What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Chronicles
The Great Santa Search
This follow-up to Jeff Guinn's bestselling holiday favorites The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas takes readers on a sleigh ride through the history of Christmas in America that lands smack-dab in 2006, as a new reality TV show threatens to destroy the true spirit of Christmas.
This third installment in Jeff Guinn's bestselling Christmas Chronicles series finds Santa facing perhaps the biggest challenge of his career. As Santa himself relates in this delightful holiday read, the trouble began in 1841, when a Philadelphia merchant named J. W. Parkinson hired a neighbor to dress as Kris Kringle in order to lure shoppers into his dry-goods store. Much to Santa's chagrin, it's been pretty much downhill since. It seems everybody wants a piece of Christmas, and through the years it has gotten worse- to the point that not a Christmas can go by without phony Santas posing on street corners across the country. But when, in 2006, it's announced that a new reality TV show called The Great Santa Search will feature a competition to find the "real" St. Nicholas, Santa knows it's time to step in!
With all the rich historical detail and glorious Christmas cheer that made The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas treasured family favorites, The Great Santa Search is destined to become yet another Christmas classic from Jeff Guinn.
This third installment in Jeff Guinn's bestselling Christmas Chronicles series finds Santa facing perhaps the biggest challenge of his career. As Santa himself relates in this delightful holiday read, the trouble began in 1841, when a Philadelphia merchant named J. W. Parkinson hired a neighbor to dress as Kris Kringle in order to lure shoppers into his dry-goods store. Much to Santa's chagrin, it's been pretty much downhill since. It seems everybody wants a piece of Christmas, and through the years it has gotten worse- to the point that not a Christmas can go by without phony Santas posing on street corners across the country. But when, in 2006, it's announced that a new reality TV show called The Great Santa Search will feature a competition to find the "real" St. Nicholas, Santa knows it's time to step in!
With all the rich historical detail and glorious Christmas cheer that made The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas treasured family favorites, The Great Santa Search is destined to become yet another Christmas classic from Jeff Guinn.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
30 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Guinn
30 books697 followersJeff Guinn is a former journalist who has won national, regional and state awards for investigative reporting, feature writing, and literary criticism.
Guinn is also the bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction including, but not limited to: Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde (which was a finalist for an Edgar Award in 2010); The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - and How It Changed the West; Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson; and The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.
Jeff Guinn is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. He appears as an expert guest in documentaries and on television programs on a variety of topics.
Guinn lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
Guinn is also the bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction including, but not limited to: Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde (which was a finalist for an Edgar Award in 2010); The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - and How It Changed the West; Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson; and The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.
Jeff Guinn is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. He appears as an expert guest in documentaries and on television programs on a variety of topics.
Guinn lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 5, 2022
While others have filled their reading time this holiday season with some of the classics (I have as well), I stumbled upon this wonderful collection of Christmas pieces by non-fiction author Jeff Guinn and I cannot say enough about them. Working around the premise of telling the true story of Christmas from the perspective of Santa, Guinn has worked with the Big Man himself—and his wife, Layla—to shed light on how things came to be, as well as explaining some of the historical things that take place around this time of year. In this final piece, the story moves back to Nicholas and his perspective, filling in some of the final holes in the historical record, while also telling what some might call a slightly hokey piece of fiction as well. It was in the early 1840s that a storekeeper came up with the idea of bringing Santa to the children, allowing them to interact with him directly and tell some of what they might like. Nicholas was dead set against it, particularly when he saw the low caliber of ‘fake Santa’ the storekeeper intended to use. He vowed never to partake or condone it, though he understood some of the reasoning behind it all. When the emergence of malls appeared, ‘Mall Santas’ were all the rage, as the story shares some of their history. By the early 21st century, the story tells of a man who really wanted to capitalise on the Santa part of Christmas, creating a reality show to come up with the best one, who might act as spokesman for a high-end brand of toys. Nicholas, tired of seeing the subpar people chosen, is convinced to try out and show the world what Santa is really like. Trouble is, during auditions, he flubs it by trying to tell too much to a screening panel that only wants the basics, as known to every boy and girl. Santa will have to go another route, which includes qualifying through a Mall Santa candidacy, and thus begins the rigours of sitting and listening to what children would like. With the reality competition coming, Santa will have to train his mind and body, in hopes of not being eliminated before the final vote. Thankfully, he has a trusted group eager to assist. When the spotlight shines in New York on Christmas Eve, or dear Santa wants to be on stage, if only to show that the real thing wins the crown of BEST SANTA EVER! A slightly more comical take on all things Christmas, but a nice way to round things out in this series. Recommended to those who have enjoyed the other two books in the series, as well as the reading who likes some lighter fare at Christmas.
