"Every year, he put on the red Santa suit. Every year, there were more sick and needy children to attend to. And every year, as word of his activity spread, Jimmy collected more money and gifts to distribute." This book will be especially fascinating for all readers interested in: history and human interest stories. Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends and family and for sharing stories, memories, and good cheer. This compilation brings to life the very best holiday stories from across Ontario. From the early days of exploration to the modern day, and from heartwarming inspirational tales to dangerous escapades, this is a collection to treasure for many years to come.

PrologueJimmy was a very sick boy. The rare lung ailment he hadbeen suffering from for years kept him in the hospital atChristmastime. Doctors held little hope of recovery. His parents were struggling to pay his medical bills. Generous neighbours helped out occasionally by slipping five-dollar bills under the milk bottles on the front porch. Being in the hospital was so boring that sometimes he and the other young patients threw porridge at the ceiling just for something to do. Christmas was the worst. The hours dragged on and on. He wanted to go home, wanted to be out of the hospital for good.Then Santa arrived, and his spirits lifted. He was thrilledto see the familiar red suit and the flowing white beard. Santa's laughter made him feel better than any medicine could. As he looked around, he saw that other children felt the same way. It was absolutely wonderful the way so many sad little faces lighted up as the jolly old gentleman moved around the room.All too soon, Santa was gone. After a few minutes, Jimmywandered along the hospital corridor. Then he saw Santa - or was it? The man was sipping a glass of wine, and Jimmy suddenly realized this was a real person, not the magical bringer of Christmas presents. The white beard and hair were just a costume. He also realized something else. If an ordinary man could play Santa Claus and bring joy to so many children, maybe he could, too. At that moment, Jimmy made a promise. If he evergot better, he would become Santa. He would visit children in hospitals, just as this Santa had done, and he would make them smile and forget about their problems for awhile.