Handsome Santa Claus

 My friend is a very talented Tole Art and Folk Art painter, and this is the Santa that I have, that she painted. I share here a small version and a medium version photo of her beautiful painting work.
I received this Santa this week, which is why he is available for this photo, and not packed away in the attic.
What new decorative touches are you adding for this years Christmas decor?

Mrs. Santa Claus by Brenda Nixon

In September, Lifetime Entertainment selected me as "Mom of the Week." What an honor to have my bio and pic on their website, and to receive many kudos from friends and colleagues around the country.
The same month, I learned my parenting book, The Birth to Five Book, won the Good Parenting Seal.
Now, if it were possible to be awarded the title of Mrs. Santa Claus I'd want to emulate her jubiliant spirit (but not her girth). I'd want to spread happiness, cheer and homemade cookies around my neighborhood, relieve small hurts, help people survive the economy, and make it a most memorable Christmas. Yes, I'd practice Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men (and women).
Wait a minute . . . I don't have to be awarded a title to do most of that. Neither do you. We all can value the best in ourselves and practice the joyful, giving spirit of Christmas.
And in speaking of giving, my birthday is Saturday (December 12). hint hint

Hey, leave your comment and be entered for a drawing of a FREE COPY of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts! Anyone who comments to a post this week & next will have opportunity to win a free book. If you already have one, give the freebie as a Christmas Gift. I recently gave an autographed copy as a December wedding gift.


Happy Holidays!
Brenda Nixon, www.BrendaNixon.com
Co-author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Santa Baby by Brenda Nixon

This week each of us co-authors on A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts is writing a letter to Santa. I don't know about you but I'll ask Santa for front row tickets to see a live performance of Il Divo. That won't happen.

Since I'm a speaker/author to parents, I will share tips for your children to write letters. They can then theirs to www.emailsanta.com and it's free!

Tip one:
Remind children to practice thankfulness; begin their letter with appreciating the stories and generosity of Santa. Whether Santa is real or not, it's good to teach kids to acknowledge others before putting out their hand in request.

Tip two:
Remind children that a letter to Santa is not a "to do" list. They can express their wants but that doesn't mean they'll get everything their little hearts desires (nor should they, as it sends the wrong life message).

Tip three:
Encourage children to be honest. Self-expression is therapeutic and often children can share their feelings better on paper - or to an imaginary friend - than to a live adult.

Tip four:
Assist tots who are too young to write. This experience must be fun for kids. If they're forced to sit and labor over their penmanship or in finding the right words, then they'll avoid it as work.

My two daughters occasionally wrote Santa letters. It gave my husband and I a sneak peek into their heart, while allowing us to be their first and most influential teachers.

Brenda Nixon, www.BrendaNixon.com
Co-author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Christmas Tip - Email Santa Directly

For over five years, we have taken the time to email Santa directly. It is absolutely FREE, and you get a personalized and immediate response from Santa.

You can also track Santa as he flies over the globe Christmas Eve, and much much more.

This is a fantastic, kid-friendly site for the entire family.

http://www.emailsanta.com/

Santa Claus

Santa's First

by Larry Fitzgerald, BSC Graduate of the International University of Santa Claus

One of the most fulfilling ministries I've ever had the privilege to participate in is helping Santa Claus come alive for children and the young-at-heart. This I've done for about 37 years, now.

The first time to wear the red suit

I'll never forget my first experience as Santa ... when the phone rang nearly four decades ago. A friend of my father explained hurriedly that the guy who was supposed to make "Santa's first arrival" the day after Thanksgiving could not do it. He asked if I would fill in. "What am I supposed to do?" I asked. He replied: "Just put on the suit and say, 'Ho, Ho, Ho.'" But I found that children wanted more than that. They wanted to talk. So talk we did. Not just about what toys they wanted but about their lives.

The first time Santa cried

The first time I cried as Santa was when a child sat on my knee and said, "Would you bring my daddy back home for Christmas. He's in prison." That was a tough one. That's when I reassured this child that Santa loved him but sometimes mommies and daddies have to be away. "But," I said, "Maybe you can send him a special Christmas card." (The little boy's mother nodded.) He smiled at this.

Santa's most fulfilling experience

Being Santa for children (and the elderly) at church and in the community is rewarding. Serving as a model for print and television ads is fun. But the most fulfilling experience this Santa has ever had is working with children associated with hospice care. These are kids who are dealing with terminal illness in their lives. Either they have the illness or a loved one does. One young lady was given just three months to live. Her parents warned me that she hadn't smiled in several weeks. Santa came into her room with that one goal -- help her smile. I joked with her. And, smile she did. She asked for Santa to visit again the next day. After three months of daily visits, she was much improved. Today, she is 28 years old and in complete remission. The doctors were at a loss why she is alive but if you ask her, she will tell you why she's well: "Santa made me laugh."

Is Santa real?

Is Santa real? "Santa Claus" was a real life Christian hero named Nicolas of Myra. He was a kind and generous gentleman who cared for people -- especially children. Every time someone helps another or gives to others without expectation of return, then he or she is Santa. And Nicolas' life is honored. Is Santa real? Just ask a 28 year old who re-learned how to laugh.

P.S. Santa's favorite book ... Many months ago, I was privileged to read A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts in the manuscript form. I have a large library of Christmas books but, aside from the Bible, this is now my favorite. I particularly like the short stories of all the Christmas firsts. (Can't wait to try the recipes and tips, too.)