Grandfather Christmas: The Story of St. Nicholas by Joseph Guthrie
The Secret Scrolls Collection Book III
Christmas Comes Early in Joseph Guthrie’s Third Installment of The Secret Scrolls Collection
Traverse City, Michigan—Mission Point Press announces the release of Grandfather Christmas: The Story of St. Nicholas, a new holiday story for kids and adults by Joseph Guthrie.
When readers meet Nicholas in this third installment of Guthrie’s The Secret Scrolls Collection, he’s just arrived back at the North Pole after successfully embarking on his very first Christmas. What follows is the celebratory tale of young Nicholas’s life before he’s known as Santa.
In Grandfather Christmas: The Story of St. Nicholas, a now-adult Nicholas recalls the many years of travel, charity, and spreading kindness that led him to fulfill his destiny as Santa Claus. Accompanied by his aging parents, Nonna and Theophane, Nicholas reflects on his journey of serving the Creator and those around him—from becoming a bishop to the honor of sainthood, to secretly bestowing gifts upon his neighbors, filling their stockings, and beyond—before finally meeting his Mrs. Claus and setting out for the North Pole together.
Set against the backdrop of a Christmas cabin on a snowy evening, the book explores themes of generosity, love of family, and the importance of kindness, while also celebrating the cozy contentment that characterizes Christmastide. Through Guthrie’s vivid storytelling, alongside the colorful illustrations of Shay Gall, the book considers the magical possibilities of how Christmas, from its modern traditions to the origins of the North Pole and everything in between, came to be.
Readers interested in ancient legends, historical figures, and Christmas-lovers of all ages may find particular resonance in Guthrie’s fusion of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas lore. As the latest book in the growing Grandfather Christmas series, The Story of St. Nicholas also brings the details of its two prequels full circle (though we won’t share any spoilers here!).
“I have always been drawn to the Christmas season. I wanted to share the spirit of Christmas with others, as well as give children the answers they seek to help them continue to believe.” — Joseph Guthrie
In a world increasingly defined by indifference, it’s never been more important to preserve that belief—not only as it relates to the holidays, but also to others, your family, and most importantly, yourself. In this sense, The Story of St. Nicholas is so much more than a Yuletide tale; it’s a story whose lessons about kindness, generosity, and compassion resonate throughout every season.
Advance Praise
"Grandfather Christmas, the story of St. Nicholas, reinvents the timeless tale of how it all began with an easy-to-read format for read alouds and storytime. This story is meant to connect families, ignite the imagination, and encourage kindness and joy!"
–Carolyne Stolzenfels, M Ed., author, and artist
"The third installment in the Grandfather Christmas series is a clever reworking on a traditional European Christmas tale. I look forward to more titles by Guthrie."
–Juan Pineda, bookseller
"With its cozy, magical world and breathtaking handpainted watercolor illustrations, this series captures the wonder of storytelling in its purest form. A timeless collection that readers of all ages will treasure for generations."
–Codi Chen, HeartWorks Writing
The Author
Joseph Guthrie has been deeply connected to the Christmas Spirit since his childhood on a farm. From an early age, he eagerly participated in holiday traditions, from decorating the house to selecting gifts for loved ones. These early experiences inspired the stories in this collection. Now a devoted father, Joseph has witnessed the power of the Christmas Spirit within his own family and feels compelled to share it with the world. The stories of Grandfather Christmas and The Secret Scrolls Collection come at a time when their message is needed most.
The Book
Grandfather Christmas: The Story of St. Nicholas/The Secret Scrolls Collection Book III
Joseph Guthrie
Illustrations by Shay Gall
32 pages, 8.5” x 11”, Color
Juvenile Fiction/Holidays & Celebrations/Christmas & Advent; Legends, Myths, Fables/General; Religious/Christian/Holidays & Celebrations
Hardcover: ISBN: 979-8-950817-07-6, $26.95
Softcover: ISBN: 979-8-950817-08-3, $16.95
Publication Date: September 25, 2026
Mission Point Press
On its publication date, it will be available for purchase at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers.