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Diary of a Mall Santa
Santa entertains us with his favorite "Tales from the Front." Each story recounts a real life moment with children and adults during the days leading up to Christmas. Some stories are tender and amusing; some are a bit irreverent; others are heartbreaking, yet all are true. These stories are for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adults. However, by sharing them with children, you risk tarnishing the luster of the Santa experience. And remember, Santa is always watching you.
204 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 12, 2012
I'm only 56% done with the book and I can't stand it anymore. I very rarely write negative reviews, especially not of free books, and ESPECIALLY not of memoirs. I feel like giving a negative review of a memoir is almost like putting someone down. However, this Santa doesn't seem to mind judging people and putting them down, so I'm sure he won't mind if I do the same. When I saw that this was free on Amazon I was excited - I love memoirs and it's perfect for Christmas. From the very beginning I could tell this guy was WAY into being Santa, and he felt like he was VERY important and knowledgeable. And apparently, he was the world's most perfect dad, judging from the way he criticizes others. Not only that, his views on parenting are very wishy washy. At times, he wishes to punch parents for yelling at their children, but then he will tell another story about how the parents need to get their child under control for acting so badly. He judges people without knowing anything about him. He judges children, parents, fat people, pregnant teens (who were over 18), even different races. He told a "story" (really wasn't a story at all) about an African-American couple who brought their children to see Santa and they were very pleasant people, in his words "Mom and Dad looked adoringly at their enthusiastic children, both with broad smiles. This visit was all they expected it to be - an opportunity for their children to be loved and listened to by Santa. It was an integral part of their Christmas." Uhhh what??? Is it shocking to this Santa that black people celebrate Christmas and are okay with taking their children to see Santa even though he's - OMG - white??? Apparently it is - he goes on to say that it JUST NOW occurs to him that "there is no prejudice where Santa is concerned." Then he says that skin color has nothing to so with it. Okay, so hold on. Basically he is assuming that these people had prejudices but put them aside for Santa Claus?? I can't even believe what I am reading. I think this guy might still live in 1950. Another time, he actually says that he thought this group of adults in line to see him looked normal, and wouldn't have known they were mentally disabled if he hadn't spoken to them! So now they aren't normal because they are disabled?
I could name at least 50 "stories" (it reads more like a list of what kind of people he had to deal with that day) from this book that were judgmental, but I am already getting quite irritated just after having listed those. Also I think that he believes he is the real Santa Claus, and that he is the best Santa Claus. Even in the book description above he wrote that he didn't think anyone else could have written this book. He believes that he alone is the reason people have Christmas cheer and that he changes everyone's life that comes to see him or waves at him in the mall. He is obsessed with the real St. Nick and how skinny both he and St. Nick are. So yeah I'm done with this book. I got it for free and I would certainly not recommend paying even $1 for this.
I could name at least 50 "stories" (it reads more like a list of what kind of people he had to deal with that day) from this book that were judgmental, but I am already getting quite irritated just after having listed those. Also I think that he believes he is the real Santa Claus, and that he is the best Santa Claus. Even in the book description above he wrote that he didn't think anyone else could have written this book. He believes that he alone is the reason people have Christmas cheer and that he changes everyone's life that comes to see him or waves at him in the mall. He is obsessed with the real St. Nick and how skinny both he and St. Nick are. So yeah I'm done with this book. I got it for free and I would certainly not recommend paying even $1 for this.
December 10, 2012
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. The author says he's a stickler for grammar but there is clearly some issues that need to be resolved with his writing. Then there's his claim, "well I don't judge" but there are clear passages and entries where he is seriously judging, such as a pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, even though they're obviously over 18. The amount of judgment he hands out is unnecessary - and it really only bothers me because it's a hypocritical action (he says at the beginning he's not there to judge). Now granted some people it was clear but other circumstances he didn't know the person from any other stranger and passed rude comments onto us. Also his near obsession with the original Saint Nicolas gets a little irritating.
Other than that, the stories are cute and your average kids visit Santa, and then there are others were you can't imagine why somebody around didn't either smack the children or the parents involved because their behavior was absolutely horrendous!!
Other than that, the stories are cute and your average kids visit Santa, and then there are others were you can't imagine why somebody around didn't either smack the children or the parents involved because their behavior was absolutely horrendous!!
December 13, 2012
Little snippets of stories from life as a mall Santa. Mostly cute. Not incredibly deep. Slightly religious.
December 18, 2012
Synopsis: "Santa entertains us with his favorite "tales from the front." Each story recounts a real life moment with children or adults during the days leading up to Christmas. Some stories are tender and amusing; others are heartbreaking -- yet all are true.
These stories are for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adults. However, by sharing them with children, you risk tarnishing the luster of the Santa experience. (And remember, Santa IS watching you."
