Santa Claus: is he for your child?

John Hoh

10/3/2004

Review by Molly

Presented in fifteen chapters and bibliography covering 122 pages Santa Claus: is he for your child? Set out to educate parents about the myth surrounding Santa. Chapter 1 helps parents understand that the myth of Santa has grown to gigantic proportions. In chapter 2 "The Man Behind the Myth" is introduced. Chapter 3 explains "The Legends of the Three Virgins". And, in Chapter 4 we learn "The Saint Becomes the Patron of Sailors". The reader follows Nicholars on his way to Nicea during a famine in Chapter 5 and comparison is offered regarding legends and traditions surrounding saints to the myths of Greek and Roman religions in Chapter 6. In Chapter 7 "Nicholas Earns His Honor and Place of Veneration". Chapter 8 discusses "Nicholas and Nationalism." "Saint Nicholas and the Reformation" are reviewed in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 offers "Santa in the New World," while "Saint Nick and Santa Today" are covered in Chapter 11. Chapter 12 presents a discussion into whether Santa might be anti-Christ while Chapter 13 submits thoughts as to Santa worship might be a form of idolatry. Chapter 14 argues the case whether Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are the same. The book finishes up with Chapter 15 and concluding thoughts. A Bibliography follows.

Writer Hoh is a technical writer who attened Lutheran seminaries and is a lay minister in his local congregation. Santa Claus: is he for your child? Is a well written work in which writer Hoh presents thought provoking material about Santa Claus and/or St Nicholas.

It is obvious writer Hoh has done a good bit of research into his subject. Writing is concise, coherent and highly readable. I particularly enjoyed reading how Santa is viewed in various countries world wide as presented in Chapter 8. Hoh says in his concluding chapter ‘Hopefully this book will help each of us … know the truth behind Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas.’ Whether the reader likes or dislikes the notion of Santa writer Hoh’s book Santa Claus: is he for your child? Is certain to enlighten.

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