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

Ed Butchart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

With a flowing beard of white, rosy cheeks, jolly laugh, and generous spirit, Ed Butchart is Santa-even without the red suit. This professional Santa has won hearts across the country, partly because of his day job. When not listening to children whisper secrets and wishes into his ear, Santa fixes and provides medical equipment for disabled people in need around the world. It all started more than 20 years ago when he changed the light bulb of a friend with cerebral palsy. Humbled by the huge difference a small act of goodness can cause, Butchart has since helped more than 50,000 disabled people and touched the lives of more than 500,000 adults and children who have placed their Christmas requests with him. Woven throughout The Red Suit Diaries is a faith and a love of giving that energizes Butchart's mission to spread joy to children of all ages in the name of Christ. No wonder even the most skeptical say, "I believe." Ed Butchart, an official Santa in Atlanta, Georgia, runs the year-round workshop and ministry Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. As president and founder, he's helped change the lives tens of thousands of disabled people by refurbishing wheelchairs and medical equipment. Butchart's professional Santa Claus career spans 13 years. He is married to Mrs. Claus (Annie), and they have

From the Back Cover

To: Kids of all ages From: You know who You don't have to wait for Christmas to open this package! Inside, professional Santa Ed Butchart shares how as a once-hardened Marine he found God and began to serve others in inspiring ways. You'll be transfixed by the adventures of this real-life Santa: -discover the joy he spreads in his year-round workshop, refurbishing medical equipment for the disabled -delight in the sweetest of secrets children whisper in Santa's ear -warm your heart with Santa's story of how he found "Mrs. Claus" You'll also enjoy Santa's personal mail, written from hopeful kids who tell Santa their good deeds and ask for some interesting things in return. From laugh-out loud funny to unforgettably moving, The Red Suit Diaries shows how everyone can celebrate the spirit of Santa-and how you can keep Christmas in your heart every day by nurturing a childlike faith that lasts all year round.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800718143
• ISBN-13: 978-0800718145
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the real Santa!!, February 4, 2006

By 

Former Fem "Fem no More" (Everywhere Man!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Red Suit Diaries, The: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith (Hardcover)

I was told about this book right before Christmas 2004. I bought two copies and sent one to my mom. We both read and cried about this book! This is such a heart-warming book! This brings back the magic of Christmas. I really loved the end where Santa tells us grown ups why he thinks Santa helps kids have faith. It teaches them to help others, to think of others, and puts God's love and face on a very special time of year. I really liked the part when Santa is talking to a young girl that is asking him how he flies. Santa tells her that with all of God's love, her Parent's love and her love, it gives Santa the magic he needs to fly on Christmas Eve. There were several things that Mr. Butchart shared in this book that my Husband and I will use when we have kids. If you have anyone in your life that thinks telling their kids that there is a Santa is lying to their kids tell them to read this book before telling their kids that. Also if you are one of those parents that ruin the magic of Christmas for their kids please tell them to keep the information to themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had a niece, nephew, or family friends children come home crying because some kid at school told them there is no Santa. By reading this book you will understand that most of us use Santa to help us teach our kids about God. Its a very easy quick read. I bought several copies last year to give as gifts to all of our friends and family. My Husband was transferred to GA last year and my Christmas present was to go to Stone Mtn and see Santa!! I was so excited. I waited in line with all the kids and then it was finally my turn! I went and sat on Santa's lap and told him how my family really enjoyed his book. He said that he appreciated the compliments but had to share with me some sad news. On Christmas Day 2004 Santa's wife Annie Butchart passed away and this Christmas was very hard for him. His wife worked with him at Stone Mtn and was very active being Mrs. Claus. From reading his book it is very clear how much he cared for his wife even though I'm quite sure it doesn't even show the half of it. I wanted to share this news so you can appreciate the book a little more. Please buy this book and share it with everyone in your life. I have two copies so when we have guests during Christmas they can read the book and enjoy the season as much as I do.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and Heartwarming story through the Season & beyond, November 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Red Suit Diaries, The: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith (Hardcover)

This is an inspiring true account of one man's journey from Marine to real life Santa. Ed Butchart recounts moments in his life he choose to reach out to other people in need which is one of the true forms of giving. This book will move readers through laughter and tears as you meet many children (and some adults) who have shared their hopes and dreams with Santa. The similarity between Ed and Santa is uncanny from his photo in the back of the book to the fact he has been Santa for over 15 years at a park and has an organization that distributes wheelchairs to kids in need...this book is one you will give year after year to inspire and encourage those in your life.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Santa Story Ever, December 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Red Suit Diaries, The: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith (Hardcover)

Ed Butchart is an amazing man. The gift of love he brings to others through his ministry is amazing. The Red Suit Diaries is a wonderful heart-warming story that will surely make you laugh and cry!