Jeff Guinn’s writing tells such a captivating tale, adding little-known facts to educate the reader throughout the experience. After devouring the first two books, I had to complete the series to see how everything comes together. Having penned a great deal about both Nicholas and Layla, it was time to fill in any gaps and provide more of a fictional account of how things could happen in this day and age. The references to many of the characters the series reader will already know enriches the experience, while complementing those who are newly added to the narrative. Guinn finds a way to mesh the mountain of information he has in an easy to digest read that will have readers flying through the pages with ease. With a mix of chapter lengths, Guinn and Nicholas take the reader through some of the more ‘reality-based’ aspects of current society, perhaps added their own social commentary. I felt that the piece had a slight ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ vibe to it on occasion, though it could be because I grew up on that film and love the nuances offered therein. While things did get a little hokey, I enjoyed the lighter reading and hope many will not become Scrooges to the entire series—as I noticed some did—if the caliber of this piece is not as high as the previous two, Not to be missed by those who love Christmas, or those who seek a spark during this holiday season.
Kudos, ‘Nicholas Holiday’ and Mr. Guinn for helping to remind me what Christmas is all about!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Jeff Guinn’s writing tells such a captivating tale, adding little-known facts to educate the reader throughout the experience. After devouring the first two books, I had to complete the series to see how everything comes together. Having penned a great deal about both Nicholas and Layla, it was time to fill in any gaps and provide more of a fictional account of how things could happen in this day and age. The references to many of the characters the series reader will already know enriches the experience, while complementing those who are newly added to the narrative. Guinn finds a way to mesh the mountain of information he has in an easy to digest read that will have readers flying through the pages with ease. With a mix of chapter lengths, Guinn and Nicholas take the reader through some of the more ‘reality-based’ aspects of current society, perhaps added their own social commentary. I felt that the piece had a slight ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ vibe to it on occasion, though it could be because I grew up on that film and love the nuances offered therein. While things did get a little hokey, I enjoyed the lighter reading and hope many will not become Scrooges to the entire series—as I noticed some did—if the caliber of this piece is not as high as the previous two, Not to be missed by those who love Christmas, or those who seek a spark during this holiday season.
Kudos, ‘Nicholas Holiday’ and Mr. Guinn for helping to remind me what Christmas is all about!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 5, 2024
*Updated review* this book has grown on me so much over the years and all my initial problems with it have melted away because the story itself and the message of that story are just so good. From three stars to five. It has aged really well.
*Original three star review* This third book in the "Christmas Chronicles" is by no means a bad book. I find it quite enjoyable. But it is certainly weaker than the previous two installments.
Where the first two books, "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" and "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas", are historical fiction and teach the reader about Christmas and world history through the eyes of Santa and his wife, this one is about a fictional reality show on a fictional station told as though this, too, is an event that really happened. This makes it an extremely odd read when placed alongside the other two, almost like it doesn't belong in the same universe as the others.
That said, it is still a fun, cute, touching book that is worth your time.
*Original three star review* This third book in the "Christmas Chronicles" is by no means a bad book. I find it quite enjoyable. But it is certainly weaker than the previous two installments.
Where the first two books, "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" and "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas", are historical fiction and teach the reader about Christmas and world history through the eyes of Santa and his wife, this one is about a fictional reality show on a fictional station told as though this, too, is an event that really happened. This makes it an extremely odd read when placed alongside the other two, almost like it doesn't belong in the same universe as the others.
That said, it is still a fun, cute, touching book that is worth your time.
December 25, 2022
A gift from Brad, and, of course, it's cute!
I especially like that Santa and Layla are friends with Ben Franklin.
I especially like that Santa and Layla are friends with Ben Franklin.
December 21, 2018
Review and long (warning:) explanation of why 2 stars:
The Great Santa Search is the 3rd book in a series of The Christmas Chronicles.
The first – The Autobiography of Santa Claus was amazing. I LOVED learning about the history of Santa Claus. The second was interesting and charming – How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas, another historically based Christmas story.
This third book, I nearly gave up on. It is the story of a reality TV program where the audience chooses who they think is the real Santa among 10 contestants. I really dislike this type of television entertainment. So the story was at times, pretty annoying. But after reading the first two books in the series, I had come to love and enjoy this real Santa Claus, and his narrative of his immortal life and his purpose in participating in such a silly competition.
I was relieved to arrive at the final chapter of this final book in the series. Then in the middle of that chapter, Santa presents his final remarks to persuade the audience how and why only he can be and is the real Santa.
And this last chapter was a reminder that, if I'm not loving a book, unless it is very offensive, I almost always "plow through it" knowing that there is almost always something interesting and often inspiring, to learn.
The following is Santa's final 3-minute presentation at the end of the competition. It reminded me a little of the movie "The Miracle on 34th Street".........
“Good evening. It’s less important for you to know who Santa Claus is than why Santa Claus is. Perhaps that sounds rather confusing. Let’s talk about it.”
“By many different names—Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, Grandfather Frost, and others—there has been widespread if not universal belief in a special holiday gift-giver for centuries. When the legends began, like most tales they were based on some truth. If we had more time, I would tell you of my early days as a simple young boy named Nicholas, when I lived in a country called Lycia and gave my first gifts to young girls who desperately needed dowries to be married. You can find these things in history books. I promise you, the information is there.
“But in time the gift-giving was linked to me, and people began to speculate what this St. Nicholas looked like. There were paintings of me with a white beard, wearing a red cloak trimmed with white fur. In the 1860s, a very talented American artist named Thomas Nast suggested in his drawings that I lived at the North Pole, which was eventually true, and that I was helped in my gift-giving mission by elves, which wasn’t true. As I said, most legends begin with truth, but the tale-tellers add colorful details that have more basis in imagination than fact. And another important fact is that Dutch settlers brought their beliefs in me to America and when their children told English-speaking children about me the way they pronounced St. Nicholas was ‘sintnicklass’, which the English children heard first as ‘sinter klass’ and eventually as Santa Claus. That is how I got the name most of you call me. And, over time, my friends and I, very special companions, though they’re certainly not elves—became welcome in homes all over the world. In different places and by different names, we are expected on December 25 or December 6 or January 6. And we are glad to oblige.”
“The present confusion over who is Santa began, I believe, in 1841, when a friend of mine who owned a general store in Philadelphia hired someone to impersonate me one Christmas season. He thought having a pretend Santa in his store would boost holiday sales, and he was right. It took some time, but others eventually followed his example. Soon there were so-called Santas everywhere. How very confusing for everyone! But, always, there was really only one Santa, and that was me.
“So that’s the history of who Santa is, but it is more important to know WHY Santa is. I began giving gifts in times when most people didn’t have enough to eat, or sandals to wear, or blankets to keep them warm at night. So I gave these things for hundreds of years, until it was explained to me by wise friends, that it was just not possible to give something to everyone. Children needed most to know they wee loved, so I must concentrate on them. Something lasting and joyful was required, because food would be quickly eaten and clothes outgrown—that was how I came to bring toys.”
“I come to many of your homes on Christmas Eve, December 24, because on Christmas Day you celebrated the greatest gift of all, God’s gift of his Son. Jesus was sent to give us comfort and hope. He was proof of God’s love. There are some who do not believe in that, or in me. This is your right. But I do hope you at least believe in giving comfort to those who need it. I hope you believe in love.
This can be a terrifying world. It would be wrong to ignore its faults and its dangers. But there is no greater gift than caring for others and making sure they know you care. Yes, I bring toys, but I want you to understand that those toys are a symbol of love. They are not meant to make you forget the bad things in your lives. They are intended to remind you that goodness exists, too, and hope. My gifts are not supposed to be distractions from evil. They are proof of the goodness that exists, of the hope that is always possible, and of the dreams which might still come true. This is why there is Santa Claus.”
