The Thin Santa Claus and The Cheerful Smugglers (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781835523780)

"The Thin Santa Claus" is a humorous short story written by Ellis Parker Butler, an American author known for his wit and comedic writing style. This story was first published in 1909 and has since become a classic of humorous Christmas literature. The plot revolves around a man named Simpson, who, due to his slender build, is humorously referred to as "The Thin Santa Claus."

Simpson is not a man of means, but he has a generous heart and wants to make his children happy during the Christmas season. However, he finds himself in a bit of a predicament because he doesn't have the money to buy gifts for his children. Simpson decides to embrace the role of Santa Claus, but his thin physique becomes a source of comedic challenges.

He needs to figure out how to create a convincing Santa Claus appearance, and he struggles to fit into the traditional Santa suit. In his quest to fulfill his children's Christmas dreams, Simpson encounters a series of comical mishaps and obstacles, all stemming from his thinness.

The story highlights the theme of the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing that it's not about material gifts but about the love and effort put into making others happy. "The Thin Santa Claus" is a heartwarming and amusing tale that demonstrates the lengths a father is willing to go to bring joy to his children, even when faced with physical limitations. Ellis Parker Butler's storytelling style is characterized by humor, satire, and an affectionate touch.

"The Thin Santa Claus" is one of his many works that showcase his ability to blend humor with sentiment, making it a charming and enduring holiday story. It's a delightful read for those who enjoy lighthearted Christmas tales with a message of love and sacrifice.

2. The plot of "The Cheerful Smugglers" revolves around a man named Ebenezer (Eben) Sandercock, who lives in the coastal town of Bradley's Bar. Eben is an affable, good-natured, and somewhat naive character, who doesn't have much in terms of wealth or possessions. However, he is content with his simple life. One day, Eben stumbles upon an odd situation.

He discovers a group of smugglers operating in his town, but instead of reacting with fear or alarm, he sees an opportunity. Eben, with his cheerful disposition, decides to join the smugglers. He ends up participating in their activities, which involve the illegal transportation of goods, while remaining largely oblivious to the seriousness and consequences of their actions.

The story is a comedic exploration of Eben's unwitting involvement in smuggling, his encounters with the smugglers, and the various mishaps that arise from his cheerful but bumbling character. It's a satire on the idea of a character so good-natured and naive that he can inadvertently fall into a life of crime without realizing it.

Ellis Parker Butler's storytelling style in "The Cheerful Smugglers" is marked by wit and humor, and it often pokes fun at the absurdity of human behavior and situations.

The story ultimately serves as a light-hearted commentary on the complexities of human nature and the unintended consequences of seemingly innocent actions. "The Cheerful Smugglers" is a delightful and entertaining read, and it showcases Butler's ability to create amusing characters and situations that provide readers with a good dose of humor and satire.