My Review: I really enjoyed this one. It is a series of entries so the reading can easily be broken up. I have to say children are remarkable, more often then not they see what other people need more than we can imagine. I also love seeing what Santa brings out in so many people. While Munchkin is still too small to visit Santa, I am keeping a couple of the lessons contained in this book in mind for the coming years. It is a touching book, some entries will have you tearing up, others will have you laughing and others will have you just shaking your head. I almost wish I was a guy so I could pose as Santa, I guess I will have to settle for Mrs. Claus or an elf ;)
These stories are for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adults. However, by sharing them with children, you risk tarnishing the luster of the Santa experience. (And remember, Santa IS watching you."
My Review: I really enjoyed this one. It is a series of entries so the reading can easily be broken up. I have to say children are remarkable, more often then not they see what other people need more than we can imagine. I also love seeing what Santa brings out in so many people. While Munchkin is still too small to visit Santa, I am keeping a couple of the lessons contained in this book in mind for the coming years. It is a touching book, some entries will have you tearing up, others will have you laughing and others will have you just shaking your head. I almost wish I was a guy so I could pose as Santa, I guess I will have to settle for Mrs. Claus or an elf ;)
December 10, 2012
I really need to stop downloading these free Kindle books based on a 4.5 star rating based on 7 reviews. Obviously, those reviews are from the author and family/friends. The book is made up of short little stories-none of which came as a surprise. Okay, some children are terrified of Santa Claus, other children come to Santa with big, big problems, grown-ups also sneak in to see Santa which makes his day. Got it. Maybe I was in a Grinch mood, but I'm thanking my lucky stars that this book was free.
December 13, 2012
This was a very cool account of what mall Santas go through and witness everyday. Many of the entries were heartwarming and made your eyes kind of misty. Its awesome to see this man embrace everyone, not just children. I will admit that some of the parents in here shouldn't be parents at all with how they treated their children. This book definitely makes you appreciate what you have for the holidays. I totally give this guy major kudos for being an a outstanding Santa for everyone he met, believers or not.
November 14, 2013
100+ short entries of his stint as a mall Santa. Heart-warming and heart-wrenching stories. Apparently Scott worked as a Director of a Homeless Shelter. This book is devoid of modern-day political correctness as Scott refused to say Happy Holidays. It's MERRY CHRISTMAS! Kudo's to him. He even shares about the true Christmas story. Not what I expected and a pleasure to read. Nothing deep. No writing awards here. Every meal doesn't have to a be culinary masterpiece. This was a simple and satisfying good bowl of soup!
December 26, 2012
This book is a series of too-short little observations from the author's weeks as a mall Santa. While some of them are touching, most just come across with an air of judgment and superiority -- something I see more than enough of on a daily basis and don't need from someone claiming to represent a symbol of love or hope. Mr. Scott seems a bit too sheltered and uptight to make a living interacting with the public.
August 30, 2012
If I don't say so myself, this is a pretty good book. Santa might not replace Hemingway or John Grisham, but neither of those guys could have written this book. If you're over 18 years of age, this is a must read. It will have you laughing and crying, but maybe not at the same time. After reading "Diary of a Mall Santa," you will always be a believer.
December 6, 2013
I loved this book! The Diary of a Mall Santa is filled with stories that made me chuckle, some that brought a tear to my eyes, and others that made me want to be a better parent. I can only imagine what this man had to witness and even though some people thought his writing was incredibly judgemental I found it refreshing.
December 15, 2012
This was a very cute memoir of one Christmas season as seen through the eyes of Santa. His brief quips on encounters with both children and adults are entertaining and sometime heart breaking. I wondered if child/Santa exchanges were always the child saying what they wanted for Christmas. As I learned this is not always the case. Very interesting read and appropriate for this time of year.
August 11, 2016
What a wonderful book. I am not much of a Santa Clause fan but this book changed my mind. I enjoyed all the stories as some made me laugh out load and others brought tears to my eyes. I really hope Stewart (AKA Santa) writes more in years to come.
December 10, 2012
Quick read. I liked the stories, but didn't need "the moral of the story" throughout the book.
December 12, 2012
A fluff book of little substance. Mildly interesting insight. Feels like a "faith journey" documented in a blog.
December 25, 2012
This Santa was amazingly judgemental. It makes me worry about what Santa would think of me. Santa should be magical.
December 10, 2017
I very much enjoyed this book! Stories of all kind of a gentleman who worked as a mall Santa at a mall in (I think) south suburban Chicagoland (Maybe Orland Square or River Oaks). He wrote little snippets of 1-3 pages about his encounters. Many are heart-warming and often funny. Others are sad and heart-felt. A very enjoyable book to put you in the Christmas mood.
