Tom Brokaw said it best about the author: 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.
Ed Butchart has been Stone Mountain's official Santa Claus in Atlanta, Georgia, for thirteen years. He also runs a year-round workshop and ministry, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, which refurbishes wheelchairs and medical equipment for those in need. As president and founder, Butchart has helped change the lives of thousands.
"For more than a dozen years Ed Butchart has donned a red and white Santa Claus outfit and has gone out to churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages to bring joy to children (of all ages). His book, The Red Suit Diaries, is a compendium of true stories about his escapades, adventures, and experiences in and around Atlanta, Georgia. People who told Ed they just wanted a quick picture with Santa wound up telling him their heartfelt needs, concerns, worries, dreams, fears, and desires. He became a counselor and friend to hundreds of strangers who felt more comfortable talking to Santa than to a counselor, pastor, or neighbor.
"Entwined in these stories is a greater story. Butchart is the founder of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, an organization that repairs and maintains medical equipment for disabled people all over the world.
"On his acknowledgements page Butchart writes, 'It is my hope that you'll find these words entertaining, provoking, and heartwarming.' And, although the stories are not as provoking as some of the book's publicity advocates, there is a great deal of humor, fun, and homespun wisdom found here. It is worthwhile reading, and not just for the Christmas season.
"Anyone wishing to restore the joy of believing in Santa Claus, or at least the qualities he represents, will find this an easy book to read and relate to.
"If you are someone who can laugh at candid stories, smile at the innocence of a child, and marvel at the simple faith of God-fearing people, then this book will be worth its cost to you." -- Jennifer Logue, Christian Book Previews
