Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus: 25 Years of Santa Stories by Don Kennedy is a charming collection of stories from Don Kennedy's years as a volunteer Santa Claus. When a friend needed a favor, Kennedy offered to fill in as a substitute Santa, and he had so much fun that he kept it up for 25 years and counting. He volunteers at military bases, fire shelters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and many other places where there are children who need compassion and encouragement. What makes Kennedy a little unique is that from the very beginning, after each Santa event, he had the presence of mind to write down things the kids said to him. Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus is a collection of these special stories with additions about what goes on behind the scenes. Additions like what happens when Santa gets pulled over by a policeman...

Don Kennedy's stories range from comical to heart-wrenching. Many of the children in the stories are similar age – about seven years old – but they have a wide range of concerns. Dad shot a deer – was it one of the reindeer? Can you please do something about my little brother? Our house burned down so we can't bake cookies, is that okay? Boys, particularly, are worried about being on the Naughty List. There are kids who hilariously embarrass their parents. There are kids worried about parents on military assignments overseas and kids from third world countries who want Santa to bring food or shoes to their friends back home. One of my favorites was the kid who was desperate to hitch a ride on the sleigh because he needed to be in the 'witness 'tection program' because Sarah wanted to kiss him! The stories are probably better suited for adult readers than for children. It is totally, completely heartwarming. Read it during the holidays, with a hot mug of cocoa or in front of a crackling fire, and at a time when there is someone else at home to whom you can read aloud your favorite stories.

“Santa has to provide hope, encouragement, comfort, and good cheer for these special families in need.” Don Kennedy shares his tale of how he came to be Santa Claus, and some of the interesting experiences with children he encountered along with way. No, this isn’t fiction, but when Kennedy’s friend, who regularly performed as Santa, came down with a virus, Kennedy had no choice but to step in and take over the responsibility. With the first experience including some challenging questions, blunt comments from children, and even a little vomit, Kennedy found he was a bit more passionate about the role than he thought. From military bases to shelters to hospitals and homes, Santa works his magic with families who needed a bit of Christmas the most.

If you read Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus, I can assure you of three things; you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll remember what the spirit of Christmas is all about. With hilarious comments from children such as, “Oh, and if you need help eating all of the cookies that you get, then I’m your man”, you’ll be sure to laugh out loud as you read. Author Don Kennedy takes it a step further than just a humorous collection of stories and shares the tragic honesty of children experiencing hardship. From reuniting kids with a deployed parent to being asked to deliver a letter to heaven, Kennedy reminds us of what Christmas really means. I found myself touched and inspired to do more this holiday season, and I am grateful to Don Kennedy for sharing Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus with the world.

Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus: 25 Years of Santa Stories by Don Kennedy is a short non-fiction memoir about Don's experiences as a volunteer Santa Claus for organizations that cannot afford to hire a "professional" Santa during the Christmas holiday season. In this book, Don describes how he got started on this gig when he filled in as Santa Claus for someone who couldn't make it. Through this, he realized he enjoyed it and developed a passion for it, especially at places where he could volunteer his services for free such as charity organizations, non-profit foundations, etc. The book is organized into a few chapters which detail Don's experiences with children at fire shelters, hospitals, children's centers, women's shelters, military bases, and such. There is also a short author bio at the end of the book.

Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus is an entertaining book that describes the various things that kids say to Santa Claus, some of which are funny and amusing and range from simple things to lavish ones. There are sometimes also cases of abused or neglected children that express things to Santa which are disturbing and Don rightly informs the organizers and social services when there is any hint of abuse. Don writes in a basic, straightforward style that simply describes the child's wishes and dreams. His passion for this volunteer work which he has been doing for 25 years comes through strongly in the book. Overall, this is a collection of fun and entertaining anecdotes of what kids ask for or say to Santa Claus.

Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus: 25 Years of Santa Stories by Don Kennedy is a collection of ten true stories about how this Santa handled playing his part. He is right that being Santa Claus at events, or special places, is very different from seeing children briefly in a Mall booth – “a quick hello, what's your name & age, what is your wish for Christmas, smile for the photo, and done” – as Don Kennedy puts it. The comedy comes mainly from fast answers to potentially awkward responses. “Story” does not indicate a merry tale; there’s a serious side to every chapter. Given time, children confide in the man in the red suit with the fluffy beard and his response can change lives, especially when he picks up on abuse and takes action.

I was hooked by the first chapter, “The Military”, and in tears over the boy who “didn’t talk about Daddy cos it made Mommy cry”. Shocked by “Shelters” and the security surrounding them – even Santa isn’t told their location until he arrives accompanied by the staff! There is laugh-aloud comedy too. In “Young Love” Santa is asked to marry two six-year-olds “before our mommies get back”. “Siblings” features rivalry, including a girl who begs a ride on the sleigh for her brother, so Santa can dump him on Mars. Every reader will have their favorites. Kids Say the Darndest Things to Santa Claus: 25 Years of Santa Stories by Don Kennedy is a winner that would make a super Christmas gift.

Laughed and cried all the way through the book. What a gift Don has given to all of these groups over the years.