Who Is Santa Claus?
by Cynthia Jones

December, 2004

and while we are at it, let us share more magical reads for the season...........

Who is Santa Claus? Hmm...I guess he is not a jolly figure in a red and white suit created by Coca-cola according to
snopes.com where you can read the origins of this winter icon. The man has always impressed me no doubt. Every year without fail bringing me my hearts desire right to my home and leaving it under my Christmas tree. Although the true meaning of Christmas was taught to me and I do treasure our King's birth, I spent my Christmas eve's like most children around the world waiting for this magnificent man with his white beard and his decorative suit. Arriving with a sleigh of gifts driven by that team of reindeer. So many of those holiday nights convinced I did hear those jingle bells. Yes, I have always loved St. Nick and even as an adult I have come to realize even more that to spread that kind of magic in a world such as this....well....only a saint can do that.

Are you in the mood for more holiday reading material? We can take a look at the season with rituals, traditions, recipes, activities, stories, ideas on how to create your own traditions and ways to celebrate a life-affirming festival with
Yule,
The Complete Kwanzaa,
The Story of Hanukkah and
The Winter Solstice.

While living in Spain, I was first introduced to Three Kings' Day, a Spanish holiday celebrated on January 6th. The children will leave a slipper or maybe a boot out side their door to be filled with candy and toys. Vivan los Reyes Magos gives us a fun story to follow and enjoy this celebration with her book
Hurray for Three Kings Day!.

• Visit the Holidays and Seasons section at
  Poetry Galore! Here are just a few of my favorites listed there. Enjoy!

• Smiling Christmas Child by Denny Lancaster
• A Christmas Thought by David G. Bancroft
• Winter by Joyce C. Lock
• A Christmas Party by Brian Lund
• Christmas Day by Carol Dee Meeks

What ever you read this season, make it an enjoyable and learning experience. Have fun and have a wonderful holiday season!