It seems as though the questions began long before Virginia asked if there was a Santa. Should Christian parents allow your children to 'believe' or not? What about peer pressure? What message do you give if you say 'yes' - but you want them to know about the real Nativity Story? The Sad Santa helps parents show children to a different view of Santa - not in the malls, not in a TV special or a movie - a Santa that knows the 'Reason for the Season' and is not shy about telling it! It is intended to help parents talk to their children about God's love - and His gift to mankind in Jesus Christ. The story helps children understand the origins of the traditions of Christmas - the tree, the decorations, the star and angels, the gifts - and yes, even how Santa can remind those who are willing to really see that without Jesus, and His suffering, there would be no Christmas, and no Santa. Talking about Santa in church is almost considered sacrilege, and writing a Christmas musical whose centerpiece was Santa was a fairly risky venture. But I've always believed you can tell where inspiration comes from by its fruit, and based on the responses to the invitation at the end of the service - this was God inspired. The book is the natural extension of that service. While the lyrics and melodies are not included, the simple message carries through each page, and it is the prayer of my co-creator, Michelle Fariss, and I, that you find ways to use this book to help your children see how God works (even in a mall!) to show His love for us in everything we see during the Christmas season. 100% of the profits from this book fund "Santas for Christ" a non-profit organization founded to share His love throughout the year - another reason we believe God deliberately left the calendar date for that singular night an unknown. Curt Becker is the founder of Santas for Christ, an organization of Christians sharing a desire to spread the message that Gods' love shown at Christmas is available year round. As the music director in his local church, he was inspired to develop a musical for the church one year, bridging the traditions of Christmas common to TV specials and movies, with the basis for the holiday activities. The ministry has grown from that beginning, working to bring a local community of believers together to meet the needs of others throughout the year. We can't pin down WHICH day of the calendar year Christmas really fell on, so why not celebrate EVERY day of the year? Where is Santa without Mrs C? Lost! Kerry is the backbone of this Santa, and helps at every activity to help organize and support the work in progress. Curt is an Air Force retiree, and currently works as a Systems Engineer for WiSC Enterprises. As you will see, The Sad Santa is a book inspired to help parents and children understand most of the significant symbols of the Nativity story that have been blended with legends and traditions over time. His Story is still there - but often lost in the seasons' rush, and the meaning and joy that should be there is often missed as decorations seem to be put up earlier and earlier every year. We invite you to take a moment with your child to share the Reason for the Season in a new way, and build upon family traditions that are based in that quiet, out of the way, little town. Merry Christmas - now and always!