentions his most poignant moments and his most trying. We’ll get to meet his family, the clients that called upon him year after year and some very creative ways to make all his stops and fulfill all the requests. He takes us through his time as a mall Santa to his special pajama visits on Christmas Eve. He’ll tell us stories about the youngest lap visit to the oldest. The naughty and nice lists that were always checked twice and the ever present candy cane.
If you’re looking for a really great kickoff to get you in the Christmas Spirit this little, easy to read and emotional book should be first on your list. If you’ve lost the spirit or know someone who has just slip this little treasure into the stocking and those spirits will come back.
I only have one thing to say to Sal Lizard aka Santa. I still believe.

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Product Details

ISBN:: 9781592407569
Subtitle:: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas
Author:: Lizard, Sal
Author:: Lane, Jonathan
Publisher:: Gotham
Subject:: Biography - General
Edition Description:: Paperback / softback
Publication Date:: 20131029
Binding:: HARDCOVER
Grade Level:: from 12
Language:: English
Pages:: 208
Dimensions:: 7.83 x 5.25 x 0.78 in 0.6 lb
Age Level:: from 18

Related Subjects

Biography » General
Featured Titles » Biography
Hobbies, Crafts, and Leisure » Crafts » Holiday Crafts
Humanities » Mythology » Holidays
Religion » Christianity » Christmas

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