I was born in Chicago and lived most of my life in the Midwest--Ohio, Indiana, Illinois--and now reside in Florida with my husband Gary,  dog, cat and bird.  My  son and daughter, their spouses and four grandchildren live nearby.
  I earned an Associate's Degree from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL and both my Bachelor's and Master's from Governors State University in University Park, IL. 
  I wrote a one-act play that was selected for presentation at Prairie State, have had a poem published in The American Poetry Anthology, was editor-in-chief of the Governors State University school newspaper, and worked in the University's Public Affairs Office as the Coordinator of Public Information, writing all stories and press releases for the school for the two years I was there.   I've also written freelance for several newspapers over the years.  I am currently teaching high school English in Pasco County, FL. 

 

    My purpose in writing this story is that we need to update the Santa Claus tradition to be INCLUSIVE rather than exclusive.  A friend of mine, who did not participate in the Santa Claus tradition, said it was because they had worked too hard to have her children believe that some jolly old white man brought them the gifts.
   If you believe, as I do, that it is time to have a multi-cultural Santa Claus family, then I hope you like my story and will spread the word.  
   Just so you know, my son did most of the drawings for the book, while my daughter drew the chapter titles and one drawing. 
  If you are interested in book signings or a meet and greet, please contact me at dgzahn@hotmail.com.
   I hope every day is Christmas for you--and please remember that  "Jesus is the reason for the season."