"Some people believe in Santa Claus all their lives, some believe for a while, and some never believe in me at all. What few ever realize is that no matter what you do or don’t believe, each of you has the ability to be Santa Claus. At Christmas or any other time of year, if you take it upon yourself to give a gift with the intention of reminding the recipient that someone cares, that happiness as well as sorrow can be part of each life, then you and I are the same. You, too, are extending the loving, gift-giving tradition that goes back to the original time when the Wise Men brought their gifts to the baby Jesus. The bond between us is not the gifts I give you, but the love and caring that is extend from one person to another.”
“In any of your lives, the time has come, or will come, when for one reason or another you’re no longer sure that I exist. At the moment, you’ll have to make your own decisions about Santa Claus. But I hope you’ll remember one thing. Whether you remain a true believer, or believe for a while, or never believe at all, so long as you do your best to be a kind and caring person, Salta Claus will always believe in you. Merry Christmas.”
The Great Santa Search is the 3rd book in a series of The Christmas Chronicles.
The first – The Autobiography of Santa Claus was amazing. I LOVED learning about the history of Santa Claus. The second was interesting and charming – How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas, another historically based Christmas story.
This third book, I nearly gave up on. It is the story of a reality TV program where the audience chooses who they think is the real Santa among 10 contestants. I really dislike this type of television entertainment. So the story was at times, pretty annoying. But after reading the first two books in the series, I had come to love and enjoy this real Santa Claus, and his narrative of his immortal life and his purpose in participating in such a silly competition.
I was relieved to arrive at the final chapter of this final book in the series. Then in the middle of that chapter, Santa presents his final remarks to persuade the audience how and why only he can be and is the real Santa.
And this last chapter was a reminder that, if I'm not loving a book, unless it is very offensive, I almost always "plow through it" knowing that there is almost always something interesting and often inspiring, to learn.
The following is Santa's final 3-minute presentation at the end of the competition. It reminded me a little of the movie "The Miracle on 34th Street".........
“Good evening. It’s less important for you to know who Santa Claus is than why Santa Claus is. Perhaps that sounds rather confusing. Let’s talk about it.”
“By many different names—Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, Grandfather Frost, and others—there has been widespread if not universal belief in a special holiday gift-giver for centuries. When the legends began, like most tales they were based on some truth. If we had more time, I would tell you of my early days as a simple young boy named Nicholas, when I lived in a country called Lycia and gave my first gifts to young girls who desperately needed dowries to be married. You can find these things in history books. I promise you, the information is there.
“But in time the gift-giving was linked to me, and people began to speculate what this St. Nicholas looked like. There were paintings of me with a white beard, wearing a red cloak trimmed with white fur. In the 1860s, a very talented American artist named Thomas Nast suggested in his drawings that I lived at the North Pole, which was eventually true, and that I was helped in my gift-giving mission by elves, which wasn’t true. As I said, most legends begin with truth, but the tale-tellers add colorful details that have more basis in imagination than fact. And another important fact is that Dutch settlers brought their beliefs in me to America and when their children told English-speaking children about me the way they pronounced St. Nicholas was ‘sintnicklass’, which the English children heard first as ‘sinter klass’ and eventually as Santa Claus. That is how I got the name most of you call me. And, over time, my friends and I, very special companions, though they’re certainly not elves—became welcome in homes all over the world. In different places and by different names, we are expected on December 25 or December 6 or January 6. And we are glad to oblige.”
“The present confusion over who is Santa began, I believe, in 1841, when a friend of mine who owned a general store in Philadelphia hired someone to impersonate me one Christmas season. He thought having a pretend Santa in his store would boost holiday sales, and he was right. It took some time, but others eventually followed his example. Soon there were so-called Santas everywhere. How very confusing for everyone! But, always, there was really only one Santa, and that was me.
“So that’s the history of who Santa is, but it is more important to know WHY Santa is. I began giving gifts in times when most people didn’t have enough to eat, or sandals to wear, or blankets to keep them warm at night. So I gave these things for hundreds of years, until it was explained to me by wise friends, that it was just not possible to give something to everyone. Children needed most to know they wee loved, so I must concentrate on them. Something lasting and joyful was required, because food would be quickly eaten and clothes outgrown—that was how I came to bring toys.”
