The Secret of the Santa Box

Children the world over have been enchanted and captivated by the charismatic being known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St. Nick, Sinterklaas, and Papá Noel. But eventually, they begin to ponder just how, with the help of flying reindeer, he can deliver presents to boys and girls all around the world in only one single night. And how does he fit down chimneys? And visit houses where there are no chimneys?

As the questions begin to multiply, THE SECRET OF THE SANTA BOX helps parents guide their child from an innocent belief in the fanciful realism of Santa Claus to an empowered understanding of charity, love, and goodwill, and the true meaning of the celebration of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.

THE SECRET OF THE SANTA BOX by Christopher Fenoglio and illustrated by Elena Makansi, is a delightful story written in the same lyrical style as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas that helps parents navigate this difficult terrain in a fun and loving way, and is a natural transition for children who have outgrown the “Elf on a Shelf” and are ready to move forward to the real meaning of Christmas. 

Christopher Fenoglio has served in numerous editorial, production, and marketing positions in the Christian publishing industry, including The Tennessee Register, the Diocese of Nashville newspaper, CCM Magazine, and CCM Update, as well as throughout Nashville’s country music and healthcare industries. Fenoglio is currently the managing editor of www.umc.org, the denominational website for The United Methodist Church, as well as a cantor and music minister at St. Henry Church in Nashville. He has recorded three Christian albums, and garnered First Place Awards by The Catholic Press Association for his columns. 

Elena Makansi graduated from Oberlin College where she majored in Environmental Studies. She is currently pursuing an MFA in illustration & Design from the University of Arizona. She is a writer, artist, and vegan/vegetarian cook. She is part of the K. Makansi trio of writers of THE SEEDS TRILOGY (currently optioned for film by an award-winning independent production company), and is working on her first solo novel, LUNA AND THE MIDNIGHT CAFE. She blogs and runs a Facebook page about vegetables and cooking and works part-time for an organization promoting farmers markets and local artisans. She has worked on illustrations for several non-fiction titles and has designed many book covers. THE SECRET OF THE SANTA BOX is her first children's picture book.