December 23, 2023
A feel good .quick read for a few days before Christmas
December 28, 2013
I don't even know where to start with this "book". It reads as sloppy journal entries instead of an actual memoir. While it promises true, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking stories, you only get a paragraph or two highlighting Scott's superior attitude and judgments towards others. If you're wanting to get into the holiday spirit, this is not the book to look to.
Scott makes constant judgmental comments about the families he sees with no basis. It becomes repetitive. I was amazed to find that Scott highlights how African American and Hispanic families visit him. His tone comes off as either blatant racism or naivety. I was left to feel that he was surprised that an African American family would visit Santa. It's the idea of Santa and what he represents that matters, not his skin color. Scott would do well to learn that lesson before putting himself back in the public and writing about his experiences.
There are numerous comments about the weight of children and parents. Scott reiterates over and over how he's a skinny Santa. Oddly enough, the cover showcases the traditional, pleasantly plump Santa. And he goes on to link childhood obesity to video games, because as a child he was never overweight when he played outside all day. It really is never ending.
I would be frightened to take my children to this mall Santa. He's too busy formulating baseless judgments and introducing his religion at every turn to focus on the spirit of Christmas.
Luckily, I snagged this book whenever it was free. Please, do not pay for this book. There are plenty of other stories out there to satiate your holiday needs. Skip this one.
Scott makes constant judgmental comments about the families he sees with no basis. It becomes repetitive. I was amazed to find that Scott highlights how African American and Hispanic families visit him. His tone comes off as either blatant racism or naivety. I was left to feel that he was surprised that an African American family would visit Santa. It's the idea of Santa and what he represents that matters, not his skin color. Scott would do well to learn that lesson before putting himself back in the public and writing about his experiences.
There are numerous comments about the weight of children and parents. Scott reiterates over and over how he's a skinny Santa. Oddly enough, the cover showcases the traditional, pleasantly plump Santa. And he goes on to link childhood obesity to video games, because as a child he was never overweight when he played outside all day. It really is never ending.
I would be frightened to take my children to this mall Santa. He's too busy formulating baseless judgments and introducing his religion at every turn to focus on the spirit of Christmas.
Luckily, I snagged this book whenever it was free. Please, do not pay for this book. There are plenty of other stories out there to satiate your holiday needs. Skip this one.
December 10, 2012
This turned out to be a lovely collection of very short stories about Stewart Scott's time working at as mall Santa. There are a wide variety of stories and musings; some are heartwarming, others are hilarious, some are sad, and then there are the ones that made me shake my head and wonder why people have children. It's odd but I've rarely ever thought of the mall Santa actually enjoying his job...which might have to do with the fact that I've seen some pretty miserable looking Santas. It's nice to know that there are those out there that truly do take the job seriously and they know how important that moment can be for a kid. I still remember a few of my visits with Santa, and even though I now know it was just a man in a fake beard, when I think back on it there is a sense of realness about it. He even includes some great advice about taking your children to visit the Santa at the store.
It was definitely a refreshing read and I have to applaud Mr. Scott for being such a nice person. If you are looking for a Christmas read with a unique take then I'd recommend this.
It was definitely a refreshing read and I have to applaud Mr. Scott for being such a nice person. If you are looking for a Christmas read with a unique take then I'd recommend this.
August 25, 2014
The first bit of this book, along with the plot idea, I loved. I loved hearing the heartwarming and the odd things that happened to Stew the mall Santa. And I love how much Stew loved being Santa. That said, after awhile I start getting annoyed with Stew. He comes across as very Judgmental and condenscending. For example, he always comments on the heavier women and children. He judges how people parent...and sometimes I agreed with his points of view and sometimes not so much. He had a black couple come to visit Santa with their child and made a huge deal about how Santa knows no color boundaries. In my eyes, that was racist. Why was this such a huge deal? The worst part was when a grandma, a younger aged mom, and young child came to visit Santa. The daughter was on Santa's lap and she kept opening her legs and probably flashing the line a bit. The grandma yelled "Keep your legs shut" and Santa thought to himself, "You should have told your daughter that". Um, oh my goodness. I'm glad Santa stays firmly behind that beard. Sometimes the illusion is better than knowing the man inside.
July 23, 2013
At 142 pages, this was a fast reading book and a pleasure to read. It definitely reminds us what the real reason for the season is and how one particular Santa perceives and receives his guests those precious and ever busy days prior to Christmas. It was definitely a reminder of many philosophies, like don't force your babies to sit on Santa's lap if they are frightened and not rewarding bad behavior with treats in exchange for behaving well, or smiling for the camera. I have a whole new perspective now about Santa and his duties and how I may be perceived as a Grandmother taking my little darlings to see him. It's a two way street there and my worries about Christmas and the holiday frenzy would be best buried for a visit to the man in red!....A Charming read.