“I come to many of your homes on Christmas Eve, December 24, because on Christmas Day you celebrated the greatest gift of all, God’s gift of his Son. Jesus was sent to give us comfort and hope. He was proof of God’s love. There are some who do not believe in that, or in me. This is your right. But I do hope you at least believe in giving comfort to those who need it. I hope you believe in love.
This can be a terrifying world. It would be wrong to ignore its faults and its dangers. But there is no greater gift than caring for others and making sure they know you care. Yes, I bring toys, but I want you to understand that those toys are a symbol of love. They are not meant to make you forget the bad things in your lives. They are intended to remind you that goodness exists, too, and hope. My gifts are not supposed to be distractions from evil. They are proof of the goodness that exists, of the hope that is always possible, and of the dreams which might still come true. This is why there is Santa Claus.”
"Some people believe in Santa Claus all their lives, some believe for a while, and some never believe in me at all. What few ever realize is that no matter what you do or don’t believe, each of you has the ability to be Santa Claus. At Christmas or any other time of year, if you take it upon yourself to give a gift with the intention of reminding the recipient that someone cares, that happiness as well as sorrow can be part of each life, then you and I are the same. You, too, are extending the loving, gift-giving tradition that goes back to the original time when the Wise Men brought their gifts to the baby Jesus. The bond between us is not the gifts I give you, but the love and caring that is extend from one person to another.”
“In any of your lives, the time has come, or will come, when for one reason or another you’re no longer sure that I exist. At the moment, you’ll have to make your own decisions about Santa Claus. But I hope you’ll remember one thing. Whether you remain a true believer, or believe for a while, or never believe at all, so long as you do your best to be a kind and caring person, Salta Claus will always believe in you. Merry Christmas.”
December 28, 2023
It's a fine Christmas story.
The other books in this series have been Santa's story. Embedded in historical fact. Enriched with historical faces. Combined to create a complex and credible version of Christmas history, traditions, and appreciation.
This one, well, it's a fine Christmas story.
The other books in this series have been Santa's story. Embedded in historical fact. Enriched with historical faces. Combined to create a complex and credible version of Christmas history, traditions, and appreciation.
This one, well, it's a fine Christmas story.
January 2, 2020
I often end up reading Christmas novellas at the end of the year to complete my annual reading goal. They usually aren't great and I never consider coming back to read them again. The Great Santa Search is different.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt educational, but still warm. It really felt like Santa wrote it. The premise is a little silly and it erred on the side of preachy, but that just made it feel more Christmas-y. I will definitely read it again as a Christmas classic. I think this would be a god book to read aloud to children. The chapters are a little repetitive. Great for stretched out reading sessions.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt educational, but still warm. It really felt like Santa wrote it. The premise is a little silly and it erred on the side of preachy, but that just made it feel more Christmas-y. I will definitely read it again as a Christmas classic. I think this would be a god book to read aloud to children. The chapters are a little repetitive. Great for stretched out reading sessions.
January 27, 2019
This is the last of Guinn's "Christmas Chronicles" series. I so enjoyed his first novel: The Autobiography of Santa Claus. I gave Guinn's 2nd book -- How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas a two star rating and now with his third and final book in the series: The Great Santa Search I once again give a two star rating.
The Great Santa Search is like a train rolling down the tracks with Sherry Lewis singing the song that never ends then collides with American Idol. Yes Guinn justifies his point and endeavors to give the reader evidence, in this case, a multitude of store Santa's, it just goes on and on. I feel that if it had been half as many pages I would have enjoyed it more. Instead I have come away feeling that that Guinn's editor kept sending him back to fluff it up more.
Guinn's The Autobiography of Santa Claus is a story explaining how Santa's magical powers came to happen. However this story does deal with how Santa came to accept the many store Santa's based in the US and endeavors to explain and understand that no matter how the message of Christmas gets across the importance is that it does.
I loved how Quinn was able throughout the series to incorporate historical figures along with historical events to justify Santa and what happens so he (Santa) becomes the wonderful giving and kind guy that he is. Although an adult series this could easily be read as a bedtime and reading time sharing within a family. An absolutely wonderful concept making a great holiday read. My one suggestion would be to read the books in sequence although each book easily stands on its own merit.
I also am willing to acknowledge that Guinn's 2nd book How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas has remained in my thoughts over the year and I have some strong memories of that book. Not as many as the first in the series which was totally magical but fond memories indeed. Perhaps next year I will think of this book in the same vain instead of feeling I'm so glad it is over.
The Great Santa Search is like a train rolling down the tracks with Sherry Lewis singing the song that never ends then collides with American Idol. Yes Guinn justifies his point and endeavors to give the reader evidence, in this case, a multitude of store Santa's, it just goes on and on. I feel that if it had been half as many pages I would have enjoyed it more. Instead I have come away feeling that that Guinn's editor kept sending him back to fluff it up more.
Guinn's The Autobiography of Santa Claus is a story explaining how Santa's magical powers came to happen. However this story does deal with how Santa came to accept the many store Santa's based in the US and endeavors to explain and understand that no matter how the message of Christmas gets across the importance is that it does.
I loved how Quinn was able throughout the series to incorporate historical figures along with historical events to justify Santa and what happens so he (Santa) becomes the wonderful giving and kind guy that he is. Although an adult series this could easily be read as a bedtime and reading time sharing within a family. An absolutely wonderful concept making a great holiday read. My one suggestion would be to read the books in sequence although each book easily stands on its own merit.
I also am willing to acknowledge that Guinn's 2nd book How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas has remained in my thoughts over the year and I have some strong memories of that book. Not as many as the first in the series which was totally magical but fond memories indeed. Perhaps next year I will think of this book in the same vain instead of feeling I'm so glad it is over.
December 31, 2023
"The bond between us is not the gifts I give you, but the love and caring that is extended from one person to another." - Santa Claus
Pre-Reading: Last year I read a book that had been sitting on my shelf for ages "The Autobiography of Santa Claus". It was weird and that made it wonderful. So I ordered another from Guinn's Christmas Chronicles set.
Note: Guinn obviously has strong Christian beliefs that weigh into his writing. However, I do think that he encapsulates the spirit of Christmas itself well with the ideas of love, hope and kindness.
While reading: I actually misplaced this book while reading it and had a "Santa Search" of my own.
After-Reading: Guinn didn't let me down with this installment of The Christmas Chronicles. The story is pretty wholesome as it takes on the issue of the over-commercialization of Christmas. From the first recorded store owner to bring "Santa" in so that he could turn a better profit all the way through to a reality TV show Santa Claus watches from the North Pole and worries about how these actions will affect the belief in him.
When "The Great Santa Search" is announced Santa takes it upon himself to enter the contest and try to set things right. How easy is it to prove that you really are who you say you are? Especially if you are Santa.
Throughout the novel Santa has a few realizations about the spirit of Christmas itself and it all comes to a head when he has a showdown with nine other Santa contenders. Not all of whom play fair.
Guinn kept up his wacky antics and North Pole theories with the return of historical characters like Theodore Roosevelt, Santa's personal trainer, and Amelia Earhart, Santa's flight coordinator.
There is one more Christmas Chronicles book for me to read next year. I look forward to it.
I do have questions!
Did Heather end up with Willie? I hope so. They seemed a better fit.
Did Jimmy Lee stay on the Nevers list? I hope not.
Pre-Reading: Last year I read a book that had been sitting on my shelf for ages "The Autobiography of Santa Claus". It was weird and that made it wonderful. So I ordered another from Guinn's Christmas Chronicles set.
Note: Guinn obviously has strong Christian beliefs that weigh into his writing. However, I do think that he encapsulates the spirit of Christmas itself well with the ideas of love, hope and kindness.
While reading: I actually misplaced this book while reading it and had a "Santa Search" of my own.
After-Reading: Guinn didn't let me down with this installment of The Christmas Chronicles. The story is pretty wholesome as it takes on the issue of the over-commercialization of Christmas. From the first recorded store owner to bring "Santa" in so that he could turn a better profit all the way through to a reality TV show Santa Claus watches from the North Pole and worries about how these actions will affect the belief in him.
When "The Great Santa Search" is announced Santa takes it upon himself to enter the contest and try to set things right. How easy is it to prove that you really are who you say you are? Especially if you are Santa.
