The Santa Story Revisited: How to Give Your Children a Santa They Will Never Outgrow offers good news! In her book, part memoir and part how-to, Arita Trahan introduces an expanded Santa story -- with all of the magic and none of the pretense.

Trahan presents a compassionate and encouraging examination of the cultural phenomenon that is Santa. She sets forth a clear and simple solution to the perennial dilemma of parents who wish to protect their child’s innocence. It is a playful perspective that keeps us in integrity and makes us more fun at the same time.

Trahan’s Santa story expresses as a game - a timeless game that everyone is already playing. Young children become part of the story by tapping into their innate ability to “make believe,” which is even more creative and inclusive than “believing in.” Children who learn this new expanded version of Santa can easily play alongside other children who still “believe in” Santa, without putting their construct at risk. They can even play the role of Santa.

Arita’s Santa game deemphasizes the commercialism often associated with Santa. It also deepens the holiday tradition of generosity by promoting simple gifts and acts of kindness. As children learn to “play Santa,” they expand their imaginations and find their own ways to give to others.

Here is the way for us all to enjoy a magical Santa with no expiration date, a Santa whose heroic demonstration of joy and unconditional love serves as a template for anonymous giving and inspires an even more generous focus for the holidays!