Reviews from

Santa's Little Secret, Part One

The Authorized Hidden History of Santa Claus

28 total reviews 
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very interesting take on the story of Santa Claus. I've never heard anything remotely resembling this story. Very original and extremely well-written.

I hope we don't have to wait until next year for the "payoff!"

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 23-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Jim. Just when you think you understand the jolly elf. Yeah, the second part will be delayed long enough for this old guy to earn the shekels to promote it.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
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Well, this is different, Jay. I prefer this Santa with his slightly naughty background. (naughty, not, evil) He becomes more relatable, and more loveable. Anya loves him, his son loves him and so does his grandchildren. But it seems he doesn't remember having a son, guilt has a lot to do with selective memory. Now he must face it, and accept it as the truth. I'm looking foreword to reading the next part, Jay. This is a really good story. Very well done and good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 23-Dec-2022
    Ah, so good that you caught this before your winter hibernation. I'll look forward to reuniting our minds after the beginning of the year.

    Jay
Comment from Soledadpaz
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Yes, the story sometimes takes a life of its own. A very interesting take on the story of St. Nick. Can't wait to read the next installment.

Muy bien hecho!

Sol

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 23-Dec-2022
    Muchisimas gracias y tambien por seguirme, Sol. Strange, so many think I have the finish ready to post, or tucked away in my brain ready to type out. The fact is, I don't know any more now than that I have four interesting characters who are hemming and hawing and waiting for me to finish breathing life in them. But I suspect you know how that goes. I do appreciate you, Sol!

    Jay
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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I'm really puzzled as to where you're going with this, Jay. So you have a two-timing St. Nick who feels guilt for the relationships and leaving the church and he has something of a blended family. I don't think we need to do good works to earn God's grace so all his Christmas good works don't earn him forgiveness but God's work through Jesus did. Anyway, if this was a flash fiction, you're on a roll with Tolstoy-length books. One thing is clear is that Nicholas and Anya really love each other.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 23-Dec-2022
    LOL, over time, I hope you can forgive Santa, Helen. Just one little slip up ... well, just two little slip ups. Thank you for reading this, my friend. Hope you have a happy Holiday season and a safe and healthy '23.

    Jay
Comment from Mary Shifman
Excellent
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There are numerous twists and turns in this intriguing story and found it quite engaging. It's creative and interesting and I was disappointed to come to the end of part I so quickly. I look forward to reading Part II.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Thank you, Mary. I'm glad you found it entertaining. Part two probably won't post for a couple of weeks (until long after the magical "fantasy" part of Christmas is just a memory for another 365 days. But in the real world of FanStory, I need to earn more funny money to get part two off the ground. Again, thanks!

    Jay
reply by Mary Shifman on 23-Dec-2022
    I know exactly what you mean!
Comment from Shirley McLain
Excellent
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How intriguing this is! Santa Claus had an affair that ended with a child, and he can't remember it. That doesn't fit the MO of the Santa that I know. You did a great job. Shirley

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Many thanks, Shirley. Yes, Santa had a rather randy youth without the enjoyment of memory to relive it. Good thing his son is there for that. And his wife.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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The world understands what is affectively, the organised church they 'see' with its hierarchical set up of authority, that is OT, and understood by the world, along with its frailty, but through Christ, it's different, all are equal, of course, there are offices, so Nicholas is interesting. I love the incredible thinking that you have created, renders Santa as human, not the drummed up jolly idealistic fat man we accept, an understandable human with mystic powers, a fairy tale. I love your thoughtful take on him, will he accept Ajdin, (who's more righteous than his dad) beautifully written Jay, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    I'm glad you enjoyed my take on Santa Claus. When you try to defend a fantasy as truth, you have to dig deep into the roots of reality to find a way that it 'could' have happened. It's not intended as being anything more than tongue in cheek play with a beloved fairytale.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas. Blessings,

    Jay
reply by royowen on 22-Dec-2022
    Well done
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Love your note...Jay, don't do flash fiction! You warned me last week that the story was going to be dark and long. But I think it is just the sort of thing the committee likes to reward. I think you will do well. Good luck. Terry.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Oh, I don't have any hope for this taking home the honors. I think they want something that's complete. Part two will be lucky to be posted by mid-January. It will take that long to scrape up the shekels to get it up to page one.

    Meanwhile, I hope you have a wonderful and warm Holiday Season, my friend. I'm looking forward to a full year of entertainment from you in '23!

    Jay
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I really enjoyed reading and can't wait for more. I really like this heartwarming story. Good luck with the contest.

"Do--do--do you remember, Dear Anya?" Nicholas asked. You would--I mean, you should really, ha-ho-ho, remember (beginning quotation marks needed in front of 'You')

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Thank you, Barbara. I appreciate your eagle eye! I made the change. I'm glad you enjoyed my piece.
Comment from John Ciarmello
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Jay! There is so much imagination worked into this story of our cherished recollections of "Santa" I don't know where to start. This is enchanting and pragmatic to a fault. It left me with the warmth of childhood memories and the cool realities of God's imperfect world. You're a brilliant writer, my friend, and your conjuring of feelings from whatever I read of yours and am currently reading never falls flat. Your work has helped me with my diffidence as a writer and has solidified me as one of your biggest fans. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Old guys shouldn't cry. Come on, man!
reply by John Ciarmello on 22-Dec-2022
    Sorry, old guy! Hahaha! Just promise me when you're ready to take your final bow, you'll give me two weeks' notice! Love ya, Jay!
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2022
    Haha! Two weeks ... You got it!

    Jay