A heartwarming and inspirational fable from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa based on his own personal journey of discovering the magic of Christmas.

Every year, over a million people attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where they have the pleasure of seeing Charles Edward Hall don a red suit and become the world’s most famous Santa Claus—a role he has played for over thirty-five years.

But Hall wasn’t always such a jolly old soul. Believe it or not, this Santa was once a Scrooge—literally. For the first time, Charles tells the inspiring story of his own transformation, from a wide-eyed child who once caught a glimpse of Santa through a frosty windowpane, to a young man who lost his faith in jolly old Saint Nick.

It wasn’t until fate intervened, in the form of an unexpected role, a stage malfunction, and hundreds of letters from children, that Charles rediscovered his Christmas spirit. Ultimately, he discovered two life-changing lessons: this was his life’s work, and that Santa is real. When Charles needed him most, Santa was there, with kind words and a special gift.

As this delightful true-life fable proves, he is there for everyone. All it takes is a good heart, an honest joy, and a belief in the magic of Christmas.

Charles Edward Hall has appeared in front of more than twenty-six million people since becoming the Radio City Santa in 1987. He was raised in Frankfort, Kentucky and currently divides his time between Kentucky and New York City.

Bret Witter is a seven-time New York Times bestselling coauthor whose books have sold more than two million copies. He lives in Georgia, with his wife and two children.