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Rating: 
Summary: Hmmmm...
Review: A rather egregious example of political correctness and anti-Christian polemic. Still, if one is willing to wade through the cultural marxism it becomes a rather charming study of European preChristian folk traditions. Anyone interested in the history of Christmas traditions will find this a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Provides a good basis for further study
Review: I enjoyed reading this book. I was fascinated by the links our Xmas rituals have to so many varied cultures and religious sects. Arguments to the validity of the "anthropology" notwithstanding, this is a good read with solid information on the twisting path that celebratory rituals take.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book
Review: I loved this book! I would recomend it to anybody. It makes you think about things in different light then I have previouly looked at them before and I conider myelf a very open minded person. The reading is fairly easy. The information eems to much to be shoved in a 208 page book. Authors opinions sometimes clouds the facts and meddles them up a bit. But all in all a wonderful book! Great gift giving for anyone willing to open the mind some. Merry Xmas to all!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Mr. van Renterghem's - spelled correctly, with a small "v" - presentation of Santa's ancestors, arguments of religious beliefs aside, are certainly thought provoking. Even though not specifically cited argument by argument, the research appears to be extensive and thorough --judging by the number and variety of sources (12 pages of references!)used, and leads one to further study. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I even bought extra copies for gift-giving, most particularly to my friends and acquaintances of the religious persuasion -- who lament the "descent" of the secular American Santa Claus of today, from the Saint Nicholas of yesteryears.
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly researched, bad anthropology.
Review: The author presents an attractive theory but fails to provide any supporting evidence. A thoroughly unconvincing work.
Rating:
Summary: new look at Santa
Review: While van Renterghem does give his readers a heavy dose of neo-Paganism, and makes some overgeneralizations(for example: he suggests Coca Cola invented the red suit, but evidence exists that Santa in red was probably a part of the Christmas culture before the ad campaigns began; he suggests that Celtic and Nordic cultures are so similar that it is difficult to separate them, but in reality the two cultures are unique and independent of one another),his hypothesis is not without merit. Early church leaders did Christianize earlier pagan symbols and celebrations, and I thought the association of Santa with Odin (who did serve as a shaman in Nordic myths) eye-opening. In short, I found this book to be entertaining and a very easy read. Whether you like it or not, it will make you think, and for that I give it four stars.
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