The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

What a beautiful story of how Santa Claus came into being . . it will let you believe! When my son was young, we would read it as a chapter book, we would start on the 8th of the month and read a chapter every day. As he got older, we would take turns reading it to each other. I give credit to Julie Lane for prolonging my sons belief in Santa Claus and he now carries the spirit of Santa Claus in his heart. I strongly recommend it for your bookshlf, no matter how old you are!!!!

This truly magnificent book has been a family tradition for over 50 years. I have the most fondest memories of my siblings and I sitting in our living room as children listening to our parents read 1 or 2 chapters per night. They would time it perfectly to have the last chapter read on Christmas Eve year after year. More than 30 years later, I continue the tradition with my own children. Although they find the first chapter sad and difficult to understand, my children have learned that the obstacles we encounter in life help shape us into who we are, with Nicholas being the perfect example. My mother gave me my very own copy of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus when I got married. She wrote on the inside cover, "Dear Patty, I hope you enjoy this book for as many years as I have. May it always remind you of all the Merry Christmas' that we all shared. The years pass so quickly and we are fortunate to have so many happy memories. Love, As Always, Mother" This book will always be one of the most cherished parts of my life. Begin the tradition...

When my adult children were in elementary school, every year during the Christmas season their principal (Mr. Houghton) would read this story over the p.a. system. They would come home and tell me all about it. They were so enchanted with the story I decieded to buy the book and read it myself. When I finished the book I believed in Santa again. It has become a tradition in our home to read every year. I have since bought the book as gifts and everyone who reads it loves it. I have bought copies for when my children become parents so they will have it for their children. I hope it lives on throught the ages. Thank you Mr. Houghton for introducing this wonderful book to my children.

My mother, Amelia Catherine Houghton, used the pen name Julie Lane when she wrote the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. She died in 1989 after a long and satisfying career as a public school administrator and teacher. The illustrator, Hokie, was my father, who died in 1961. Hokie was the pet name that Amy gave him. I am so happy (and, of course, my mother and father would also be) to see that people from all over the U.S. have enjoyed mom's book as much as her own family and all of the children that listened to the story around Christmas time when it was broadcast over the school's intercom (my brother Tony was a principal, his wife was a principal, and six Houghton's were in the Dade County public school system. If you have any questions about the book's origin, background on the "Plot," etc. please email me at [email protected] and I will be very happy to respond. Five stars...I'm proud of my mother and father and I give it 10 stars. Jon Houghton Pinecrest, Florida

This book is a treasured classic in my family. My mother received this book as a gift from her parents when she was 6 years old, in 1936. The original copyright says 1932, by Santa Claus Publishing Company. My mother read this to us every Christmas. It is a warm, loving story that tells how Nicholas, an orphan, became the beloved Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus. My mother always wanted to find another copy, as hers was becoming worn with age. We never had any luck. I have her original copy. My mother passed away in 1995. My sister discovered that the book had been re-published and immediately bought a copy. Now I am doing the same for my family. I hope it remains a family treasure for many years. Sincerely, Jane E. Town