Throughout the novel Santa has a few realizations about the spirit of Christmas itself and it all comes to a head when he has a showdown with nine other Santa contenders. Not all of whom play fair.
Guinn kept up his wacky antics and North Pole theories with the return of historical characters like Theodore Roosevelt, Santa's personal trainer, and Amelia Earhart, Santa's flight coordinator.
There is one more Christmas Chronicles book for me to read next year. I look forward to it.
I do have questions!
Did Heather end up with Willie? I hope so. They seemed a better fit.
Did Jimmy Lee stay on the Nevers list? I hope not.
December 24, 2020
Having read the first two books in the trilogy, I had been looking for this final one in the library and used book stores for a few years unsuccessfully, and finally broke down and purchased it for my Kindle. It started a little slow and bumpy for me, but about halfway through it picked up and I flew through the second half. Santa (who IS real) discovers that a floundering tv network is planning a reality show to determine once and for all who the real Santa Claus is. The winner will face challenges and audience votes along the way until the one "true" Santa is crowned. Santa (the real one) needs to be on this show so he can remind everyone that Christmas is not about getting, but about giving and love. The book follows Santa and his friends as they make it through the audition, the competition, and helping people find the true meaning of Christmas. The book does get slightly preachy at times about the commercialism surrounding the holiday, but it's not overwhelming and there is quite a bit of history worked into the story to share with the reader just how the holiday became the marketing tool it is today. Glad I was finally able to get my hands on this one and wrap up the series.
December 27, 2024
This is the third book in Jeff Guinn's The Christmas Chronicles series, and not as interesting. The Autobiography of Santa Claus (book 1) and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas (book 2) were interesting because Jeff Guinn mixed historical events into the stories. The third installment in the series started similarly to the first two books, but then it came to the present day (2006 for this 2007 release), and Santa is involved in a Christmas Eve reality show, The Great Santa Search, for the fledgling network FUN-TV.
There was a lot of repetition of storylines throughout the book. Still, it was truly a problem when a show producer told the contestants about the next challenge, and the host explained the same challenge to the audience in the studio and watching at home in the next paragraph. This is after at least two other times the same events were explained earlier in the book.
There was a lot of repetition of storylines throughout the book. Still, it was truly a problem when a show producer told the contestants about the next challenge, and the host explained the same challenge to the audience in the studio and watching at home in the next paragraph. This is after at least two other times the same events were explained earlier in the book.
December 7, 2020
This third and final book about Santa Claus and his helpers (they are NOT elves!) is different from the others, which are based around real historical events. This time, Santa is participating in a reality show to determine who the real Santa is, all part of a ratings ploy by a failing TV network and the greedy owner of a shoddy toy company. At first I wasn't thrilled with that premise but I think I ended up liking this one more because it wasn't bogged down in some historical details like the others were. It is, however, a bit dated, which isn't hard when technology and TV shows change so quickly.
It's also a bit amusing I finished it today, St. Nicholas Day.
It's also a bit amusing I finished it today, St. Nicholas Day.
January 6, 2023
Although at times it felt a little preachy and predictable, as well as feeling like it was stretched to reach page (or more accurately chapter) count, this was still a sweet story. It was very clearly published in the early 2000s, with a strong desire to seem "modern" or "with it", which leaves it feeling very out of date by now. But it still was a fun concept, and was a heartwarming, festive story.
I originally intended to read a chapter a day leading up to Christmas (there are intentionally 24 chapters), however things got busy. Finishing it on Epiphany feels equally appropriate.
4.5/5
I originally intended to read a chapter a day leading up to Christmas (there are intentionally 24 chapters), however things got busy. Finishing it on Epiphany feels equally appropriate.
4.5/5
December 18, 2019
The final volume of Jeff Guinn's Christmas Chronicles trilogy (besides the in-character cookbook) is the fluffiest and silliest of them all, feeling like a late 90s/early 2000s Christmas movie. That's not to say it's bad- anyone of my generation has immense sentimental appreciation for that particular brand of holiday silliness. But this one doesn't quite live up to the wild audacity of imagination in volume 1, or the unexpected seriousness and epic plot of volume 2. Instead, it's fun, cartoonish and silly, which isn't such a bad thing for a Christmas treat to be.
