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Ways To Share In the Joy
The goal of the Santa Claus Project is to promote the ideals of Christmas and Santa Claus throughout the entire year. These ideals include family, faith, love, sacrifice, kindness, generosity, joy, innocence, beauty, and wonder.
Over these last several decades, we have become people of pragmatism and practicality, rejecting the faith, beauty, wonder, and romance that is intended to give life its highest meaning and purpose.
So, how can you help spread this message and share in the joy? Below are some examples of simple ways for you and your family to live the ideals of Christmas and Santa Claus, regardless of the date on the calendar.
Books and Stories to Read & Share
Below are some book and story titles that embody the qualities and ideals of the Santa Claus Project. These are wonderful stories to add to your personal or family library. Not all are Christmas stories, but all express many of these ideals.
Read them during your private time, together as a family, or even better, gather with friends and neighbors at your home or local church and read them as a group. As you read, study the text for the ideals and qualities stated above. Below, we’ll talk about practical ways to live and express those qualities in your everyday life.
Stories and Books for families and Children
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore
The Spirit of Christmas, by Greg Olsen
The Autobiography of Santa Claus, by Jeff Guinn
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (editorial), by Francis Church
Rudolf, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, by Robert L. May
The life and Adventures of Santa Claus, by L. Frank Baum
Stories and Books for Older Kids and Adults:
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The True St. Nicholas, by William J. Bennett
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
The Beauty Chasers, by Timothy D. Willard
I Believe In Santa Claus, by Diane G. Adamson
Classic Christmas Movies to Watch & Share
The following is a list of movies with stories that embody the ideals and philosophy of the Santa Claus Project. Like the books and stories of the previous list, consider adding these titles to your family library and enjoying them with family or church group.
Theatrical Release Films
A Christmas Carol Film Adaptations:
(1951) Starring Alistair Sim
(1970) Scrooge (Musical), starring Albert Finney
(1983) Mickey’s Christmas Carol
(1984) Starring George C. Scott
(1992) Muppet Christmas Carol, starring Michael Caine
Holiday Inn (1942), with Bing Crosby
Meet Me In St. Louis, (1944) with Judy Garland
Bells of St. Mary’s, (1945) with Bing Crosby
It’s a Wonderful Life, (1946) with James Stewart
Miracle On 34th Street, (1947) with Natalie Wood & Edmund Gwenn
The Lemon Drop Kid, (1951) with Bob Hope
White Christmas, (1954) with Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye
Babes In Toyland (1961) with Ray Bolger & Tommy Sands
Santa Claus, The Movie, (1985) John Lithgow & David Huddleston
Prancer, (1989) with Sam Elliot
The Santa Clause, (1994) with Tim Allen
Polar Express, (2004) with Tom Hanks
The Nativity Story (2006) with Oscar Isaac & Ciaran Hinds
Television Specials
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) narrated by Boris Karloff
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Frosty The Snowman (1969)
Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
The Night They Saved Christmas (1984) with Art Carney
Anabelle’s Wish (1997) with Randy Travis