Being Santa Claus

October 22, 2012
What does it take to become Santa Claus? Lizard, a regular guy, transformed himself into the symbol of Christmas after his hair started going white in his 20s. With a heady blend of humor and sentiment, the author explains his role as a positive, affirming figure in the public pageantry surrounding the gala winter holiday, citing his joy from the kids’ utter adoration, and making wishes come true. Although Lizard sometimes views the grownups as an occupational hazard, he dons the red velvet costume, answers any pee-wee question, and treats every child “with love, dignity, and respect.” For the child in every one of us remembering the magic of the Christmas season, he takes us back to the sheer happiness and anticipation of the holiday with his cheerful yet wacky takes in his chapters, “What Would Santa Do?” and “He Knows If You’ve Been Bad Or Good.” If you want to begin to believe again in yuletide mirth and merriment, this book is the perfect sales pitch for the winter classic from a nutty professional Santa, the most effective antidote for sales, bargain and commercialism.

October 1, 2012
Pleasantly amusing and tender stories of holiday cheer from the man in the red suit. When Lizard agreed to don a Santa suit one Christmas for a local radio station and hand out toys to impoverished children, little did he realize that he had stepped into a role practically made for him. Having a natural white beard and hair helped with the role, but once he put on "the suit," he found that people of all ages just seemed to become "more generous, openhearted, and happy." With Lane's assistance, Lizard writes a humorous account of some of the memories accrued from two decades of playing Santa. That first season with the radio station led to more public appearances, some in malls and some in hospitals, where Lizard had to learn to shut down his own emotions and truly play the role of St. Nick, despite the ache he felt at seeing so many sick children. One small boy in particular left a deep scar, which the author has not been able to forget. Private gigs in homes where children tried to stump Santa with questions, such as why he used a shopping bag from the local store to carry his presents or why a child did not receive the requested BB gun, left Lizard scrambling for answers. As the years progressed, he found himself embodying the spirit of Santa year-round, which led to healthy lifestyle changes and embracing the spirit of Christmas, which, to Lizard, "happens anytime someone reaches out to another with love; when someone gives just for the sake of helping another fellow human being; when a child's eyes light up with the wonder of believing in miracles." Simple stories that remind readers there is more to Christmas than the stress of shopping, partying and striving to make everything perfect.

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June 15, 2012

After his hair and beard turned snowy white when he was only in his twenties, Lizard did what every guy should do in that predicament: he opted to play Santa, a job he's been at year 'round for more than 20 years. More than a life account, this book offers inspiration drawn from the experiences he's had in his custom-made red velvet suits, e.g., little children are awe-struck about seeing Santa off-season. A national tour, though probably not by sleigh.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.