Meet Jon and Jayden Lane. A few weeks ago, Jon (a regular reader of GenXDaddy) contacted me and asked if I would be willing to read a book that he had just gotten published. In my line of work, I have to read a lot! But, it’s usually a treatment or a script. I happily agreed to read his book because it was an actual book! And, I thought that since this guy had taken the time to read my blog, the least I could do was return the favor. What I didn’t know was that he was about to hand me (a Jewish guy) a book about Santa Claus!

Jon and Jayden delivered the book to me (plus one to give away) last Friday. He briefly told me about how he (also, a fellow Jew) had come to meet and write about Santa Claus. We shared a few stories, played with Jayden, and then they were off.

I could have casually flipped through it and then put it aside. Or, I could have lied and told him that I read it when I hadn’t. Instead, I actually did read it…and once I started, I’m pretty sure I read through it in about two sittings! Jonathan’s book is funny, heartwarming, and it’s all true!

So, what do you do when you have prematurely white hair, a (real) full white beard, a large frame, and strange children of all ages begin to approach you with their Christmas wishes…even when it’s not Christmas Time??? Sal Lizard found himself in just that position.

“Being Santa Claus” is the story of an average guy with a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. What began with, “Hey, you look a lot like Santa,” led to a twenty year journey for one man who experienced the joys and responsibilities of wearing Santa’s red coat. Through trial, error, and (sometimes) a little luck, “Santa Sal” learned how to bring the spirit of Christmas to those who needed it the most – innocent children, scared children, parents with high expectations, children and parents who had become “non-believers,” and many sick boys and girls who ended up spending the holidays in Cancer Treatment Centers. He was guided by asking himself just one question – “What would Santa do?”

I loved this book. It’s reaffirming to see how one man can rise to the occasion and positively affect so many children’s lives – all the while shouting, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”

To Jon – First of all, thank you for being a follower! It was a pleasure meeting you and your son last week. You are a wonderful writer, a fantastic dad, and you’re doing a great job raising your son.

To Jayden – You are always welcome to come back to my office and play “slip and slide” on my file folders. They are waiting for you when you’re ready. And….”Hey, where did Jayden go???”

To Santa Sal – It’s not often that a Jewish kid decides to read about Santa! Even though we haven’t met, I truly enjoyed learning about all of your “Mitzvot.” If there is a real Santa…I’m pretty sure it’s you! “Yes, Virginia…there is a Santa Claus.”

The author has been gracious enough to provide me with one extra copy of this book to “gift” to whoever would like it. He’ll even sign and dedicate the book for you. Just send an email to jason@genxdaddy.com and I’ll get it to you for the holidays!