Santa is a hero to children and a teacher to adults

Twenty-plus years ago, my children had questions about Santa— the same questions which have existed for generations. That's when I told a bedtime story about this famous holiday man. My goal— to educate my kids while I had their attention. I found this topic to be a wonderful teaching platform on a vast number of subjects. In the beginning, when our kids were little, the information was simple and sweet. But as time went by the subject matter increased. Chris Kringle's birthday is 1/1/1900. He also grew up in New York City. The year and the location was significant. My kids could easily calculate Santa's age and so many events occurred in this area of the world. For example: In 1922, Chris was 22 years-old, smack-dab in the middle of The Roaring 20s. It pairs perfectly with his life. The 1930s Great Depression— wait until you learn what happens then. 

Our little December tale turned into a big research project. I went to libraries, examined microfilm, and bought copies of old newspapers on eBay. Then high-speed internet came. As my kids' questions advanced— so did the answers. My desire was to stay "one year ahead" and gather the evidence regarding the origins of "Kris Kringle" while mixing fantasy with factual events. Most of us have seen the Christmas movies, TV specials, or read the holiday books. However, one topic always seemed incomplete, especially to modern day children. There was no great historical adventure about Santa or his mysterious life. There were so many different myths and unanswered questions. I decided to tie it all together and have some fun with the entire project. The main question my kids wanted to know— How did a little boy grow up to become the man we all know as Santa Claus? That's what it boils down to— so I set out on a mission. The foundation was poured. We all deserve a solid house.

My decision was simple. I wanted to use real history, facts, and famous people to prove Chris Kringle did exist. I chose people or businesses that would help grow the story and advance my Childrens brains. I wanted them to grow up and become well-respected adults. Year after year I added more details. My kids (and their cousins) were thrilled with the little things which made sense. It was during this time a few parents called me to ask questions. Apparently their son or daughter heard something at school. I was asked about Santa's flying reindeer— something I had just told my kids. My kids at school told their friends reindeer can fly because they have hollow bones— just like birds. Real birds have hollow bones, and so do Santa's reindeer. This was a teaching moment and a Santa secret. The framing walls were starting to appear.

In the early 2000s, when researching this story, I was fascinated that one hundred years ago kids around the world didn't attend school. Children would "usually" start work early in life, in a coal mine, selling newspapers, or possibly cleaning chimneys. With this information, my own kids couldn't imagine no formal school system in existence. Yes, private and religious schools existed, if you had money, but there was no public school system for ALL children in the early 1900s. It's crazy to think about now, but a couple generations ago each and every child didn't receive an education. And I hadn't even touched on segregation. Wait until you see how Chris and Wally fit into that part of history, especially once you understand they will ALWAYS do the right thing. Finally— the roof was on, but I needed a contractor. I was creating something without a plan and needed advice.

Building a house without blueprints can be a problem. That's where my wife fits in— she's the glue that holds this story together. Throughout the years I would bounce ideas off my better-half, she would tell me I'm an idiot, then we'd solve the problem together. To describe Chris Kringle's life correctly— this is a long story and there are no quick answers. The adventure starts out in 1897, after the Kringle parents immigrate to America. The end of this tale takes place in 1987, for a reason to be disclosed later. That's a lot of time and a lot of gaps to fill. Each question needed to be answered with specific details. Everything had to make sense— for our kids sake. I didn't want our house falling down.

Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time.  Godfather, Casablanca, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and don't forget my kids favorite— MCU. Any book written John Grisham I can't put down. I didn't know it at the time, but this story was a little bit of all of these. What is it they say, "you can only write what you know." So true. But I wanted more. With the adventure starting out in the early 1900s, it quickly advanced to World War II. This gave me an opportunity to research fact I never knew. Then the fun started. I interviewed patients who grew up in Nazi Germany and were a part of Hitler youth. I asked professional athletes, musicians, engineers what their careers were like. So many questions needed to be answered, especially if Chris and Wally were to escape Nazi Germany in the first turbine powered jet engine built by human hands.

Several patients have asked why I chose New York to start the story. I'm from California. It's because my dad's side of the family is from back east. Looking back— again, I got lucky.  So many new discoveries started around this time. Everything from public schools, new technologies, architecture/construction, sports, art, science... it's all there. Who knew Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were only ten minutes away from where Chris and Wally grew up? I sure didn't, but now my children would. The exterior walls were up. My new contractor was doing her job :)

My aunt worked for the Hershey Company in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She drove from New Jersey to Hershey, PA for years.  I knew Chris Kringle's first job would be at this company, or a company like this, given the values of this great business.  In my mind, Milton Hershey and young Chris Kringle needed to become friends. Of all the people I could have chosen for a mentor— Milton is perfect and you'll understand why. Think about it. Milton Hershey bought hundreds of acres of land, built a factory, completed his goal to create the best working environment ever for his greatest asset— his employees! That's exactly what Santa is going to do— later, at the North Pole. Everything Chris and Wally learn as a kids need to come from somewhere. Plumbing installed. Time for electricity.

Combining real people and real history blew the family away. My children gained knowledge on a wide array of subjects without realizing they were learning. In my attempt to be a good father, I added topics the school system didn't discuss (or early enough for me.) Example: I didn't want to wait until age 12 to have the conversation about drugs. I wanted to educate my kids early so they know what to avoid. I wanted to show them the painful message of heading down the wrong path. Back to the library. I never knew "heroin" was a legal substance at the turn of the 20th century. Who knew it could be purchased at any drugstore in the world. I described what heroin does and how it destroys your mind. Then I fit this topic into the story and combined how the Nazis used this harmful opioid to "control" their soldiers. Sadly, this is all true— and I never knew.

When my kids were little they loved the 1970 stop motion television special, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," However, by 3rd grade, my children wanted something newer and up-to-date. Our story advanced more because of rumors floating around at school. After all my hard work and years of research, my kids were questioning the validity of you-know-who. Then I decided to up the ante and create more drama. My wife helped with this part. This kept my kids and their cousins believing for a few more years. Specifically during this time (around 2010), I now had a historically and scientifically accurate tale. All the "Santa secrets" were in place where I could now show "Chris Kringle" truly existed— but I needed a reason why his childhood records would be erased. Not that I'm a master storyteller, but I learned the art of "cliff-hangers" to keep my children guessing. I gave my family the arsenal to prove Chris Kringle is legitimate, then question it. Now it's time for the finishing trim.

The journey of our "Santa Story" took off when my kids were past 3rd grade. They wanted more details about his life, family, and friends. As usual, we would start our bedtime adventure around December 20th of each year and continue each night until Christmas Eve. I kept notes, showed pictures, and revealed evidence. I rehearsed what I was going to say. One specific year I found interesting because my father-in-law wanted to listen. He claimed we had something unique and advised me to tape-record the story. (Sadly, we never did.) We would later discover the adults in our family were learning something as well. After years of telling this story— I never realized how much information was secretly hidden in this tale.

 
To be clear— this is an adventure about Chris and Wally Kringle, their friends, and eventually, their wives. There is pain, sorrow, death, and joy. The moral of this story is about giving back, what it's like to have everything, lose it all, and find a way to pull through. I used this story to teach my kids how to deal with the loss of their grandfather. After multiple requests by relatives, other parents, and even patients, I decided to write these books. There is only one reason I took on this project— so more children can grow up to become better adults. The house was built. Time to move in.

We can now spread this information in a positive way. It's the perfect opportunity to educate the youth. Kids want to know more about Santa and deserve a story like this. Like any parent will tell you, "you're never done loving or teaching your kids." We can now use the Kringle brother's views to make the world a better place. These characters will change people's lives— and it doesn't end during Christmastime.

By the time my kids were teenagers, everything was in place. We had a house to live in, but it still needed finishing touches. Every piece of the Santa Claus puzzle fit together perfectly— not like a black leather glove that didn't hold up at trial. Per the last sentence, when telling a story, I like to hide secrets in plain sight— then expose them later. Young children don't grasp the "black glove" reference, but I had fun giving away clues. An example of how I like to write would be "Hodor" from Game of Thrones. It took HBO four-seasons to reveal Hodor's name— and it was a huge payoff. This is the same with Wally's name and how Chris becomes Santa. It's a trip when you discover the "true meaning" behind this adventure. It will fit perfectly like a hand in a glove. I have enjoyed hiding breadcrumbs for my kids to guess how it all ties together. There is power in letting people figure things out on their own.

If you didn't see it on the first page of this website, Christopher Kringle is a descendant of the real St. Nick. He doesn't know it in the story, and it's something he and Wally figure out on their own. One other adult secret to decode— Chris Kringle doesn't officially become "Santa Claus" until after World War II. Remember that statement and all the clues. When you finally grasp how Chris becomes Santa— you'll be blown away with the details as if you've known it all along. Most adults believe the company Coca-Cola was involved in Santa wearing the red suit, but that's not the real reason he wears this apparel. If you know your history—the answer has already been given. If you got it, good for you. If you didn't, don't worry— you'll be surprised when it's finally revealed. I promise, in the end, it will all be worth your time. Also, since we're on topic— Chris and Wally never die. They may come close. Closer than you'd like. But Santa ain't dying on my watch. 

All the questions about Christmas and Santa will finally be answered with logical terms. There's no politics or religion, just a fun atmosphere. Don't forget— North Pole reindeer can fly because they have hollow bones... just like birds. Secretive hints are always explained in tiers of three— for younger kids, adolescents, and finally adults. I hope you gain knowledge on many levels when you discover Chris Kringle is real. He's a part of all of us because we're all in this together. And wait until you discover Wally— the greatest big brother in history. Our lives wouldn't be the same without Wally.

WEBSITE:

On the back of the first children's picture book was a notation for www.chriskringle.com, where children can now email Santa their wish-list— or any question. The book was just released last year (Christmas 2020). I have found it amazing kids are reading a holiday book in June. As of now (summer 2021), from this website, I get questions from children around the globe. Santa responds, normally cc'ing the parents (and the Elves). I'll post a few copies of questions from kids and the response. They are hilarious.

So adults know— in all the books there are no swear words or sexual conduct. For the children's picture books, think Dr. Seuss but with historical accuracy. Plus— a front page for Santa to autograph/sign when he comes to your house.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: There will be four easy to read bedtime picture books;  

"How I Became Santa Clause," by Chris Kringle 

"How I Became Santa's Big Brother," by Wally Kringle 

"How I Became Mrs. Clause," by Norene Williams 

"How I Became Santa's Favorite Elf," by Bano 

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS:

The young adult books are ten in number, and each explains approximately a decade of Chris Kringle's life. The reading is easy for 5th grade and above and provides enough secrets to make it adventurous for adults. Each volume builds upon the details of the Kringle brother's lives, hopefully around 300 pages each. All have been written except book #9, which will be explained— in due time.  

The topics of the young adult series will build off the picture books with greater detail. In the YA books, there will be kill scenes, bloody detective work, and violence for historical reference. History is history— tell it how it is. Several famous murders will be discussed. Everything from Jack the Ripper (London, 1888) to JFK (Dallas, 1963) are going to be theorized. With that stated, my research tells me most people have forgotten about President Teddy Roosevelt getting shot while running for a third term in 1912. Four years removed from office, Teddy gave a speech in Milwaukee and was shot in the chest at point-blank range. While most people have forgotten this important information, you won't forget it after seeing how the Kringle brothers were involved.

MOVIE SCRIPTS: 

As of February 2021, while the books are being professionally edited, I've attempted to write movie scripts— which is an entirely different building. To be blunt— I never planned on any of this. In fact, I never planned on writing anything at all. However, like my wife has said, "it's a great story and you need to make it available to all."

Please remember Chris and Wally's main objective. They want people to understand how humans are the same, not argue about our differences, and treat each other with respect. Their goal is world peace, hence why Santa gives presents to "good" children to become better adults. Hopefully, their mission statement will be well received by people around the world.

Lastly, parents, any feedback is greatly appreciated. Let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or advice. If you see a typo, let me know. I love feedback (good or bad) as it can only make the story better.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy our family adventure.

In peace,

-Dr. P