The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

Yet another story of how the legendary Santa Claus came to be. This time, the setting is at the Forest of Burzee and we see the future Santa Claus being surrounded by mythical creatures: Wood Nymphs, Ryls, Knooks, and Fairies. We discover that Santa happens to be an abandoned child, raised by the forest creatures and to whom the Mantle of Immortality was bestowed. I've never read any book that quite fully explained who Santa Claus is and why he seemed to have made it his mission to keep children happy. L. Frank Baum's work answers all of my Santa questions and more. His story is imaginative and the closest I've come to 'real'. I'm neutral on the subject of Santa Claus, neither a staunch believer nor a vehement denier. What I'm sure of though is this: Santa Claus or not, there is indeed 'nothing as beautiful as a happy child'.