About This Book
Reach for this book when your family needs a reminder that the magic of the holidays doesn't require perfection. It is a perfect choice for an evening when a child is feeling anxious about expectations or when you want to share a hearty laugh over the relatable, clumsy efforts parents make to create wonder for their children. This classic narrative poem tells the story of a father who attempts to play Santa Claus, only to have his disguise hilariously fall apart in front of his family. Through its rhythmic verse and historical charm, the book explores themes of love, embarrassment, and the joy of shared family secrets. While the setting is old-fashioned, the emotional core is timeless: it celebrates the well-meaning intentions behind our holiday traditions. It is best suited for children aged 6 to 12 who can appreciate the irony of the situation and the warmth of a family that can laugh at itself.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and lighthearted. There are no sensitive topics regarding death or trauma, though modern children may need a brief explanation of 19th-century domestic life and the dialect used in the verse.