December 29, 2023
This is the second time I have read this book. This time, I read it to my husband and kids who have enjoyed this series as much as I did. Of the three books in The Christmas Chronicles, this is my least favorite, but it is still a beautiful story. Not only do we learn about the commercialization of Santa Claus and Christmas in the U.S., but Santa himself learns some things in the end as well. There is a beautifully written monologue toward the end and the last line of the book is perfect.
I can't wait to read this series again.
I can't wait to read this series again.
January 10, 2020
Santa himself tries to win a reality show selecting the one and only real Santa Claus. He's helped by his friends, including a number of historical, also immortal, personages.
A sweet and entertaining story focusing on the real meaning of Christmas, with lots of Christmas history and trivia. AND a recipe for one of Santa's favorite cakes!
A sweet and entertaining story focusing on the real meaning of Christmas, with lots of Christmas history and trivia. AND a recipe for one of Santa's favorite cakes!
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed the book as a Christmas read, but it just didn't compare to the first 2 books in The Christmas Chronicles series. History was pushed aside for a fictional modern day reality TV show. It just lost the magic I felt the first 2 books had by incorporating Santa into real-life historical events.
December 30, 2020
This was my favorite in the Christmas Chronicles by Jeff Guinn...
When Santa's friend Felix and his wife meet a man in New York City, a small comment Felix gives to this man and an idea sparks to search for the real Santa Claus on reality tv. Ten Santa's from around the country will be chosen to compete and there can only be one winner and one real Santa Claus. But what does the real Santa up at the North Pole think about all of this?
When Santa's friend Felix and his wife meet a man in New York City, a small comment Felix gives to this man and an idea sparks to search for the real Santa Claus on reality tv. Ten Santa's from around the country will be chosen to compete and there can only be one winner and one real Santa Claus. But what does the real Santa up at the North Pole think about all of this?
December 8, 2020
The final story to the CHRONICLES, this is Santa’s magical tale in twentieth century. It rounds up all the characters from the previous stories and they launch into an adventure to find the “ real Santa “.
It’s a long , twisting tail .
It’s a long , twisting tail .
January 7, 2021
As others have said before me, I didn’t love this one as much as it’s predecessors. It was okay. One of the things I loved most about the first 2 books were what I learned about Santa/St Nicholas history. This one did not have that draw. But, I’m still glad I read it.
December 24, 2022
Third year of my book advent reading tradition is complete. Guinn’s third book about the history of Christmas and Santa focuses on Santa in the United States, and a reality TV show designed to unveil the real Santa Claus.
December 28, 2022
I really liked a lot about this book but found a couple of things just a bit too....something. Some of the additional characters were just not right. Other than that, a fun book and I am looking forward to reading the other two in the trilogy.
December 31, 2022
Book one was amazing … book two was good … book three was amazing again.
Cute and funny and with a heartwarming Santa speech in a fun reality tv Santa competition. I loved the concept of the storyline and the whole thing played out perfect.
Cute and funny and with a heartwarming Santa speech in a fun reality tv Santa competition. I loved the concept of the storyline and the whole thing played out perfect.
December 15, 2016
Good third and last book of the series. Loved how Santa, in all of the books, always told what the true meaning of Christmas really is about.
December 11, 2018
There were parts I enjoyed but over all the story was interesting and historically based. The historical facts seemed to bog the story.
December 17, 2018
Last in set
Well of all the books in this series I liked the first one most of all. This one was hard to get through but the ending was gratifying.
Well of all the books in this series I liked the first one most of all. This one was hard to get through but the ending was gratifying.
June 29, 2019
I great Christmas read to get into the spirit and magic of the season.
February 4, 2020
Fun read. Think America's Got Talent for Santa Clauses. Good pencil drawings at the beginning of each chapter.
December 11, 2020
Not as good as the first two books in Jeff Guinn’s The Christmas Chronicles, but still an a joy able story a d worth the time to read.
July 19, 2021
This one gets 3.5. It was cute and sweet
December 19, 2023
This book is for you if you like Hallmark movies, hearing about christianity and just think “golly gee whiz! Everything is wonderful!”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews