Holiday Book: A Bag for Santa, a Holiday Story that Teaches about Giving

One of our holiday traditions is reading a holiday book until Christmas. So starting December 1st, I’m ready to go. Throughout the year, I’m always looking for holiday books to add to our collection. When I saw that local Chicagoland momma, Kendra Esbrook, wrote a Santa book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I absolutely loved it!

Disclosure. I was given a review copy. As always, the opinions expressed are those of my own. The post may have affiliate links.

So read on and find out what I thought about the book, then learn more about the author Kendra Esbrook in the interview below.

A Bag for Santa:

This adorable Christmas story is about David and Will who wonder what happens if the Elves can’t make all the toys in time for Christmas. They have a wonderful idea of helping Santa by giving some of their toys to other kids. It is also the beautiful beginning of a new holiday tradition.

Highlights of A Bag for Santa:

Love that the bag was included! Perfect for the kids to fill up with toys they no longer want or need.

Great illustrations.

Wonderful message. I love the underlying message of giving instead of receiving.

Practical. Getting rid of toys without a struggle? That alone is worth the price of the book.
A new holiday tradition. In the book, they mention filling up their bag every Christmas Eve. What a great idea!
Support a local momma. You gotta love local authors whose dreams have become reality. (Psst…scroll down to learn more about Kendra!)

Bottom Line:

What an adorable book with a wonderful underlying message! Highly recommend the book. Time for a new family tradition.

Get to know the author: Kendra Esbrook

What made you want to write the book?

This whole idea started because I wanted a better Christmas tradition for my two boys- who were afraid of the elf. Everyone wants to help out around the holidays so I wrote a book to get kids involved. In A Bag for Santa, the kids gather old toys and leave them on Christmas Eve with a note telling Santa he can take them to fix up for other kids next year. Our kids loved doing this and I wanted to share our story with others.

Favorite ways to celebrate the holiday with your family?

I love to do lots of family “experiences” during the holidays. We go to the illumination event at the Arboretum, build gingerbread houses, go sledding, watch movies, etc. I want them to look back at their childhood and think of the time we spent together and carry some of those traditions over to their own children.

Any other special traditions?

A few that my husband and I have carried over from our childhoods include: watching It a Wonderful Life when decorating the tree & White Christmas on Christmas Eve, potato leek soup for dinner on Christmas Eve, a piece of fruit in the stockings, and cinnamon rolls with stocking on Christmas morning.

Favorite thing to do in the Chicago area with your kids?

We love the Arboretum any time of year and open gym at Flying High in Countryside.

Do you plan on writing more books?

I have an idea brewing for a Birthday book but haven’t given it the attention it needs to become a reality yet. I’m focusing on this one for now.