For parents and educators seeking festive books that capture the magic of Christmas without overwhelming or overstimulating young readers, “Santa Claus The Movie Story Book” offers a gentle journey into holiday cheer. Based on the beloved 1980s film, this storybook evokes nostalgia for grown-ups while opening the world of Santa, elves, and Christmas dreams to a new generation.
Whether you’re reading with a cozy blanket, sharing Christmas tales as part of your home education routine, or introducing classic characters to curious children, this review explores whether the book’s storytelling supports a calm, gentle approach to the season.
The Film That Started It All
Unlike many, my favourite Christmas film was never Home Alone, The Snowman, or Miracle on 34th Street. It was Santa Claus The Movie. Maybe it’s just the fog of exhausted parenting, but I have such warm memories of this film, even though I couldn’t quite remember the exact age I first saw it or whether it would be suitable for my young children.
Last Christmas, I skimmed through the film on my laptop and noticed a surprising fight scene with some swear words. Despite this, the film still filled me with that cosy Christmas spirit. So, I decided to let my kids watch it, but only after having a strong conversation about how the fight scene does not show the right way to handle conflicts. They understood perfectly and seemed to enjoy the movie.
Rediscovering The Story In Book Form
Although they enjoyed the film, I now wish I had thought to search whether there was a Santa Claus The Movie book instead. The book is even more magical than the film and a wonderful addition to our long list of favourite books.
Reasons Why We Loved This Santa Claus Book
It’s always unmistakable when my children fall deeply in love with a story. Bedtime turns into an endless chorus of “Pinky promise! Just one more chapter… [No, it’s time for bed!]… one more page then… [No…]… one more sentence and I pinky promise!” This was one of those books. To be honest, I didn’t want to resist their requests either—I was completely hooked myself.
About halfway through, I flicked back to the front cover to check the author and discovered it was based on a story by a husband and wife, David and Lesley Newman. That suddenly made sense. The story feels delicately balanced between magic and tenderness—each character is written with such care. It captures both the warmth of Santa and his elves and the sharp contrast of the money-obsessed businessman B.Z., owner of B.Z. Toys.
Although I’d seen the film several times, I’d never really understood B.Z.’s character, nor the sadness behind the little girl Sarah. Through the book, I grew truly fond of her. I also hadn’t realised that Santa and his wife were unable to have children of their own, though they longed for one. That revelation stirred something deep—it made Santa’s origin story feel almost plausible, as if it could have been real. My children even asked if it was a true story. I told them honestly, “I don’t know,” even though of course it’s only a story—but it feels like it could be true. It reminded me that every parent’s wish, at heart, is simply to give their children unconditional love.
Perhaps that’s why it resonates so deeply. Maybe the story’s magic lies in the idea that Santa’s generosity grew out of a wish to give every child the love and care he and Mrs. Claus longed to share. It suggests that the spirit of Santa—giving without expecting anything in return—is a reflection of how we all want our children to feel adored and significant. True generosity, after all, isn’t about reward or recognition; it’s about helping someone feel loved simply because they exist.
Even the usual themes of the “nice” and “naughty” lists are handled with unusual compassion here. This Santa’s love remains unconditional, even for those who make mistakes—like Patch, the well-meaning elf who stumbles out of carelessness and a longing to prove himself. The story shows Santa’s grief and tenderness toward him, most movingly when he carves a perfect wooden figure of Patch to give to Joe, the homeless boy. That scene captures the heart of the book: love that forgives, remembers, and keeps on giving.
Final Thoughts
Whilst Santa Claus: The Movie brings my heart fond Christmas feelings, this storybook version of the film is something even more special. Without the noise, flashing lights, or fast pacing of a screen, the story has space to breathe. Children can linger over the magic—the kindness of Santa, the glow of the North Pole, and the hope that goodness always finds a way.
Reading it together feels less like watching a film and more like stepping quietly into Santa’s workshop itself. The language is gentle and melodic, guiding young imaginations rather than flooding them. For children who can be easily overstimulated, or for families who simply want a calmer kind of Christmas story, this book offers the perfect balance of wonder and warmth.
It reminds us that Christmas doesn’t have to be loud or hurried to feel magical. Sometimes the quietest stories are the ones that stay with us longest—spreading that same, enduring sense of love that the real spirit of Santa was always meant to share.
Gentle Parent 