March 21, 2015
At one point late in this book, the author states that he "doesn't mean to judge, but..." and sadly, that quote sums up this book. Some of the stories are sad and heartwarming, children who only want their parents to get a job or to get back together or stories of people who are ill. The rest of the stories are spend passing judgment on people who are dirty, who the author deemed to young to have been parents, and even on the young men strolling the mall. When not biting his tongue in order to keep his job, the author is preaching "the true meaning of Christmas" and offering to pray for people. I don't know about you, but I'd complain to mall management about the prayer offerings and Santa would be out of a job.
December 3, 2013
This book was a free download to Minerva (My Kindle), and I downloaded it because:
a) I enjoy reading holiday stories this time of year, and
b) it was free
It was a very quick read, sweet and touching at times while being honest about everything from being wet on to stories of heartbreak. Written in a sort of journal/diary format, some of the "tales" seemed entirely too brief and left me wanting just a bit more description of sights, sounds, smells, etc. In other words, the stories are charming but it's light reading.
I'd recommend it to anyone as a 99 cent kindle purchase, but honestly, not much more than that.
a) I enjoy reading holiday stories this time of year, and
b) it was free
It was a very quick read, sweet and touching at times while being honest about everything from being wet on to stories of heartbreak. Written in a sort of journal/diary format, some of the "tales" seemed entirely too brief and left me wanting just a bit more description of sights, sounds, smells, etc. In other words, the stories are charming but it's light reading.
I'd recommend it to anyone as a 99 cent kindle purchase, but honestly, not much more than that.
December 20, 2014
Frankly, I was disappointed in this book. Some of the stories were nice and uplifting while others he talked about how he disapproved of certain childrens' behavior. While I agree with some of his summations, I don't write a book about it! I thought that he should have kept those things to himself and they are peppered in the book so you can't just avoid them altogether. Kind of ruined the joy of Christmas for me. And one of his biggest pet peeves is when parents want their kids to sit on Santa's lap and they cry about it. . . as a parent, I LOVE those pictures! I think they are the most memorable ones of all. Call me a bad parent, but I see those pictures and smile.
December 15, 2013
Very entertaining (and enlightening) series of stories from an actual mall Santa's diaries. He tells of the wonder, the joy, the beauty of children at Christmas, as well as the sadness, fear, and worry some of the little children bring to his lap. Told from a Christian Santa perspective, he often offers to pray for his visitors (amazing how many adults talk to Santa!), and encourages them all. I gained a new insight into the behind-the-scenes life of mall Santa, as well as the varied visitors who come to see him.
February 13, 2025
My only Christmas read this year. It has mixed reviews but I enjoyed it. It was mostly a fun easy read.
December 10, 2012
This book is all over the place. Santa goes from demanding respect for homeless people to denouncing fat people. Plus, his Spanish is horrible. It's "me llamo papa Noel" not "me llama es Santa." Anyway, I tried to like this ~memoir but all the judgement and his constant "I want to punch so and so in the face" made me question why he was harping on the movie "bad Santa." You can definitely tell this book was written by an old white man.
December 31, 2012
I really wanted to enjoy it believe me I did. I am no Scrooge. But the way that the stories were being told where just very nerve-racking. they were less than short stories it's almost like each one was a blurb, maybe even a paragraph. It's just too bad. like I said wanted to enjoy it, and instead of a book filled with cheer, I found one filled with coal that did not give me the warm Cozy feeling inside. Sorry Santa!
October 17, 2014
This is a journal type book chronicling one man's experience as a mall Santa.
There were funny stories in this book and a lot of heart breaking tales too, children telling Santa that they knew they'd be beaten at home, or wanting nothing but a place to live for Christmas.
I figured Santa's worst issue would be older kids trying to act cool and pick on him, or very materialistic grabby kids, but it seems like a lot of children looked to him as the only person they could trust.
There were funny stories in this book and a lot of heart breaking tales too, children telling Santa that they knew they'd be beaten at home, or wanting nothing but a place to live for Christmas.
I figured Santa's worst issue would be older kids trying to act cool and pick on him, or very materialistic grabby kids, but it seems like a lot of children looked to him as the only person they could trust.
December 29, 2012
Such a great book to read.
Although, I read this during the Christmas season, I would read it again any time of the year!
The Mall Santa/author of this book recalls different instances that he encounters as he does his job.
Some stories were funny and made me giggle, chuckle, and even laugh out loud, while others tugged at my heart strings.
Although, I read this during the Christmas season, I would read it again any time of the year!
The Mall Santa/author of this book recalls different instances that he encounters as he does his job.
Some stories were funny and made me giggle, chuckle, and even laugh out loud, while others tugged at my heart strings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews