The Story Behind “Santa’s First Race”

It is with a grateful heart that I welcome you here. It has been such a treat imagining this story and I am so excited to share it with you. Santa’s First Race was born completely out of a dream that I have held dear since I was a little girl. For as long as I can remember, I have felt a tugging at my heart to write a children’s picture book. And not just any children’s book. A book that would capture the heart and imagination of all.

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A book that would capture the cheer of my favorite holiday (Christmas, of course!), and become a treasured part of everyone’s holiday traditions-- similar to how audiences around the world keep returning to certain beloved Christmas classics like Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (half a century later it’s still finding it’s way into homes and hearts around the world. And it’s been remade into a movie three times now!). As a response to this tugging at my heart, I sat down and began to write, with hopes that my story’s joy and verse would likewise captivate audiences and become a best-loved book. With the support and encouragement of my family, and my husband who celebrated each step (the big and the many mini-steps!) of the way, I felt so inspired and my dream came to be.

My own childhood Christmases were spent in snowy Idaho and my parents filled the days with so much joy and adventure as one possibly could. My Mom and Dad would have us outside rolling snowballs to make the world’s largest snowman, or being pulled through the neighborhood on a sled behind Rocky, our rambunctious yellow lab. We’d bundle up and play tag while ice skating on frozen lakes. Other days were spent snuggling up inside where our stocking hung above the fire, making chocolate chip cookies, and playing Candy Land. They also always ensured I had as many books as I could possible want to read (which was a lot!). Oh and, naturally, everything was a race! It truly is a testament to my parents for instilling in their kids such joy-filled spirits--it’s that spirit that I wanted to capture in my story of Santa’s First Race. My parents created a magical childhood for us, and now I want to do the same for my baby daughter.

It’s been an amazing journey to write a book of this caliber and to think it all started as ideas on scratch paper! Verses and rhymes would come to me, oftentimes at 1 am when my creative self would come alive, and I would quickly scribble them down. And now here it is! I hope as you read Santa’s First Race you are taken away by the wonder and delight of the Christmas spirit. I hope you make fun and exciting memories with your loved ones. I hope you laugh and smile and embellish the story to make it your own. I I hope this story is held by little hands. And big hands. I hope it hears both little voices and big voices reading it aloud. I hope it hears laughter and happiness. I hope it’s enjoyed by a glistening Christmas tree, warm cookies, and hot cocoa. I hope it gets to spend its days making spirits bright. And making hearts merry. Most of all, I hope it shares the joy of Christmas with you!

I’m so excited to see where Santa’s First Race goes from here. Thank you guys for being here and being a part of this journey!

Merry Christmas!
xo, Lauren Seger