Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas - Santa's Favorite Story

My Mum has never stopped believing in Santa Claus and she especially reveres the story of Santa praying at the manger - what better Christmas gift than this story book. She loved it and I was thrilled with the condition of the book and the fast shipment. Thank you!

The photos are beautiful and I really liked by the idea of the story, which rates it higher in my opinion than I would normally give.

However, as other reviewers mentioned, there is a biblical mistake.

Another thing was the story is mostly the animals with Santa and very little is Santa telling the story of Jesus. The story of Jesus didn't feel like the main focus of the book and left a lot to be desired.

I give it two stars for attempting to tie Christmas and Jesus together. However this book falls short.
3 pages are given to Jesus's birth and even then it's glossed over. Mary and Joseph aren't mentioned nor are the magi. It's told that the shepards are told about Jesus and go onto find him. 3 pages. 3 short pages. If you want a good children's book that ties in Santa and the birth of Christ get 'It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus' by Soraya Diase Coffelt.

For some reason, my preschool-aged children didn't get into this book like I thought they would. By the time they were ages 3.5 and almost 5, they were liking it better. I think every year, they'll like ti a bit more, as it's a more mature story line and less dramatic read than other Christmas bpoks.

Love this book!!! Santa tells the animals the real story of Christmas. Then with the help of the animals Santa finds the energy to deliver all the presents. I love the discussions we have around this story and the children learn that Christmas will come with or without Santa.

The description of the book promised more than the book itself delivered. I expected Santa to be my ally in agreeing that Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas, but Santa proved to be a man of few words. And I bought it despite other reviewers mentioning the error about the shepherds following the star in the East to the stable where Jesus was born. But the story was so short that what I hoped would be an erroneous detail stood out like a major fact, complete with a lovely illustration of the shepherds looking up at the star. I ordered two copies of this book, but will donate them to the Salvation Army. I can't bring myself to give them to my grandchildren.

Have used this book for years, literally, in my PreSchool classroom at church, as well as with my own children when they were young, and have given numerous copies of gifts, and am ordering another copy today for a baby shower gift for a former student. Although some may have a complaint about the shepherds seeing the star and not the wisemen as told in this version, it is something that is not the focus of the story and not an issue to young children--the audience this book is geared towards. What is the best thing is Santa telling the animals that Christmas would happen whether he came or not and the telling of the birth of Jesus and God's love for us. Highly recommend.

Book Review of SANTA'S FAVORITE STORY- Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas
by Hisako Aoki & Ivan Gantschev

There is just something very special about Santa Claus sharing the story of the very first Christmas…and I love how this one takes place in a wintry forest as Santa explains the true meaning of Christmas to all the animals that live there. A great tale to introduce the meaningful magic of the first Christmas through Santa’s heartfelt storytelling, this ties the real reason we celebrate this holiday with the fun fantasy surrounding that jolly man in red. Many have read this book and give it great rating too! I hope to add this one soon to my library of children’s books for myself, my children, grandchildren and other children to delight in! Be sure to request this one for fun holiday reading at your favorite bookstore and local library as well!

Love this story! Santa tells the forest animals all about the nativity. Solid Christian message. Ample text on each page, so very young children, especially if they are not accustomed to being read to, may get a bit fidgety. The watercolor-like drawings are simple and beautiful.

Purchased this book for my son. The book has fantastic water color illustrations and is a short and simple read for children between 4-8. Which is perfect for the attention span of children that are younger. The story is a basic story told my Santa himself about what Christmas is really about.

The book does not go into the entire story of baby Jesus is does tell a little about Christ being born. It is not a Jesus novel. The book is Santa telling a bunch of animals the real reason for Christmas "CHRIST". So if you are looking for a book that delivers the entire story of Baby Jesus and his birth this book is not for you.

If you are looking for a book that gives way and to the fact that Christmas is not just about presents and Santa Claus then this is a must. The short introduction and simple story gets the meaning across and delvers the message of the reason for the season.

My 6 year old loved it and the pictures.

"No, no, no," said Santa in a kindly voice, "Christmas hasn't got anything to do with me. Sit down and I'll tell you all the story of the first Christmas."
"Santa's Favorite Story" is an attractively illustrated (with watercolors) picture book for children, which helps to de-emphasize Santa's role in Christmas, and helps to place the focus where it should belong. I'm sure the real Saint Nicholas would agree that it's part of his favorite story as well! (For more on the real St. Nicholas, take a look at "The Saint Nicholas Secret," by Dennis E. Engleman, available here at the store.com.)

When I was a first grade teacher (at Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City) this was a favorite Christmas story. Our director turned the story into a drama to be performed by Kindergarten and first grade students. What a wonderful time they had making Santa and the animals come alive and demonstrate what Christmas really means.

Purchased to help teach grandchildren about real significance of Christmas. Anxious to be able to read it to them. Really enjoyed other books I purchased at same time for same reason. Want my grandchildren to understand the Christian aspect of the season.