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Dear Santa: I'm Gay
Holly has spent her whole life trying to change her sexuality. At age 22, she finds herself asking Santa to help her. Through letters to Santa, Holly shares her experiences in coming out, finding love, and most importantly, learning to love herself.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2017
About the author
Erica Lee
49 books951 followersErica Lee finished writing her first book, Dear Santa: I’m Gay, in December 2016. Erica currently lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, dog, chinchilla, and bunny. She spends her days working as an optometrist and her nights snuggled up on the couch with her furry family, binging on netflix or youtube.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 11, 2025
Lovely short novella with a stupid title. More like a dear diary style cashing in on the Xmas romance vibe. But Holly decides to tell her friends and family she is gay, but her parents are slow to come on board. Ms Lee writes nice young romance novels and often about coming out. 4 stars, stupid title and all.
December 29, 2020
This is a sweet short story about coming out and acceptance.
October 11, 2020
3.5/5
I cried a lot!!! I saved it for the right time and it was totally worth it. My biggest issue was the main character saying she's gay again and again but never saying she's a lesbian :(
I cried a lot!!! I saved it for the right time and it was totally worth it. My biggest issue was the main character saying she's gay again and again but never saying she's a lesbian :(
April 22, 2020
I wish I read this when I was questioning everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
This is a short story lesbian book that will make you smile and warm your heart.
October 5, 2024
If only.
July 14, 2022
Sweet story
This little story was as sweet a coming out journey as I’ve ever read. As a straight hetero male, I’ve had the privilege of hiring and working with young gay women and men, as well as hearing their stories. This has been hard throughout human history, I’m just glad to be living in a time where who you are is so much more important than who you love. Fluidity in orientation is more complex than anyone ever knew until we reached a point where it could be discussed, accepted, openly.
I know it’s still difficult for young people to come out but so grateful for stories like this, and so many others, including television and film, that people are able to accept and love each other easily and openly. Mostly. The orientation battle is not won but the genie never goes back in the bottle. Nor should it. We’re a better world for that. So, thank you to Erica, and so many others for helping open minds and hearts by blazing a trail all of us can follow. Love is love, wherever, however we find it. Five twinkling stars!
This little story was as sweet a coming out journey as I’ve ever read. As a straight hetero male, I’ve had the privilege of hiring and working with young gay women and men, as well as hearing their stories. This has been hard throughout human history, I’m just glad to be living in a time where who you are is so much more important than who you love. Fluidity in orientation is more complex than anyone ever knew until we reached a point where it could be discussed, accepted, openly.
I know it’s still difficult for young people to come out but so grateful for stories like this, and so many others, including television and film, that people are able to accept and love each other easily and openly. Mostly. The orientation battle is not won but the genie never goes back in the bottle. Nor should it. We’re a better world for that. So, thank you to Erica, and so many others for helping open minds and hearts by blazing a trail all of us can follow. Love is love, wherever, however we find it. Five twinkling stars!
May 30, 2024
This was a sweet coming out story… not that it wasn’t stunningly painful at times, but the letter format was cute, and Holly thankfully didn’t have to struggle through it alone. OK, a lot of the grappling went on in her head, but she had her brother and Jeff to back her up, and she eventually had someone else (and their amazing mom) to help her through it all…
Along the way, there were some funny bits (such as a letter to Santa in late December ending with “I’m sure you have a busy week ahead”) and some really moving parts — such as the letter that starts with the title phrase, and the talk she gets from the mom I just mentioned.
I guess I should acknowledge that this was Erica Lee’s first book, and I’m sure it wouldn’t be the same if she covered the same topics today (many years and books later). But it was still a wonderful story, tense, funny, and moving in turns. A lot packed into a short work; I definitely enjoyed reading it.
Along the way, there were some funny bits (such as a letter to Santa in late December ending with “I’m sure you have a busy week ahead”) and some really moving parts — such as the letter that starts with the title phrase, and the talk she gets from the mom I just mentioned.
I guess I should acknowledge that this was Erica Lee’s first book, and I’m sure it wouldn’t be the same if she covered the same topics today (many years and books later). But it was still a wonderful story, tense, funny, and moving in turns. A lot packed into a short work; I definitely enjoyed reading it.
June 13, 2024
I liked this novella a lot. It was short and relatively simple, but that’s what you usually expect from a novella. I think the premise was very clever and original. The “story” was told through the medium of letters written to Santa, which won’t be delivered anywhere, by the adult protagonist who doesn’t believe in Santa but can’t think of anyone else to talk to about the things she is struggling with. Its essentially her diary, but with a Christmas twist. I enjoyed this novella a lot, and it made me smile more than once.
This is a coming out story, as Holly struggles to come to terms with her sexuality and then move forward with her life, coming out, and living her truth. The coming out experience has mixed results, which felt realistic and gave the reader a balanced view of what could be expected. There are happy and sad moments, but ultimately, it’s a heartwarming and happy story. This is a great short read, for Christmas time or any other time of the year.
The story progressed very quickly, a little too quickly and conveniently at times, but that’s somewhat unavoidable with the low page count. That said, the story flowed nicely and took its time where it wanted to.
This is a coming out story, as Holly struggles to come to terms with her sexuality and then move forward with her life, coming out, and living her truth. The coming out experience has mixed results, which felt realistic and gave the reader a balanced view of what could be expected. There are happy and sad moments, but ultimately, it’s a heartwarming and happy story. This is a great short read, for Christmas time or any other time of the year.
The story progressed very quickly, a little too quickly and conveniently at times, but that’s somewhat unavoidable with the low page count. That said, the story flowed nicely and took its time where it wanted to.
November 8, 2020
I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was so simple and yet so beautiful. Everything the protagonist thought and went through was, something I thought and went through when I was coming out to myself. The only reason I am not giving this 5 stars, is that the book was a little too short. Other than that, it was a perfect read. Everything in the book hit me hard. I had to stop at multiple points in the book, as I kept erupting into tears. While the writing was a little too simplistic, the author made up for it by conveying emotions perfectly, and doing the main topic of 'acceptance' justice.
A WONDERFUL READ!!!
A WONDERFUL READ!!!
November 21, 2020
Really good read
This is an amazing book. It’s an easy read and express in a simple way the battle within themselves that many people goes through. Not easy and simple in a way that lessens or understate how hard it is or how it affects them, but in a way that can be really understood by others regardless of if they had gone through or not and to those family members of LGBT people that don’t quite get what is going on with their loved ones. It also gives some insight in how the family members might be feeling and helps LGBTs see the other side as well.
This is an amazing book. It’s an easy read and express in a simple way the battle within themselves that many people goes through. Not easy and simple in a way that lessens or understate how hard it is or how it affects them, but in a way that can be really understood by others regardless of if they had gone through or not and to those family members of LGBT people that don’t quite get what is going on with their loved ones. It also gives some insight in how the family members might be feeling and helps LGBTs see the other side as well.
July 16, 2021
Erica Lee's first published novella (from what I can see on GR's). This is a very sweet coming out story of a young college girl. Holly writes a daily letter to Santa. She talks of fears of coming out as gay, goes through the experience of telling her roommates, brother and parents to various reactions. It includes a supportive friend and first date. The letters are beautifully written and really gives a full story. The letters could be just as easily be written to God or as a journal to herself but it feels very innocent and extra sweet as she pours her heart out to Santa.
December 13, 2023
4 stars. Twenty-two year old, Holly is having a hard time coming to terms with her sexuality and has been writing letters to Santa for a month to cope and get her feelings out. This was wonderful. It hit really close to home for me and I definitely got emotional and teary eyed throughout. Holly is a likable character and it was great seeing her come into her own by the end. This was just a really lovely little story with a lot of heart. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 20, 2019
Great read!
In this book, Erica really got in touch with how it feels to ‘come out’. Scared, confused and unsure she shows readers that coming to terms with their sexuality is not a choice and something you should never be ashamed of.
I think this book would be an asset to anyone who is struggling with their own sexuality. Also a great read for parents who can’t quite understand what their child is going through.
Great book for School Libraries for teens
In this book, Erica really got in touch with how it feels to ‘come out’. Scared, confused and unsure she shows readers that coming to terms with their sexuality is not a choice and something you should never be ashamed of.
I think this book would be an asset to anyone who is struggling with their own sexuality. Also a great read for parents who can’t quite understand what their child is going through.
Great book for School Libraries for teens
November 25, 2018
Heartwarming
A coming out story with ups and downs, Holly's letters to Santa explore her journey of romantic, platonic, and familial love. A cute story that can be read in one sitting.
A coming out story with ups and downs, Holly's letters to Santa explore her journey of romantic, platonic, and familial love. A cute story that can be read in one sitting.
September 21, 2019
A young woman comes out to herself, her friends and her family as documented in her daily letters to Santa. Seasonal and relatively low in angst it does touch on many issues that a person coming out would encounter.
December 25, 2019
This is a very special story about coming out. You can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t have to. Believe in yourself and know that you are never truly alone. I think this was a very well written story.
September 23, 2023
A magical journey of self-discovery
Erica Lee paints a get picture of discovering who you are in a short amount of pages. There was laughs and some tears reading the journey and it was a pleasure seeing a character find their happiness with themselves
Erica Lee paints a get picture of discovering who you are in a short amount of pages. There was laughs and some tears reading the journey and it was a pleasure seeing a character find their happiness with themselves
December 16, 2023
I didn’t expected to like this book as much as I did, It’s so beautiful, Holly story stock with me since the beginning, It makes me think of how was my life before coming out and how is it now. Erica lee never lets me down
June 20, 2024
too short
I really loved this Christmas story! I felt like it was too short. It breaks my heart to see and read about the struggles that the LGBTQ community has to face especially within religious communities. I’m glad Holly chose to be her authentic self instead of living a lie!
I really loved this Christmas story! I felt like it was too short. It breaks my heart to see and read about the struggles that the LGBTQ community has to face especially within religious communities. I’m glad Holly chose to be her authentic self instead of living a lie!
December 1, 2019
Unique and heart felt!
This was such a unique take on accepting yourself and coming out! I highly recommend it! Sweet sad and touching! A great read
This was such a unique take on accepting yourself and coming out! I highly recommend it! Sweet sad and touching! A great read
September 26, 2020
not up tor usual caliber but thankfully it was short
August 5, 2021
Thank you!
These story opens a lot of emotions of being truly accepting yourself and acceptance of the people around you. It's a big eye opener to be who we are!
These story opens a lot of emotions of being truly accepting yourself and acceptance of the people around you. It's a big eye opener to be who we are!
October 3, 2021
I've read this book more times than I can count. It also was one of the first WLW books I have ever read and it had a great impact on me. Recommend it 100%! 10 stars!
January 8, 2022
If you are sure!
Not every coming out has a happy ending, but have faith in your self that the one you love treats you the way you want to be treated. Enjoy!
Not every coming out has a happy ending, but have faith in your self that the one you love treats you the way you want to be treated. Enjoy!
December 26, 2024
It's never easy
If you need motivation to come out or just know thay everything will be okay at the end this is the book you need.
If you need motivation to come out or just know thay everything will be okay at the end this is the book you need.
November 27, 2025
Spoiler alert queenies!! 💅 it’ll blow😛 your socks right off 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
3.2/5
This was a cute and somewhat emotional coming out story. The Christmas aspect was different and I loved the lesbian love story. While the writing wasn’t my favorite, I related a lot to Holly and enjoyed this book.
This was a cute and somewhat emotional coming out story. The Christmas aspect was different and I loved the lesbian love story. While the writing wasn’t my favorite, I related a lot to Holly and enjoyed this book.
January 26, 2017
Nice coming out story with Christmas thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews