Red Suit Diaries, The: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith

by Ed Butchart

Tom Brokaw said it best about the This Santa "can only be described as the real thing." With warmth, humor, and wonder, Ed Butchart shares his stories as a professional Santa Claus in The Red Suit Diaries.Deftly combining his Santa persona with his passion for God, Butchart reveals himself as a once-hardened Marine who found Jesus and began to serve others in unusual ways. Readers who open The Red Suit Diaries will find themselves transfixed-from Santa's day job refurbishing medical equipment for the disabled, to the sweetest of secrets whispered in Santa's ear and written in letters, and the story of how he unknowingly found "Mrs. Claus."Woven throughout is a faith-and a joy of giving-that energizes Butchart's mission to spread love to all kinds of children and adults. This fun-spirited, inspirational read will delight collectors of Christmas books and anyone who's a child at heart.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Inspirational, Memoir, Holiday

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Julie Durnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this short and sweet book, Ed truly seems to live out his faith, and makes a difference in so many ways and lives of those he intersects with. Realistic without being too sugar-coated or preachy.

[Matt Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want cry, read this book. If you want to laugh out loud, read this book. If you want to believe in love and kindness and generosity and Santa Claus and the goodness of humanity, read this book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, sweet, eye opening. Very good read.

[Lisa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just delightful. Broken into sections titled Hopes, Dreams, Childlike Faith and Believing, each is filled with nice heart warming stories from a former Marine turned Santa. The back of the book says "You don't have to wait for Christmas to open this package!" and this is so true. This is one of those books to pick up whenever you want to read a short, feel-good story. Perfect for any time of the year.

[Wendy Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE

I absolutely loved this story of a kind gentleman's adventures as Santa Claus over the years. He takes it seriously and has such a kind heart. I loved all of his many memories of what wearing the red suit meant to him over the years and how he gives so much back to everyone he meets. Great story!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I walked into the library today with the intention of borrowing an audio book for the car and walked out with not only that but also this book. I sometimes feel like when I am at the library, more so than at a bookstore, that books call out to me. I'll be in front of a shelf and one spine and title will pop out and it always seems to be just what I was in the mood for! This one was set on top of a shelf in a Christmas display and I saw it out of the corner of my eye. I am so glad that I decided to take it home with me. It was a very enjoyable, uplifting read.

There is something magical about Christmas and this year I am not ready to let it go. The tree is still up along with the decorations and I am in no hurry to take everything down, not because of the work involved but because I am not ready to let go of the magic. In high school my best friend and I started going to get our picture taken with Santa. We haven't done it every year, but we have quite a few we've had taken over the years. There is a part of me that wishes I could still believe, maybe even to a certain extent still believes. Ed Butchart sounds like the perfect Santa. His stories are warm and real, a few times my eyes teared up and a few times I laughed out loud. One of the holiday traditions I started with my own children is a picture with Santa. Our first picture has one child, the second and third have two, then there are three of them and now there are four. I dread the day when they stop believing and hope it can go on for a few more years at least.

This book is broken down into four section on hopes, dreams, childlike faith, and believing. The author and his wife not only work as Santa and Mrs. Claus for December but at other times of the year as well. I never thought about how hard it could be to sit in a chair all day holding children. While he admits that many of the children blur together, there are some very special stories about a few children and families to touch your heart and bring to mind the true meaning of Christmas. Along with acting as Santa, Butchart is also a minister who works with a church and is a founder of a company that repairs and places wheelchairs and parts for free for families with a need.

[Ellen Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed Butchart is a retired Marine, Christian and founder of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)who just happens to look like Santa (24/7).

His approach as Santa is to reaffirm the love of God which was the spirit behind the first St. Nicholas, who was a bishop in the fourth century. Ed works at revitalizing the spirit of the first St. Nick and retells stories of spreading God's gift of love where and when he can.

His encounters run from light and fluffy to heart break. But through it all Ed professes hope.

The Red Suit Diaries was the perfect book to end my December Christmas reads for 2014.

[Dawn Heuft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knows, maybe Ed Butchart really is Santa. Not only did I get a glimpse behind the scenes at Santa's Village, but I was left with a spirit of hope and joy and a willingness to look for opportunities to share some Christmas spirit with others. I love that Ed did his best to share the spirit of Christ in his dealings with children and adults.

This is a great uplifting book to read this time of year and a nice reminder to step back from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and make sure that we take the time to observe others and share a little Christmas spirit with them.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ed Butchart's memoir about becoming a mall Santa begins as a perfect holiday book-easy to read, uplifting, and fun. There are numerous sweet stories about the children and parents he meets. Unfortunately, the second half of the book evolves into a sicky sweet justification of his Christianity and while he boasts about his connection to the children, it becomes more about him than the children.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to read during the holiday season. Ed Butchart paints a wonderful picture of what Santa is supposed to be. Some of his stories made me cry, while others brought a big smile to my face. I suggest this book to anyone who needs an uplifting read about faith, love, and goodness.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of how one man with a dream can grow a simple desire to help people, into a lifetime of service to others.

I was touched at the heart of this wonderful man. The stories he shares will touch the hearts of young and old alike.

Perfect for anytime of year.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this real life Santa because he promotes the true meaning of Christmas by telling kids about Jesus whenever he has the chance. His stories are entertaining and very real!

[Elizabeth G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a gift last Christmas and just packed it away with the decorations. I rediscovered it this year while decorating and decided to read it. It was a great book and a quick read.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very uplifting stories and the impact they had on the lives of others.

[Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun reading the stories but waaaaaay to Christian for me.

[Megan Gerken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this lighthearted Christmas read. Some interesting things seeing behind the scenes of a person representing Santa. You will start to wonder if Ed is the real Santa, I know I did and I really want to go meet him and Mrs. Claus now.

If you have a problem with reading books where faith is very open and honest, then this is not the book for you. Ed weaves his faith throughout the book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming stories that make you cry happy tears. Only gave it 3 stars because Ed could have benefited from a ghost writer. While his writing could use a little tweaking it doesn’t take away from his career as an amazingly compassionate Santa and his and “Mrs Claus” ministry to elderly and disabled or his unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, God’s greatest gift.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt the best Christmas book I have ever read! Ed Butchart is a captivating man to listen to. A hardened Marine turned into a loving Santa who makes it easy to be a believer. A strong Christian who is really a gift from God.

[Nancy Holte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good. Not life changing but heart warming stories of a Christian man who plays Santa AND has a wheelchair ministry.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me of another God-loving man who also wore the red suit once in a while. My dad.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I cried. And I believe.

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read over the holidays. Ed has a unique perspective, and I loved learning some of the ins and outs of his Santa career. I wish all Santas were like him!

[Darin Simms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, fun, easy read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his stories as Santa, in suit and out.

[Lynn Dickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some sweet stories. I didn’t care for the disrespectful way he referred to policemen though

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, sweet book to read about a man and his ministry. You will enjoy all the stories, even if it's not Christmas. A feel good book.

[Lee Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Stories

This book is full of wonderful stories from a man that wanted to share the magic of Christmas and the love of God with others.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved reading the stories of this real life Santa. Very heartwarming!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this diary of a REAL Santa.
He is the Real Deal and I love the way he brings Jesus in as often as he can.
He has really had some experiences.

[Christine Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gritty Marine becomes the helper of disabled and plays a benevolent Santa.