Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of Behind the Beard to facilitate this review…there was no other compensation involved. All opinions about Behind the Beard are my own.
When I heard about Bill Buckbee’s Behind the Beard from a friend of mine, I figured it was going to be one of those “feel good” Christmas books. I was right, but it was also so much more.
There is magic in this time of year. We are a little bit kinder, we reflect more on what we are thankful for, and we rejoice in family and friends. That’s what the spirit of the season is all about! But wouldn’t it be amazing though if we could extend the wide-eyed excitement that our children feel?
Behind the Beard is told by the man in the red suit…yes, a mere mortal who is a professional Santa…but when you read this, you will FEEL the holiday spirit. Bill Buckbee IS Santa. And as he says in the quote above, we can all be Santa. In this book, Mr. Buckbee tells real stories, both those that will warm your heart and those that will make tears come to your eyes. You will not only “feel good” but you will want to “do good”…you will want to do whatever you can to bring that Christmas spirit into your home, to keep that Christmas magic alive for as long as possible in our children.
If your children are older like mine, perhaps they no longer “believe” in the man in the red suit. But there is still room for Santa and his magic. Mr. Buckbee talks about the fact that the memory created is so much more important that the present itself. This is so true. Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Do you remember the gift or how it made you feel? One of my favorite Christmas memories was a number of years ago when I made all of my children an album of memories of the year. We gave each of them their book on Christmas Eve. It read like a storybook. My oldest read it from front to back that night, and on Christmas morning, asked me questions about it. That was the best gift anyone could have ever given me, but more importantly, I think of what that gift meant to him. I still smile when I think back to that memory, and I hope he does as well.
I don’t want to give too much away here, but Mr. Buckbee offers advice to parents to help them keep that magic of Christmas alive for their children. No matter what your child’s age, you’ll find words of wisdom that will have you nodding your head. Behind the Beard is a quick read, and the best three dollars and fifty cents you could possibly spend this holiday season (Kindle). I know Christmas is tomorrow, but I encourage you to download on Kindle or order the paperback version of this book anyway. You will smile and laugh, and moments later find yourself with tears in your eyes. It’s truly a must read for the holiday season. It’s a reminder of what Christmas is truly about, and you might even find yourself believing again!
Kimber
Friday 3rd of January 2014
This sounds so sweet! I will have to put it on the list!
Chris Carter
Friday 27th of December 2013
Oh this sounds like such a great book!!! I am definitely going to get it, does it come in paperback? It sounds like one of those 'treasures' you want to have on your coffee table for ALL to read!! Perhaps even a gift to my kiddos to pass down to theirs...
I am so glad you shared it with us!!!
Michelle Nahom
Friday 27th of December 2013
That's a good way to describe it...a treasure. It really is. Yes, you can get it in paperback on Amazon. I believe it's around $8. I have a feeling you will like it, Chris! Let me know what you think. :)
Joi
Friday 27th of December 2013
Sounds interesting! I agree that we never forget feelings; the good and the bad! This sounds like it will help create memories of warm and loving feelings!
Brittnei
Tuesday 24th of December 2013
It definitely sounds like a warm, positive story, Michelle. If we didn't have our own beliefs about Christmas concerning Jesus and everything, I can see how people could use those tips to keep the positivity and joy in Christmas. I see many adults say that it is for the kids. I guess that is what has been thought for years now since people tend to make it about consumerism and getting their children a lot of gifts. You are right. It is about the quality time with family and friends and just so much more than that. So it is a holiday for everyone, not just the kids. :)
Carla
Tuesday 24th of December 2013
I love Santa. I think Santa is always with you if you carry him in your heart. Sounds like a wonderful read!
Michelle Nahom
Tuesday 24th of December 2013
It really is well worth the read! Bill Buckbee makes Santa come to life for young and old!